Belle Fourche Reservoir fishing

Fishing at Belle Fourche Reservoir is on a reservoir, stocked with Yellow Perch, Gizzard Shad, and Bluegill. It is stocked about 2.5 times a year since 2012, most often in April and May. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

May 8, 2026

Plants on record

38

Since 2012

Species recorded

3

Surface acres

6,570

Elevation

2,989.75 ft

Access and facts

Water type
reservoir
Nearest town
Belle Fourche
Shore access
Yes
Boat ramp
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Fee required
Yes
Facilities
restrooms, camping, cleaning station

Rocky Point Recreation Area sits on this 8,000-acre Bureau of Reclamation reservoir, formed in 1911 by Orman Dam, once the world's largest earthen dam. Boat ramp, swim beach, camping and shore fishing access on site, 8 miles east of Belle Fourche. Daily $10-$15 entrance fee.

Sources: water_type , access.shore , access.boat_ramp , access.ada , access.fee , shore_notes , shore_notes , nearest_town , facilities , fishing_notes

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How Belle Fourche Reservoir is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the first week of May. In 2026 it was April 22, 2026, earlier than usual.

No plants recorded in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020.

Pactola Reservoir (46.7 mi), Deerfield Reservoir (49.1 mi), Sheridan Lake (53.7 mi), and Sylvan Lake (61.7 mi) were stocked more recently.

Fish at Belle Fourche Reservoir

Fishing Belle Fourche Reservoir is most likely to be for Yellow Perch. Yellow Perch accounts for 22 of 38 plants on record, ahead of Gizzard Shad and one more.

Yellow Perch 22 plants
Plants
22 of 38
Last stocked
April 23, 2026

Seasons and rigs are on the Yellow Perch guide.

Gizzard Shad 14 plants
Plants
14 of 38
Last stocked
May 8, 2026
Bluegill 2 plants
Plants
2 of 38
Last stocked
June 27, 2013

Seasons and rigs are on the Bluegill guide.

Fishing Belle Fourche Reservoir

Fishing is a common activity at Belle Fourche Reservoir, with opportunities for both regular fishing and ice fishing. The reservoir is stocked with walleye, catfish, and white bass, providing various species for anglers.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Fish stocked per year

  • 2,5442012
  • 7712013
  • 2,3702014
  • 1,6002015
  • 1,0502019
  • 3,0002021
  • 12,8002022
  • 23,9752023
  • 40,1502024
  • 50,5702025
  • 8,2002026

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 38 plants Showing 38 plants

Source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
May 8, 2026 Gizzard Shad 300 – report
May 7, 2026 Gizzard Shad 215 – report
May 4, 2026 Gizzard Shad 185 – report
April 23, 2026 Yellow Perch 5,000 – report
April 22, 2026 Yellow Perch 2,500 – report
May 7, 2025 Gizzard Shad 190 – report
May 5, 2025 Gizzard Shad 180 – report
May 2, 2025 Yellow Perch 8,200 – report
April 30, 2025 Yellow Perch 18,000 – report
April 29, 2025 Yellow Perch 24,000 – report
May 15, 2024 Gizzard Shad 150 – report
April 24, 2024 Yellow Perch 20,000 – report
April 23, 2024 Yellow Perch 20,000 – report
May 22, 2023 Gizzard Shad 225 – report
May 18, 2023 Gizzard Shad 250 – report
May 11, 2023 Yellow Perch 8,000 – report
May 10, 2023 Yellow Perch 5,000 – report
May 9, 2023 Yellow Perch 4,500 – report
May 8, 2023 Yellow Perch 6,000 – report
May 4, 2022 Yellow Perch 4,500 – report
May 3, 2022 Yellow Perch 2,000 – report
April 28, 2022 Yellow Perch 2,800 – report
April 27, 2022 Yellow Perch 3,500 – report
May 12, 2021 Yellow Perch 3,000 – report
May 8, 2019 Yellow Perch 1,050 – report
May 7, 2015 Yellow Perch 1,600 – report
May 8, 2014 Yellow Perch 2,150 – report
April 22, 2014 Gizzard Shad 170 – report
April 9, 2014 Gizzard Shad 50 – report
June 27, 2013 Bluegill 205 – report
June 26, 2013 Bluegill 455 – report
May 10, 2013 Gizzard Shad 57 – report
May 9, 2013 Gizzard Shad 54 – report
May 18, 2012 Gizzard Shad 11 – report
May 10, 2012 Yellow Perch 907 – report
May 10, 2012 Gizzard Shad 26 – report
May 2, 2012 Yellow Perch 730 – report
May 1, 2012 Yellow Perch 870 – report
Show 23 more plants Show less

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

Nearest lakes