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

84°F°
Feels like 85°F°
Clear
Today's High
86°F°
Today's Low
59°F°

Water Temperature

50°F
Updated: (May 11)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Pactola Lake is 50°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind8 mph SSW (Gust 20 mph)
Pressure
29.57 inHg
Visibility47 mi
Humidity12%
Cloud Cover4%

Forecast: Monday, May 12

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
67°F°
10 AM
80°F°
1 PM
85°F°
4 PM
85°F°

Temperature

High
86°F°
Low
59°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

8mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
22mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed12 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise11:30 AM
Sunset2:10 AM
Moon PhasewaxingGibbous
Max UV Index9 (Very High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
4/5

Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

6:00 AM - 6:00 AM

4:27 PM - 6:57 PM

Minor Times (Good)

2:17 AM - 3:47 AM

10:34 AM - 12:04 PM

Outlook for Monday at Pactola Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 59°F to 86°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 8 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 22 mph. The maximum UV index will be 9 (Very High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 4/5 (Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 6:00 AM and 4:27 PM, or try the minor windows near 2:17 AM and 10:34 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Pactola Lake.

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May 11th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
1398 ft
Area
1 mi²
Coordinates
44.083, -103.501

Weather Forecast

Monday

86°F
59°F

Tuesday

80°F
59°F

Wednesday

67°F
47°F

Thursday

57°F
43°F

Friday

59°F
42°F

Saturday

59°F
39°F

Sunday

55°F
42°F

Monday

45°F
39°F

Tuesday

51°F
39°F
Monday - 5/12/2025
86°F
59°F
12am
69°F
50°F
29.63 hPa
4 mph
WSW
G: 14 mph
2am
65°F
50°F
29.61 hPa
5 mph
SW
G: 19 mph
4am
62°F
50°F
29.60 hPa
4 mph
W
G: 12 mph
6am
59°F
50°F
29.57 hPa
4 mph
WNW
G: 11 mph
8am
73°F
50°F
29.57 hPa
9 mph
WSW
G: 20 mph
10am
80°F
50°F
29.54 hPa
12 mph
WSW
G: 21 mph
12pm
84°F
50°F
29.51 hPa
11 mph
SW
G: 20 mph
2pm
86°F
50°F
29.45 hPa
11 mph
SW
G: 19 mph
4pm
85°F
50°F
29.41 hPa
11 mph
SSW
G: 22 mph
6pm
83°F
50°F
29.39 hPa
10 mph
SW
G: 19 mph
8pm
75°F
50°F
29.40 hPa
6 mph
SSW
G: 11 mph
10pm
69°F
50°F
29.41 hPa
7 mph
SW
G: 13 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: May → June (+13°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-17°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm06121824

Wind Direction

251°

Pressure

1003 mb

Cloud Cover

88%

Visibility

37 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

MonTueWedThuFriSatSunMonTue0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pactola Lake

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