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 

Haven't hear much on ice or fishing reports, but some of the ramps have been experiencing some heaving that has made it difficult to work on.  Folks should be cautious using the ramps.- Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, submitted December 22, 2025

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

Ice thickness is up to appx. 10".  SnoBears and ATVs were traveling primarily the south end of lake.  Reports of walleye and perch action was good.  Minnows and hammered silver-purple-green jigs.  Bites were consistent in appx. 8-9'.  There is currently little to no snow cover, ice creepers are essential. - Wing N Fin Resort, submitted December 23, 2025

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

Just beginning to see some nice walleyes and a few perch in the fish cleaning room recently.  All of 10 inches of ice on Lynn.  Like always, we do not recommend any vehicles on the lake until after the first of the year.  Bring chubs for tip ups.  You will catch some nice northerns, maybe a muskie through the ice.  Nice temps now.  NO WIND.  You and Santa should be fishing for Christmas! - Lynn Lake Lodge, submitted December 22, 2025

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

It warmed up the last couple days.  We really lost snow, which is great for pheasant hunters.  The fields have opened up.  We've had about 20" of snow this season, and probably have an average of 6" now.  The lakes have gotten sloppy the last few days, with not much snow left on them.  We're starting to see some heaves the last couple days.  Some by the Grenville housing development as well as the Grenville access ramp.  Waubay has about 10-11" of ice.  We've seen a lot of wheeler use, and limited truck traffic which we wouldn't recommend.  Waubay is seeing some walleye and perch, and Bitter is seeing some walleye as well.  – Sportsman’s Cove, submitted December 17, 2025

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

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