Fishing Reports

Yesterday the ice by us is measuring 8 inches.  As always, use caution on the ice.  Our winter access is for if you are staying with us or have a winter season pass of $100.00.  Store hours are 7am - 7pm starting today, Friday, Dec. 12th.  We are a work in progress and don't have bait yet.  I am hoping my spikes and wax worms arrive today but unsure on the time.  Still waiting on when I will get minnows! - Schmidt's Landing, submitted December 12, 2025

Schmidt's Landing, Big Stone City:  605-432-6911, www.schmidtslanding.com 

Ice depths appx. 4-8".  Starting to see portables on south end of lake.  Snow cover is patchy.  As always, use caution near springs/creeks/rockpiles.  Fishing pressure is just starting up.  Early ice is a good time to try jigs, minnows, and tip-ups.  Colored bare hooks w/minnow presentation worked very well last winter. - Wing N Fin Resort, submitted December 12, 2025

Wing N Fin Resort, Browns Valley, MN:  605-237-8323, www.wingnfintraverse.com

The ice fishing season has just started in our area.  Sounds like the ice report we are hearing is varying ice from 2"-6".  We have had no reports off of Lynn.  Looks like most anglers are waiting for this storm to pass this week to see what the ice looks like after the freezing rain.  Always use caution in these first few weeks! - Lynn Lake Lodge, submitted December 9, 2025

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

Yes, it's that time of year.  I have not personally been out yet.  Local guides are reporting 5-7 inches.  I know a couple guides that both had groups out this past weekend and fared well.  We are building ice for sure up here in NE South Dakota.  So far walking out but wheelers will be right around the corner! - The Galley Hotel, Bar & Grill, submitted December 9, 2025

The Chasin' Tails Crew is on the ice with the bears!  Guide John was able to find some safe fishable ice in the Sno Bear.  We are going to start running Sno Bear trips on Dec. 14th.  If you are planning on going out ice fishing this next week, please use extreme caution!  We have found anything from 3 inches to 8 inches of ice in NE South Dakota. - Chasin' Tails SD, submitted December 8, 2025

A good crowd last weekend with a lot of people fishing.  The weather has been a mess with rain Tuesday and then snow Tuesday night and Wednesday.  There's a good bite if you can get out.  Looks like ice on the big lakes.  Waubay is seeing 5-7" and the sloughs about 8"+.  We heard good reports on Waubay and Bitter over the weekend, but not much on the other lakes.   There are some culverts that are still open, and seeing some slush area on the sloughs from the rain and snow melt.  We'll see a fair amount of wheelers this coming weekend, but mostly walk on.  Not seeing trucks or vehicles yet.   – Sportsman’s Cove, submitted December 10, 2025

Chasin Tails 605, Waubay:  605-880-7627, www.chasintails605.com 
Sportsman's Cove, Webster:  605-345-2468, www.sportsmanscove.net
 The Galley Hotel, Bar and Grill, Webster:  605-345-9989, www.thegalleyhotelbarandgrill.com