Lower Mirror Lake

Lower Mirror Lake sits just below its sister lake within the McNenny State Fish Hatchery grounds northwest of Spearfish, South Dakota, making it one of the Black Hills' most underrated fishing destinations. Slightly smaller than Upper Mirror Lake, it offers a more intimate setting with multiple fishing piers providing easy shoreline access for anglers. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and the crystal-clear water makes it easy to spot fish near the surface, adding an exciting visual dimension to the fishing experience. Children especially love casting from the docks, where small sunfish frequently congregate alongside the stocked trout. Surrounded by wide open skies and the gentle rolling hills of the northern Black Hills, Lower Mirror Lake radiates a calm, unhurried energy that's increasingly rare in a region packed with popular tourist attractions. Because both Mirror Lakes are situated within an active state fish hatchery, visitors gain the added bonus of seeing South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks' trout and salmon production operations up close.