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Fishing Activities

Hook 'Em and Cook 'Em Programs

During the summer season, trout fishing is perhaps one of the most popular recreational activities in Custer State Park. The park offers four mountainous lakes worth exploring in this regard. Center Lake, Legion Lake, Stockade Lake, and Sylvan Lake comprise about 182 acres of crystal blue water and offer habitat for several species of fish.

Sylvan Lake dates back to the late 1890s and is considered the first tourist attraction in the Black Hills. Its beauty is often captured with rocks in the background and shadows on the water.

Hook 'Em and Cook 'Em programs are offered every Monday and Friday during the main park season. Each program begins at 9:00 a.m. and takes participants through a morning of several educational fishing lessons. Learn how to tie hooks to fishing line, create your own "recycled" fishing pole using a pop can, bait a hook with worms, clean the catch, cook the catch, and simply enjoy a relaxing lesson in trout fishing in the Black Hills. All of the activities are geared for families, yet everyone is welcome to attend.

~ Monday programs are presented at Legion Lake, located along Hwy 16A in the central portion of the park. Participants need to meet at the Legion Lake fishing platform parking lot.

~ Friday programs are slated for Sylvan Lake, located along Hwy 87 (Needles Highway) in the northern portion of the park. Participants need to meet at the Sylvan Lake General Store parking lot.

Custer State Park does provide a limited supply of fishing poles, tackle, and bait for interested participants. However, the supplies are available on a first come, first serve basis; reservations are not accepted. Park visitors are also welcome to bring their own gear and supply their own favorite bait.

For more information, please contact the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center at (605) 255-4464.

NOTE: There is no fee associated with this activity; however, participants must have a valid SD park entrance license on their vehicle as well as valid SD fishing license as required by law. Fishing licenses may be also be purchased at the general stores at Sylvan Lake and Legion Lake.