Fishing at Stafford Dam, Faulk County, South Dakota

• Overview

  This water sits in Faulk County, South Dakota. The country round it is pine and birch from end to end. The water covers some 31 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Faulk County. 37 miles away sits Aberdeen, the nearest town. Further out sit Gettysburg (41 miles) and Redfield (43 miles). The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Stafford Dam

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Faulk County records list green sunfish, common carp, northern pike and black bullhead among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Anyone new to Stafford Dam should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 72°F for July and 11°F for January. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. Climate averages put the opening at about early April and the closing near late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. The season on Stafford Dam rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Blank Dam, 10 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position on Stafford Dam before loading the car.