glacial lakes walleye Home to some of the best fishing in the Upper Midwest Northeastern South Dakota features a vast rolling prairie terrain referred to as the Prairie Coteau. Formed by glaciers, the landscape is hallmarked with staggering numbers of wetlands, marshes and lakes. Some lakes in particular like Bitter Lake and Waubay Lake are fairly large bodies of water each encompassing more than thirty thousand acres. There are many lakes in the region, however that are small, less than five thousand acres. Beginning in the mid-nineties, we experienced the start of a wet cycle that filled up many of these lakes and in some cases formed new lakes. The high-water phenomena created some of the most incredible fishing in the United States. This new water not only provides more room for fish to swim. The productivity, growth rates and young of the year fish recruitment raised eyebrows. From a biological perspective, nothing is more fertile, more productive than a new lake. While many of these lakes were indeed new and unknown, we didn’t have to wait very long so many of these obscure lakes to make this region famous. What I love about this area in particular is the variety. There are large renown fisheries like Bitter Lake and Waubay Lake that have been on the radar of walleye anglers and ice anglers for several decades. Every time By Jason Mitchell I visit this part of the world, however, there is a new hot lake it seems. The region boasts some tremendous walleye fishing and is also really renowned for ice fishing jumbo perch but there is more. The quality of panfish like crappie and bluegill in some lakes would shock many anglers. The smallmouth bass fishing is also top tier. I have friends that drive all the way to Watertown or Webster, South Dakota every year from places like Arkansas and Missouri just to target smallmouth bass. They can’t believe how great the bass fishing is. Really a special area where you attempt to get lost on purpose with all the great fishing available. This region has some of the best walleye fishing. Casting a crankbait into three feet of water or pulling a bottom bouncer and spinner at two miles per hour isn’t really what you would call finesse fishing. These fish can often be extremely aggressive and that is probably the final factor that makes this region so special for walleye anglers. Walleye, perch, bass, and crappies will make us your favorite fishing spot. Be sure to check our website for weekly fishing reports, fishing videos, and more! SDGlacialLakes.com SDGlacialLakes.com // 171 GLACIAL LAKES & PRAIRIES REGION PLAN YOUR FISHING TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2024 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 171
