At Cleghorn Springs the Game, Fish and Parks Department raises trout and salmon which are stocked in the state’s fishing waters. Rainbow trout and Chinook salmon are the major species raised. Over two hundred fifty thousand fish, totaling 70,000 pounds, are produced annually.

Catchable trout, 11 inches long, are stocked in the small lakes, reservoirs and streams in the Black Hills. Fingerling salmon are stocked in Lake Oahe.

Trout and salmon are not native to South Dakota. Trout were first introduced into the Black Hills in 1886 at Cleghorn Springs by two Rapid City men. They brought fish from Colorado in cream cans by horse and wagon. Since then, trout have been stocked in all suitable Black Hills lakes and streams. Those fisheries are maintained with the help of hatcheries.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q. What kinds of fish do you raise?
A. Rainbow trout, Tiger trout and Chinook salmon.
Q. What keeps the ponds from freezing in the winter?
A. A spring provides 6 million gallons of water daily. The water temperature is 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Q. Do you sell fish?
A. No, all fish are stocked in water open to public fishing.
Q. Why do some fish have a hooked lower jaw?
A. This hook, referred to as the kype, is common in adult trout and salmon. It indicates the fish is a male.

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