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. 11".  Little snow cover.  Species harvested last week included:  walleye, northern crappie and perch (mostly walleyes 14-18")....most walleyes were found on/or just off soft bottom flats in appx. 9'.    - Wing N Fin Resort, submitted December 29, 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

Good crowd this weekend with a lot of people fishing the good weather.  Ice is 12-15" with 13-14" common, 15" towards the top.  Cold is coming so will be making ice.  Wouldn't doubt if we see 16"+ by next weekend.  Some pressure ridges like always.  Most are fishing Bitter for the walleye and Waubay for the perch.  Bitter is good in morning and evening.  Waubay in the Grenville area. – Sportsman’s Cove, submitted December 28, 2025

The ice in NESD is ranging from 10-13 inches in most places.  We have had some none consistent weather lately but with the upcoming weather forecast, we are looking at some stable weather.  The bite has been good with aggressive fish!  Lakes that are producing are as follows:  Waubay, Opitz, Bitter, Clear, Three Buck Slough, Dry 2, Thompson and Lake Poinsett.  As always with early ice, make sure you are checking ice as you venture out and be safe!  - Chasin' Tails SD, submitted December 25, 2025

Waubay: hearing of crappies, walleyes and perch being caught out of Grenville and Buckshot.  Ice is 11-13 inches.  Heaves are forming so be watchful for them.  Bitter: seeing nice eater size walleyes being caught out of lodge and off the west state landing.  Seeing some perch being caught as well.  Ice is 11-15 inches.  Heaves are forming so be watchful for them.  Bluedog: night time walleyes along any structure.  Ice is 14-16 inches.  Clear Lake (by Lake City): hearing bluegills and crappies are going out deep or along breaks.  Unsure of ice thickness.  Dry 1: hearing nice perch being caught in weed pockets along with walleyes.  Unsure of ice thickness. - The Galley Hotel, Bar & Grill, submitted December 23, 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