Fishing Reports

Walleye fishing on Big Stone Lake has  been decent so far this week.  Anglers are finding fish on long points, in the basin flats, and offshore structure in 12-16 ft using jigs, swimbaits, spoons, and crankbaits.  Perch have been slowly starting to get more active around weed edges and drop-offs, hitting minnows, spikes, and wax worms.  Bluegill are fair to good, mostly holding in 6-14 ft near steep banks and submerged vegetation.  Early morning and evening continue to offer the best bite windows. - Hartford Beach State Park, submitted August 17, 2026

Hartford Beach State Park, Milbank:  (605) 432-6374, www.gfp.sd.gov

Fishing activity has dropped lately.  We're only seeing a few walleye.  Fishing in general is fair. - Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, submitted April 19, 2026

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

Fishing pressure is slow.  Reports of bluegill and bass in 7-10' on rock transition areas.  Northern pike continue to be active in/around coldwater inlets.  Night bite for both catfish and walleye is picking up.  Trolling crawlers-spinners-cranks all producing mixed bag.- Wing N Fin Resort, submitted August 27, 2026.

Wing N Fin Resort, Browns Valley, MN:  605-237-8323, www.wingnfintraverse.com
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Good ol' Waubay!  The anglers seem to find the fish there all the time.  Weed lines are good to watch for.  Live bait still working.  Water temps have cooled down, and that should help tremendously.  It was just too warm for a few days there....Fishing a little deeper, waiting for some cool nights. - Lynn Lake Lodge, submitted August 17, 2026.  

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

There was a good tournament over the weekend.  Bitter did very well Friday and Saturday.  There were 90+ boats in the walleye tournament. Close to 2,000 pounds of walleye were caught.  The crowd was good and the weather was also good.  Haven't heard much on the other lakes.  Waubay is still a good choice.  A lot of walleye below 14", most are between 12-14".  Hazelden is still a good going as well.  We haven't heard much on perch yet.  The water is still warm, being in the mid 70's.  A good place for bluegill is Roy and Big Stone. – Sportsman’s Cove, submitted August 23, 2026.  

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