Horse Thief Lake Fishing Guide, Pennington County, South Dakota

• Overview

  Horse Thief Lake lies within the bounds of Pennington County, South Dakota. This is rolling bush ground. Small at around 17 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Compared with other South Dakota water on our list, it sits high. Custer lies 11 miles from the water. After that come Colonial Pine Hills at 11 miles and Rapid City at 18 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Horse Thief Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. County-wide records name brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and white sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Take Horse Thief Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 67°F, with January the cold end at about 25°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about early December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish Horse Thief Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. You can leave the car about 130 yards from the water. There is a campsite half a mile from the water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Lakota Lake, 5.2 miles out. Signs at Horse Thief Lake carry more weight than any list.