Lake Herman fishing

Fishing at Lake Herman is on a natural lake, stocked with Walleye and Saugeye. It is stocked about 1.1 times a year since 2012, most often in May and June. Species guides list dawn, dusk, and night as the active times.

Last stocked

June 7, 2026

Plants on record

16

Since 2012

Species recorded

2

Surface acres

1,279

Elevation

1,669 ft

Access and facts

Water type
natural lake
Nearest town
Madison
Shore access
Yes
Boat ramp
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Fee required
Yes
Facilities
restrooms, camping

Formed by melting glacial ice, Lake Herman State Park preserves the 1871 Herman Luce log cabin, a National Register site. An ADA-accessible boat ramp and fishing pier serve anglers, plus a ski beach for water skiing. Two miles west of Madison off SD Hwy 34; $10-$15 daily fee.

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

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How Lake Herman is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the second week of May. In 2026 it was June 7, 2026, later than usual.

No plants recorded in 2020, 2023, and 2025.

Lake Madison (6.8 mi) and Lake Alvin (47 mi) were stocked more recently. Lake Madison is also stocked with Walleye and Lake Alvin is also stocked with Walleye and Saugeye.

Fish at Lake Herman

Fishing Lake Herman is most likely to be for Walleye. Walleye accounts for 13 of 16 plants on record, ahead of Saugeye.

Walleye 13 plants
Plants
13 of 16
Last stocked
May 13, 2021

Seasons and rigs are on the Walleye guide.

Saugeye 3 plants
Plants
3 of 16
Last stocked
June 7, 2026

Seasons and rigs are on the Saugeye guide.

Fishing Lake Herman

Fishing is a year-round recreation activity on the 1,350-acre Lake Herman. Lake Herman State Park offers fishing as one of several recreational activities. Accessible fishing piers have been installed in a number of state parks across South Dakota. These floating piers feature low railings, accessible ramps, sidewalks, and nearby parking.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org , gfp.sd.gov

Fish stocked per year

  • 130,1302012
  • 135,2002013
  • 95,9202014
  • 337,6042015
  • 340,0002016
  • 340,0002017
  • 340,0002018
  • 340,0002019
  • 2,700,0002021
  • 650,0002022
  • 675,0002024
  • 123,6242026

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 16 plants Showing 16 plants

Source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
June 7, 2026 Saugeye 123,624 – report
May 12, 2024 Saugeye 675,000 – report
May 19, 2022 Saugeye 650,000 – report
May 13, 2021 Walleye 2,700,000 – report
May 17, 2019 Walleye 340,000 – report
May 11, 2018 Walleye 340,000 – report
May 6, 2017 Walleye 340,000 – report
May 8, 2016 Walleye 340,000 – report
April 27, 2015 Walleye 337,604 – report
June 12, 2014 Walleye 29,700 – report
June 12, 2014 Walleye 31,740 – report
June 12, 2014 Walleye 21,280 – report
June 12, 2014 Walleye 13,200 – report
June 27, 2013 Walleye 135,200 – report
June 17, 2012 Walleye 55,650 – report
June 17, 2012 Walleye 74,480 – report
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Species stocked here

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

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