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Lake Trout

Lake Trout

Lake Trout in South Dakota are found exclusively in the Black Hills region, specifically in Pactola and Deerfield Reservoirs.

These are not native fish - they arrived purely by accident in the late 1970s when lake trout being transported to another location had their aerator fail, prompting officials to stock them in Pactola Reservoir instead.

The population went largely unnoticed until the 1990s when they became increasingly popular with anglers.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Lake Trout have streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies with small scales, large mouths and teeth.
  • Their bodies are dark in color with abundant pale spots evenly distributed on the head, body, and tail fin.
  • Lake Trout well over twenty pounds and thirty-five inches are caught in this region each winter.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found exclusively in the Black Hills region of South Dakota.

Key Locations

  • Pactola and Deerfield Reservoirs in the Black Hills region.
  • Pactola (900 acres) and Deerfield (450-500 acres).

Specific Spots

  • These Black Hills Lake Trout behave differently than typical lake trout populations - they can often be found in relatively shallow water (8-9 feet) rather than deep structure.
  • Fish can be found in surprisingly shallow water (8-15 feet) rather than deep structure.
  • The fish often hold near the bottom but will move up in the water column to feed.
  • In Pactola Reservoir, target depths between 10 feet and the surface following winter, 35-45 feet in mid-spring, 50-65 feet in late spring, and follow the 53-degree thermal layer in summer using a depth finder.

Lake Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Lake Trout in South Dakota?

Pinhead minnows tipped with minnow heads work exceptionally well - the scent trail is critical when fishing for these aggressive predators.

What flies work for Lake Trout in South Dakota?

Big flashy streamers and weighted baitfish or leech imitations. Todd's Wiggle Minnow is highly effective. Other productive patterns include Bennett's Lunch Money, Beadhead Hare's Ear Nymphs, Copper John flies, and Glo Bugs.

When is the best time to fish for Lake Trout in South Dakota?

During ice fishing season, which runs from early winter through spring. Summer fishing is productive between first light and before 11 AM, especially when water is calm with clear skies and high pressure.

How do you catch Lake Trout in South Dakota?

Make broad sweeps while jigging to cover the water column. During ice fishing season, focus on areas with thin ice where you can work lures vertically. For fly fishing, fish big flashy streamers with slow, long strips for realistic action and set the hook hard.

What do Lake Trout eat?

The main forage species for Lake Trout in South Dakota include Rainbow Smelt and Bluegill. Juvenile Lake Trout consume invertebrates, centrarchids, and Rainbow Smelt, while adult Lake Trout feed primarily on Bluegill and Rainbow Smelt. They're feeding heavily on yellow perch and bluegill.

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