The temperatures have fluctuated from day to day the past couple weeks and the change in weather can cause the ice to fluctuate daily. With recent winds and warmer temperatures, there are quite a few lakes that have opened up. The ice thickness can vary on each lake, with ice heaves showing up periodically. At this point, we do not recommend truck traffic. Please use caution, and do not travel alone.
Make sure to check out our Fishing Guide Members here and our Lodging Members here to book your next fishing trip.
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Ice conditions are not safe. Continued warm temps, rain and wind are depleting ice quickly. For current info regarding projected ice out, please call. - Wing N Fin Resort, submitted February 18, 2026
Wing N Fin Resort, Browns Valley, MN: 605-237-8323, www.wingnfintraverse.com
With the recent warm temps, we have been watching the ice conditions. Accesses are still good, and ice remains quite solid. Watch for heaves and places there has been accumulations of snow. Otherwise, still planning on some good fishing in the next couple of weeks. Seeing more panfish. Make sure you fish deep enough. Over 20 feet. Waubay seems to be the main hot spot. If you want to put a few miles on and go after the crappies and bluegills, head up to Clear and Roy. Still alot of fishing left this ice season! - Lynn Lake Lodge, submitted February 17, 2026
Lynn Lake Lodge, Webster: 605-237-0309, www.lynnlakelodge.com
Good crowd this weekend, busier than we thought it would be. Bitter Lake was very busy. We heard good things for walleye in the morning or nighttime hours, where during the day was pretty quiet. The cold temperatures last week healed a lot of spots. We saw about 5 inches of snow Friday and Saturday but it was light and fluffy, so no big issues. There are still some trucks on the ice but we would not recommend it. Some lakes up north have 20 plus inches of ice, but there are some culverts/ditches/rock piles, etc. that are open. Use caution. – Sportsman’s Cove, submitted March 2 2026
Sportsman's Cove, Webster: 605-345-2468, www.sportsmanscove.net
ATTENTION
Protect our waters from invasive species. Leave all plugs out until you reach the boat ramp. Don't move lake water. That includes bait water.
CLEAN - All plants, animals, and mud from the boat, trailer, and gear.
DRAIN - All water by removing plugs, opening valves, and lowering motors.
DRY - Interior compartments and bilge area with a sponge or towel.
Click here to view the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Lake Map. This map includes all the lakes in northeast South Dakota.
Click here to view the back of the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Lake Map. This includes information on each lake, including fish, docks, etc. (Please note: may include information that may be out of date)

For more information on fishing South Dakota State Parks in the Glacial Lakes & Prairies region, visit SD Game, Fish & Parks.
To purchase your SD Fishing License, click here to go to the SD Game, Fish & Parks Go Outdoors South Dakota portal.
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Photos Courtesy of SD Dept. of Tourism - Photographer: Byron Banasiak
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