Fishing Reports
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UPDATED: July 25, 2017
Weather Forecast: www.weather.com
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Grenville Sport Mart
(Courtesy of Grenville Sport Mart and Waubay Lake Lodging, 1-605-486-4641.) We have house rentals available.
July 25, 2017: Things have slowed down a bit since June but still have some nice quality fish coming out of Waubay. Buffalo is still putting out good reports on panfish and walleye as well. Lakes are starting to turn a bit, tis the season. Morning and evening bites most productive on Waubay, but some guys are having luck with an afternoon bite as well.
Lake Poinett & Bitter Lake:
(Presented by Fishermens Net Guide Service LLC, www.fishermensnetsd.com 605-881-3379)
July 25, 2017: We have a good perch and bluegill bite going on at Big Stone Lake. Spikes and wax worms seem to be out producing minnows at this time. Key areas to try are Poverty and Bucks point, Rocky Ledge and Mallard Point. These are community spots but don't be afraid to try other areas. A lot of the perch are smaller so you'll have to sort through a few to get the larger ones in the 10" range. A few anglers are pulling plugs in the lake basin and getting better perch. Try #4 Salmo Hornets or the #5 jointed Shad Raps. Keep a tight line!
Bitter Lake:
(Courtesy of Colin Bronson at Bitter Lake Lodge, 605-947-5005)
July 24, 2017: Fishing has still been good lately. Several reports of people catching their walleye limits.
Hidden Hill Lodge:
(Courtesy of Lorrie Sanderson at Hidden Hill Lodge, 605-550-0455, www.hiddenhilllodge.com)
July 24, 2017: We have been full at the lodge with youth groups and family reunions so we have not had many fishermen here for awhile. One man and two lady fishermen came yesterday and headed out fishing. They caught several catch and release walleyes. Some of the biggest walleyes they have ever caught including a 27 1/2" one. They kept 6 eater walleyes. They went out the next day and kept 4. Other area lakes do not have as much fishing going on in these hot summer days, but the bite still seems to be there for those that are putting their time in. We have some rooms available. Tip of the week: Spinners may be worth a try! Remember the Hot Tub is Hot, the Pasture Golf Course is open and the ICE IS ALWAYS FREE.
Waubay Lake, Bitter Lake & Opitz areas:
(Courtesy of Doug Johnson at Sportsman's Cove, 605-345-2468)
(Sportsman's Cabin available for up to 7 people. For rental information call 605-380-7590.)
July 24, 2017: We had a mixed weekend last weekend. Sunday was tougher, Saturday not as good, but Friday was good. Lots fishing Waubay Lake in the mid-section around Duck Island and School Bus. Fishing around structure in the deeper 14-20 foot water. Still some white bass biting. Bitter Lake seeing most fishermen using the east access fishing the humps around structure. We've seen mixed bite on bluegill. A few on Buffalo, Clear and mixed on Enemy Swim. Water temperatures are in the upper 70's, about as warm as we'll see it.
Bitter Lake area:
(Courtesy of Gary W. Peterson at Circle Pines Motel, 877-324-5161, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
July 18, 2017: Fishing remains good on area lakes although traffic has slowed a lot due to the very hot weather. Bitter Lake continues to be the favorite place for walleye. Nightcrawlers in 10 to 11 feet of water seems best.
Lake Poinsett, Lake Albert, Sinai Lake area:
(Courtesy of Deb Wingle at Arlington Inn, Arlington, 605-983-4609, www.arlingtoninn.net)
July 12, 2017: At Lake Poinsett they were catching lots of fish, however small ones. At Albert, some did good, and some not so good. Sinai Lake, a couple of nice size walleyes, small perch, and lots of crappies early in the day.
Northeast South Dakota
(Courtesy of Gary and Scott Gangle at Fish Hunter Guide Service, 605-448-5751 or 605-881-3854, www.fishhunterguideservice.com)
(If you are interested in some good fishing in our Glacial Lakes region, give us a call. Check out the fishing report on our website or our Facebook page)
July 12, 2017: The water temp. is warm (78-79 degrees). This past week was still great for walleyes, pike and panfish. We limited with several groups this past week on walleyes, and panfish. And the pike bite was still good. The smallmouth bite has also been excellent. It is not uncommon to catch and release 30-40 fish per day. So I am surprised with this hot weather and warm water temps., that the fishing has been so good.
Northeast South Dakota:
(Courtesy of Nick Fosness, Northern Lights Inn, Britton, 605-448-2438, www.northernlightsinn.net )
July 11, 2017: Warmer water means more active fish. In the calm mornings and evenings, top water fishing for both smallmouth and largemouth bass has been occupying my time. Zara Spooks as well as weedless frogs and buzzbaits all producing on Roy and Clear. Walleyes are active in mornings and evenings as well. Crankbaits as well as spinners are both working well. Opitz good, as well as good reports from Waubay and Bitter.
Lake Traverse, MN
(Courtesy of Todd Johnson at Wing N Fin Resort, Hotel and Reunion Hall on Lake Traverse, 605-237-8323, www.wingnfintraverse.com, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
July 10, 2017: Best walleye crankbait trolling of the season! Bluegills and Bass on night crawlers.
2017 Northeast Glacial Lakes Fishing Forecast - Provided by Fishermens Net Guide Service LLC:
Here is a highlight and some lake survey history on some of the lakes in the region:
For more information on Lake Traverse (SD/MN Border Water), click here.
For more information on Big Stone Lake (SD/MN Border Water), click here.
For more information on Lake Alice (Deuel County), click here.
For more information on Antelope Lake (Day County) and Lake Kampeska (Codington County), click here.
For more information on Lake Poinsett, click here.
Following Weekly Report provided by South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks: Week of July 25, 2017, click here for the complete report.
Hunting season license deadlines and Applications available on line:
Click here to get a copy of the applications forms from South Dakota's Game, Fish & Parks Department.
