Pactola Lake

Pactola Lake

West Pennington, Pennington County, SD
1mi²
1398.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Nestled amidst the majestic beauty of the Black Hills in South Dakota, Pactola Lake stands as a shimmering jewel of natural splendor. As the largest reservoir in the region, this picturesque body of water owes its existence to the engineering marvel of the Pactola Dam, a testament to human ingenuity and the power of nature. Since its inception on November 25, 1952, Pactola Lake has served as a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of recreational opportunities against a backdrop of stunning scenery. Spanning an impressive 785 acres, Pactola Lake beckons visitors with its expansive waters and rugged shoreline, inviting exploration and adventure. Whether embarking on a leisurely boat ride, casting a line into its depths, or simply basking in the tranquility of its surroundings, visitors are sure to find solace and serenity amidst the natural grandeur of Pactola Lake. Despite popular misconceptions, there is no town nestled beneath the tranquil depths of Pactola Lake, dispelling myths and adding to the allure of this pristine reservoir. Instead, Pactola Lake serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, providing vital habitat for a diverse array of species, from native fish to migratory birds. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike will delight in the opportunity to observe the rich biodiversity that thrives within and around the lake's shores. For those seeking more active pursuits, Pactola Lake offers endless possibilities for outdoor recreation. Boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking are just a few of the activities that await visitors eager to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Black Hills. Whether embarking on a rugged hike along the shoreline or enjoying a leisurely picnic with loved ones, Pactola Lake provides the perfect setting for unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. In conclusion, Pactola Lake stands as a testament to the enduring allure of nature and the timeless beauty of the Black Hills. With its expansive waters, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife, Pactola Lake offers a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts and a haven for those seeking solace amidst the splendor of the great outdoors. Whether exploring its shores or simply admiring its scenic vistas, visitors to Pactola Lake are sure to be captivated by its natural charm and timeless appeal.

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Current Conditions

47°F°
Feels like 45°F°
Cloudy
Today's High
50°F°
Today's Low
36°F°

Water Temperature

44°F
Updated: (Apr 29)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Pactola Lake is 44°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind4 mph N (Gust 18 mph)
Pressure
29.89 inHg
Visibility11 mi
Humidity80%
Cloud Cover94%

Forecast: Thursday, May 1

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
39°F°
10 AM
49°F°
6%
1 PM
48°F°
15%
4 PM
50°F°
13%

Temperature

High
50°F°
Low
36°F°

Precipitation

Chance25%
Amount0.09"
Typerain

Wind

10mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
30mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed15 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise11:45 AM
Sunset1:58 AM
Moon PhasewaxingCrescent
Max UV Index4 (Moderate)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

10:24 PM - 12:54 AM

8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Minor Times (Good)

1:58 PM - 3:28 PM

6:00 AM - 6:00 AM

Outlook for Thursday at Pactola Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 36°F to 50°F. There's a 25% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.09" rain. Winds will be averaging 10 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 30 mph. The maximum UV index will be 4 (Moderate), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 10:24 PM and 8:00 AM, or try the minor windows near 1:58 PM and 6:00 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Pactola Lake.

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April 30th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
1398 ft
Area
1 mi²
Coordinates
44.083, -103.501

Weather Forecast

Thursday

50°F
36°F

Friday

57°F
34°F

Saturday

69°F
39°F

Sunday

70°F
47°F

Monday

63°F
45°F

Tuesday

55°F
39°F

Wednesday

59°F
40°F

Thursday

67°F
46°F

Friday

69°F
51°F
Thursday - 5/1/2025
50°F
36°F
12am
39°F
44°F
29.99 hPa
4 mph
WNW
G: 13 mph
2am
38°F
44°F
30.02 hPa
7 mph
WNW
G: 16 mph
4am
37°F
44°F
30.03 hPa
7 mph
WNW
G: 12 mph
6am
36°F
44°F
30.04 hPa
7 mph
WNW
G: 11 mph
8am
43°F
44°F
30.04 hPa
9 mph
NW
G: 19 mph
10am
49°F
44°F
30.02 hPa
9 mph
NW
G: 18 mph
12pm
48°F
44°F
30.00 hPa
10 mph
NW
G: 20 mph
2pm
49°F
44°F
29.99 hPa
13 mph
NNW
G: 29 mph
4pm
50°F
44°F
29.98 hPa
14 mph
NNW
G: 30 mph
6pm
45°F
44°F
30.02 hPa
13 mph
NNW
G: 28 mph
8pm
42°F
44°F
30.05 hPa
11 mph
NW
G: 25 mph
10pm
40°F
44°F
30.10 hPa
10 mph
NW
G: 24 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Pactola Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

33°F

On Feb 2

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

48°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: August (73°F).
  • Coolest avg: February (33°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+18°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-17°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

Wind Direction

284°

Pressure

1016 mb

Cloud Cover

31%

Visibility

12 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pactola Lake

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