Stockade Lake Fishing Guide, Custer County, South Dakota

• Overview

  Custer County, South Dakota, is where Stockade Lake sits. Everything around it is lake country bush. Around 125 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The full circuit measures close to 2.8 miles on foot. Of the waters listed here in Custer County, this is the largest. The nearest place of any size is Custer, 4.1 miles away. Colonial Pine Hills is 19 miles and Hot Springs 23 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Stockade Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Reported across Custer County: rainbow trout, brook trout, bluegill, brown trout and white sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Work Stockade Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 66°F; by January the average is down near 23°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early April. The lid tends to go about early April and return around early December. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. On Stockade Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. You can park half a mile away and walk in from there. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. Mapping shows a campsite some half a mile from the water. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Bismark Lake, 0.6 miles away. The position on Stockade Lake is worth confirming on the day.