Best Ice Fishing Locations In South Dakota

In South Dakota, winters mean serious ice fishing. When temperatures drop, our lakes freeze solid and create perfect conditions for catching big fish.

Every winter morning, trucks line up at boat ramps turned ice access points. Anglers drill holes, set up their shelters, and drop their lines into the dark waters below. The fishing stays good all day – from sunrise to sunset.

Local lakes hold impressive numbers of walleye, northern pike, and perch. Lake Oahe produces 10-pound walleyes through the ice. The river systems freeze enough to fish for big river kayak spots.

The best part? You don’t need fancy gear or years of experience. A basic auger, some rods, and warm clothes are enough to get started. For beginners, local bait shops point you to the right spots and tell you what’s biting.

South Dakota ice fishing works because it’s simple. Find good ice, drill a hole, and drop your bait. The fish do the rest.

Ice Fishing at Lake Oahe: South Dakota’s Biggest Ice Fishing Spot

Lake Oahe turns into an ice fishing powerhouse from December through March. The lake stretches over 200 miles, but locals focus on specific spots that produce big fish consistently.

The fishing kayak spots around Mobridge area are popular, especially near the railroad bridge. This spot holds schools of bigger walleye in 20-35 feet of water. The fish move shallow during dawn and dusk, making these prime feeding times.

Northern pike cruise the Whitlock Bay Area all winter. The bay’s shallow flats and weed edges hold good numbers of pike. Most anglers set tip-ups here in 15-20 feet of water with large minnows.

Catfish stay active even in the coldest months. The deep channel near the Spring Creek area produces catfish throughout winter. Focus on depths of 40-60 feet using cut bait or minnows.

Early ice usually forms first in the bays and coves near Fort Pierre. As winter progresses, good ice extends north. The main lake holds steady ice through February, but always check ice thickness before heading out.

The Mobridge boat ramp offers the best access with plenty of parking. West Whitlock and Spring Creek ramps stay plowed all winter. Indian Creek access works well for the north end of the lake.

Ice Fishing Lake Sharpe For Walleye 

Lake Sharpe is on of those spots in South Dakota stays active through the hard water season. Some anglers prefer to use sit on top kayaks to access the stretch between the Oahe Dam and Pierre that loads up with walleye once ice forms. Local anglers focus on the main channel edges where fish stack up.

The DeGrey area holds some of the biggest walleyes in the lake. Most fish here fall for jigging raps and minnows in 15-25 feet of water. The bite picks up when light levels drop, especially on cloudy days.

Northern pike hang around Farm Island all winter. Anglers catch good numbers using tip-ups baited with large shiners. The weed edges in 10-15 feet of water produce the most action, especially during midday.

Big catfish move into the deeper holes downstream from Pierre. These spots run 30-45 feet deep and fish best with cut bait. The West Bend area holds cats all winter, and they bite better during warm spells.

The West Shore ramp gives easy access and stays plowed. Farm Island has good parking and a heated fish cleaning station. The Marion Road access works well for reaching the main channel spots near Pierre.

Ice Fishing Guide In Lake Poinsett For Northern Pike

Lake Poinsett draws ice anglers from across the state for good reason. The north shore holds walleyes throughout winter, especially near the old roadbed. Most locals start here first, fishing the 12-18 foot breaks with minnows.

The east bay packs with northern pike as soon as safe ice forms. Pike cruise these shallows hunting for baitfish. Simple tip-ups with dead smelt or large shiners catch pike consistently here in 8-12 feet of water.

Crappies school up in the southwest corner near the deeper holes. Small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes work best. These fish usually suspend 5-6 feet off the bottom in 15-20 foot depths.

Ice forms first in the protected bays, usually by mid-December. Main lake ice gets solid by January. The north shore typically holds the thickest ice, while the south end takes longer to freeze due to springs.

The north access off Highway 81 offers the best parking and easy ice access. The east public access works well for the pike grounds. The southwest ramp stays plowed all season for crappie anglers.

Winter Ice Fishing Locations At Waubay Lake

Waubay Lake stands out for its massive northern pike in South Dakota. For those using recreational kayaks, the north end weed beds hold the biggest pike, some pushing past 20 pounds. Most action happens in 6-12 feet of water where weeds meet deeper water.

Walleyes school up along the old creek channel on the east side. The 15-25 foot break lines produce all winter, especially during early morning and late evening. Locals use buckshot rattle spoons tipped with minnow heads here.

Fish move with the season on Waubay. Early ice sees them in shallow bays. By mid-winter, they shift to main lake points. Late ice brings them back shallow as baitfish move up.

Most anglers set up near School Grove or Windgate Access. The Schools Bay area stays busy with permanent houses. These spots offer easy access to both shallow and deep water.

For pike, use heavy tip-ups with steel leaders and large suckers. Walleye anglers do best with medium action rods and 8-pound line. Everyone carries a good ice scoop – the holes here freeze fast.

Ice Fishing Hotspots At Lake Andes

Lake Andes delivers solid ice fishing from December through March. The south bay holds most walleyes, especially near the old timber. These fish bite best at first light and last light in 12-15 feet.

Pike patrol the north end flats all winter. They stick to 8-10 feet of water, hunting panfish near the weed edges. Tip-ups with smelt or chubs catch pike steadily here.

Crappies gather in the middle basin’s deeper holes. Look for them suspended 4-6 feet off bottom in 18-22 foot water. Small tungsten jigs tipped with spikes catch numbers of good-sized crappies.

Old timber and rock piles hold fish all winter. The south end has sunken trees in 12-15 feet. The north basin features rocky points dropping into 20 feet.

The main ramp off Highway 18 offers the best access. The north shore access works well but gets drifted in after storms. Both spots have enough parking for weekend crowds.

Lake Thompson Ice Fishing Guide

South Dakota’s Lake Thompson draws crowds for its winter largemouth bass. The reed beds on the west side hold bass all winter. Most anglers work large minnows slowly in 8-12 feet near the vegetation edges.

Walleye action peaks at the lake’s north end humps. These underwater hills top out at 15 feet and drop into 25 feet. Dawn and dusk bring the best bites using jigging raps or buckshot spoons.

Pike hunters focus on the east bay flats. Big pike cruise here in 6-10 feet of water. Dead baits on quick-strike rigs catch the biggest fish, especially during midday hours.

Early ice forms first in the protected southwest bay. Late ice holds longest on the north end. The main lake usually stays good through early March.

Christianson’s Bait Shop supplies everything needed. They also post daily fishing reports and ice thickness updates. The Highway 81 access offers new ice fishing shelters for rent.

Ice Fishing Lake Kampeska

Lake Kampeska’s walleye fishing heats up when the lake freezes. The north shore drop-offs hold walleyes in 18-22 feet. Most fish fall for jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads. This makes it a hub for Ice FIshing in South Dakota.

Pike hang around City Park Bay all winter. They roam the 8-12 foot flats chasing baitfish. Tip-ups with large shiners catch pike consistently here, especially on sunny days.

Crappies stack up in the south basin holes. These fish suspend in 15-20 feet of water. Small tungsten jigs with plastic tails work best during afternoon hours.

Sandy Point offers the deepest water, dropping to 25 feet. The west shore features gradual breaks from 8 to 15 feet. Both areas hold fish throughout winter.

Memorial Park provides the main access with plenty of parking. City Park access stays plowed and offers bathroom facilities.

Lake Herman Ice Fishing

Lake Herman packs good numbers of walleyes into its small frame. The main basin break lines hold most fish in 12-18 feet. Simple jig and minnow combos work best here during low light periods.

Crappies gather along the east side steep breaks. Look for them suspended in 15-20 feet near old timber. Micro jigs tipped with waxworms catch fish all day long.

Winter fish here follow a simple pattern. They feed shallow at dawn and dusk, then move deeper during bright days. Most anglers start shallow and follow the fish out.

The state park entrance provides the best access. Sandy Point on the west side offers good parking but gets wind-drifted. Both spots stay maintained all winter.

Madison’s Bait Shop sits five minutes away and stocks fresh bait daily. They also provide updated ice reports and fishing licenses.

Ice Fishing In The Missouri River System

South Dakota’s Missouri River backwaters freeze solid and hold big fish. The LaFramboise Island area offers safe ice first, usually by mid-December. The main channel edges here drop from 8 to 30 feet, perfect for winter fish.

Catfish stack up in the deep holes below Fort Pierre. These spots run 25-35 feet deep and fish best with cut bait. The bite improves during afternoon hours when water warms slightly.

Walleyes gather at Farm Island’s upstream points. Most anglers work the 15-20 foot breaks with jigging raps. Dawn and dusk bring the best action, especially near current seams.

Pike cruise the shallow bays near West Shore. Work tip-ups in 6-12 feet near weed edges. The backwater areas hold clearer water and better ice.

Always check ice thickness near current areas. The main channel rarely freezes enough for safe fishing. Stick to backwaters and stay away from current seams.

Ice Fishing in Big Sioux River (Relatively Hidden Location)

The Big Sioux holds surprising ice fishing in its backwaters. It’s one of the best relatively hidden Ice Fishing location in South Dakota. Brandon area pools freeze first and hold good numbers of catfish. Focus on holes 12-15 feet deep using cut bait or shrimp.

Walleyes concentrate below the Baltic dam. They hold in 8-12 foot holes near current breaks. Small jigs tipped with minnows catch fish consistently here.

Safe ice forms in river bends away from current. The Dell Rapids area offers several protected bays that freeze well. Most spots hold 12-15 inches by January.

The Brandon access point provides good parking and easy ice access. Baltic dam has limited parking but better fishing. Both areas stay plowed through winter.

Pack light here – conditions change fast. Spikes or cleats help on slick river ice. A spud bar becomes essential for checking ice near current.

James River Ice Fishing Guide

The James River backwaters serve up good winter fishing in South Dakota. Huron area holds the best catfish spots. Deep holes running 15-20 feet produce all winter using fresh cut bait.

Fish stack up in river bends near Forestburg. These areas offer breaks from current and hold fish all winter. Most spots run 8-12 feet deep near fallen trees.

The safest ice forms in old river oxbows. These areas freeze first and hold steady ice longest. Most good spots sit away from the main channel flow.

Third Street access in Huron offers easy parking. The Forestburg bridge access stays plowed and offers good ice entry points.

Runnings in Huron stocks fresh bait and winter gear. They post daily river conditions and ice reports. The local bait shop near Forestburg bridge offers minnows and advice.