Boat Launching At Pactola: Open For Business?

The Pactola Reservoir in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a popular destination for boaters and fishers. The reservoir has two boat ramps, Pactola North Boat Launch and Pactola South Boat Launch, which offer access for motorized and non-motorized boats. However, the boat ramps have been subject to closures in the past due to high water levels, with flooding adding nine feet to the lake's normal elevation of 4,580 feet. While the ramps are usually open for business, recent construction projects on U.S. Highway 385 near the reservoir may impact accessibility.

The Pactola Pines Marina

The marina opened for the season in April, but weather conditions caused the boat launches to be submerged. Despite these initial challenges, the owner, David Fisher, assured the public that it was "business as usual." He acknowledged that the weather often dictates the success of their business, but he remained optimistic.

It is important to note that in June 2019, both ramps at the Pactola Reservoir were temporarily closed due to high water levels, which made launching boats unsafe. However, as of 2024, construction is taking place near the Pactola Reservoir, and access to the south boat ramp will remain unaffected during this period.

High water levels

In June 2019, high water levels closed both ramps at Pactola Reservoir until further notice. The water levels were so high that launching boats from the ramps was deemed too dangerous. The high water levels made it difficult to identify the drop-off point, and debris could be floating in the water, unseen below the surface. This posed a significant safety risk to boaters.

The closure of the ramps did not mean that no one was allowed on the water. Slip holders at the marinas could still take their boats out, but they were advised to exercise extreme caution due to the potential presence of floating debris and other obstacles that are typically visible in a regular year.

The Pactola Pines Marina, located on the south shore of Pactola Lake, had been open for the season since April 2019. However, weather conditions caused the boat launches to be submerged. The lake started at its full elevation, and flooding added an additional 9 feet, creating challenges for business operations.

By July 2019, the lake's water levels had returned to their normal elevation of 4,580 feet. Despite the challenges posed by the high water levels, the owner of Pactola Pines Marina, David Fisher, remained resilient and looked forward to the upcoming 4th of July week.

In 2024, construction is scheduled to take place near the Pactola Reservoir, impacting access to the north and south boat ramps at different times. However, the construction plans prioritize accessibility, ensuring that at least one lane in each direction will be maintained during most of the construction process.

Boating activities

Pactola Reservoir, the largest reservoir in the Black Hills of South Dakota, offers a range of boating activities for visitors to enjoy. The reservoir has two boat ramps, Pactola North Boat Launch and Pactola South Boat Launch, providing access for both motorized and non-motorized boats.

Motorized boating activities include waterskiing and tubing, which are very popular during the summer months. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, non-motorized boating options such as boat fishing are also available. The reservoir is well-stocked with a variety of fish, including rainbow, lake and brown trout, as well as largemouth and rock bass, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch.

Boat rentals are available at Pactola Pines Marina on the south shore of the reservoir. The marina typically opens for the season in April, and it is a very busy boating destination, especially on weekends. However, it is important to note that boating activities may be impacted by weather conditions and water levels, with high water levels sometimes leading to temporary closures of the boat ramps.

In terms of accessibility, the Pactola North Boat Launch is located on the northeast corner of the reservoir. During construction projects in the area, such as the U.S. Highway 385 improvements, access to the boat ramps may be restricted. For example, in 2024, the north boat ramp was accessible only on weekends and Memorial Day during a specific construction phase. On the other hand, the south boat ramp remained unaffected by construction throughout 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Construction updates

The Pactola Reservoir North Boat Ramp will remain accessible during the construction on U.S. Highway 385, which started in spring 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The final surfacing is scheduled to be finished in 2027.

In 2024, construction will occur both north and south of the Pactola Reservoir north boat ramp (north of Pactola Dam). U.S. Highway 385 from S.D. Highway 44 to the boat ramp access road was closed from May 20 to June 7, 2024. During this time, the boat ramp access road was only accessible on weekends and Memorial Day. Construction continued south of the boat ramp access road on Highway 385 from the boat ramp access road to Pactola Dam and was closed from May 20 to July 12, 2024. The boat ramp was accessible from the north during this period.

In 2025 and 2026, the north boat ramp will be fully accessible. The south boat ramp will also remain accessible throughout the construction in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

The construction project involves reconstructing a portion of Highway 385 between the Pennington-Lawrence county line and the south end of Sheridan Lake (Calumet Road). The project includes safety improvements such as wider shoulders, improved road curves, additional turning lanes, and new surfacing.

At least one lane in each direction will be maintained for most of the construction process. However, there will be periods when portions of the road are completely closed for the safety of travellers and efficiency of the construction crew. Detour signage will be posted, and the project website will provide the most up-to-date detour information.

Black Hills National Forest

The Pactola Reservoir in the Black Hills National Forest offers a range of boating activities, including motorized and non-motorized options. The reservoir has two boat ramps, Pactola North Boat Launch and Pactola South Boat Launch, which provide access to the water for boaters. The Pactola Pines Marina, located on the south shore, offers boat rentals for visitors.

In June 2019, both ramps at the Pactola Reservoir were temporarily closed due to high water levels, making it too dangerous for boats to launch. The water levels rose by about 9 feet due to flooding, causing business disruptions for boaters and marina owners. However, slip holders at the marinas were still allowed to take their boats out on the water, but they were advised to use extreme caution due to floating debris and other potential hazards.

The Pactola Reservoir is a popular destination for various boating activities. Motorized boating activities such as waterskiing and tubing are common, while non-motorized boating, including boat fishing, is also enjoyed by many. The reservoir is well-stocked with a variety of fish species, such as rainbow, lake, and brown trout, as well as largemouth and rock bass, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch.

The Black Hills National Forest provides a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors. In addition to boating at Pactola Reservoir, hiking trails like the Centennial Trail and Veteran's Point Trail offer scenic exploration. The Pactola Visitor Center, located near the reservoir, offers information and insights into the natural wonders of the area.

It is important to note that construction projects, such as the U.S. Highway 385 improvements, may impact access to the Pactola Reservoir and surrounding areas. These projects aim to enhance safety and accessibility, but temporary closures and detours may be necessary during the construction period. Visitors are advised to stay updated with the most recent information regarding closures and detours to plan their trips accordingly.

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