Walleye Fishing in South Dakota

Walleye
Stizostedion vitreum

The walleye prefers moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in some warmer water impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting white, flaky flesh.

Walleye Fishing Lakes In South Dakota

South Dakota anglers are blessed with lots of walleye fishing waters. Major lakes including Angostura Reservoir, Belle Fourche Reservoir, Big Stone Lake, Bitter Lake, Lake Albert, Lake Francis Case, Lake Kampeska, Lake Madison, Lake Oahe, Lake Pelican, Lake Poinsett, Lake Preston, Lake Sharpe, Lake Thompson, Lake Traverse, Lake Whitewood, Lewis And Clark Lake, Shadehill Reservoir and Waubay Lake all have excellent populations of healthy walleye. Many smaller lakes, rivers and deeper ponds may also contain walleye.

The South Dakota state record walleye was taken out of Lake Sharpe.

South Dakota walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Fish for South Dakota walleye with live bait, crankbaits, spoons, small spinner baits as well as plastic worms and grubs.

How To Fish For Walleye

SPRING
Top Baits: Small crankbaits, small jigs and plastic worms.
Fish shallow to moderate depths as the walleye move into the shallows to spawn. Gravel ledges, points and submerged humps in protected areas are prime holding areas.

SUMMER
Top Baits: Crankbaits, Jigs and plastic worms.
Fish shallow in the mornings and evenings and move deeper as the sun rises. Use lures that mimic crawfish as this is a favorite food of the walleye. Follow points and rocky or gravel structure deeper until you establish the proper depth.

FALL
Top Baits: Jigs, crankbaits and spoons.
Fish shallow to moderate depths in the mornings and evenings. As the sun rises move deeper toward outside structure and use small spoons or jigs.

WINTER
Top Baits: Jigs, spoons and plastic worms.
Try moderately shallow depths in the mornings then move deeper as the sun rises. Walleyes are less active in cold water, so move your bait in a slow, easy to catch manner and fish deep structure.

Look for South Dakota walleye fishing articles here.

Walleye Resources

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Walleye Fishing Information

The purpose of the page is to provide specific information about fishing for walleye in South Dakota. Find information on basic trends and seasonal patterns of walleye here in the state of South Dakota. Look here for tips, recommended tackle, techniques and more. We want to help you make your walleye fishing trips in SD more successful.

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SD Walleye Fishing -
All About Fishing for Walleye in SD.

25 lbs - 0 oz

15 lbs - 3 oz

38 - 60 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with little or no current.