Fishing Reports

The pond weed is dropping fast, over 50% of it is gone so anglers are having more success trolling bottom bouncers and spinners tipped with night crawlers.  Walleye have been holding pretty consistently in 10 to 14 feet of water.  Presentations are bringing in a little bit of everything right now:  bluegills, crappies, largemouth, pike, and silver bass. - Hartford Beach State Park, submitted June 24, 2026

Hartford Beach State Park, Corona:  605-432-6374, www.gfp.sd.gov

The bite on Big Stone Lake has been pretty so-so lately.  Walleyes are still seeming to hold around 10 to 14 feet.  The curly-leaf pondweed is dying back more and more by each day making casting/trolling more appealing.  The bass and bluegill bite have been staying fair as many anglers have been pulling in a mixed bag. - Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, submitted June 29, 2026

Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, Arlington:  605-983-5085, www.gfp.sd.gov

4th of July weekend found panfish very active.  Primarily bluegill on rock-weed transition areas.  Night crawlers, spinners, and crank-baits produced walleye, bass, and drum.  Cold water inlets produced nice pike. - Wing N Fin Resort, submitted July 8, 2026.

Wing N Fin Resort, Browns Valley, MN:  605-237-8323, www.wingnfintraverse.com
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Limits of walleyes off Bitter and Waubay this week.  Nothing too big, but if you are looking for a good meal, you will be happy.  12 to 14 feet mostly leaches and crawlers now.  Took the 4^th off and had the fishing trip of the summer.  Paul, Sean and I spent the day on Lynn even tho I tell everyone it’s a morning and evening lake.  Caught a 27 ½ inch walleye with a bottom bouncer and chartreuse and black spinner.  The muskies were going a little crazy this week too.  Caught my first tiger muskie with the same set up in 14 feet of water. Lost another big fish the same way.  I’m hooked for the rest of the summer.  Seeing a few perch now that the water is 73-74 degrees.  The hot weather will probably increase the panfish bite now.  July is always a great month to be on the water.  You should be fishing… - Lynn Lake Lodge, submitted July 6, 2026.  

Lynn Lake Lodge, Webster:  605-237-0309, www.lynnlakelodge.com

We had a good crowd over the weekend, but has slowed down after the 4th.  Waubay and Bitter remain good choices.  It's been pretty calm which can make fishing tough.  Hazelden is also a good choice and Rush lakes are not bad.  The access is now open and usable at Hazelden.  Fish biting on night crawlers, leeches and minnows. – Sportsman’s Cove, submitted July 6, 2026.  

Sportsman's Cove, Webster:  605-345-2468, www.sportsmanscove.net