Fishing Lake Kampeska

AKA: Kampeska Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Kampeska Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
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Lake Kampeska, SD

Popular Fish Species Lake Kampeska, SD

Lake Kampeska Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are one of the most sought-after species at Lake Kampeska, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing

Lake Kampeska is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Lake Kampeska. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. Lake Kampeska is a good place to catch good quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, white bass and yellow perch at Lake Kampeska in South Dakota.

Lake Kampeska Fishing Video

Vacationers enjoy water skiing, camping, boating and fishing at Lake Kampeska, a 4,800-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, at Watertown. But year, year out it's the fishing that draws the most participants.

Lake Kampeska is a picturesque lake located near Watertown in the northeast section of South Dakota. It is a popular destination for fishing, water sports, and outdoor activities.

One of the main draws of Lake Kampeska is its excellent walleye fishing. Anglers flock to the lake year-round to target these prized fish. During the spring and fall, walleye can be found in shallower waters, while in the summer, they tend to move to deeper areas. The lake's abundant food sources and ideal water conditions make it a prime location for successful walleye fishing.

Another popular species in Lake Kampeska is smallmouth bass. These feisty bass provide a thrilling challenge for anglers, as they are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights. Spring and early summer are the best times to target smallmouth bass in the shallower areas of the lake.

Yellow perch are also plentiful in Lake Kampeska and are a favorite among anglers, especially during the winter ice fishing season. They can be found in schools near the lake's bottom, and anglers use various jigging techniques to entice them to bite.

For those interested in panfish, Lake Kampeska offers opportunities to catch white crappie, sunfish, and white bass. These species are popular among families and youth anglers and can provide plenty of action and fun for all skill levels.

Anglers looking for a variety of fishing experiences will also find channel catfish in Lake Kampeska. These hard-fighting fish can be caught throughout the lake and offer an exciting challenge for catfish enthusiasts.

There are five boat launch ramps located on all sides of the lake which has over thirteen miles of shoreline. Bank fishing enthusiasts can find plenty of spots around the boat access areas, parks and campgrounds.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Kampeska

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Kampeska Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Beyond fishing, Lake Kampeska is a favorite destination for boating and camping. The lake's calm waters and scenic beauty make it an ideal spot for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Several campgrounds around the lake provide opportunities for camping, picnicking, and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Jackson Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off S Lake Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lynwood State Public Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, west side, off Lynwood Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

North Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off N Lake Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

South Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off S Lake Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Watertown Veterans Memorial Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off S Lake Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.