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Characterized by sweeping corn and soybean fields, southeastern South Dakota has more than 175 fishing lakes ranging in size from three to 29,000 acres. Glacial lakes exist in this region in addition to numerous manmade lakes constructed for water conservation and irrigation. Three major rivers course through the region as well: the Big Sioux River, James River and Missouri River, which includes Lewis and Clark Lake, a 30-mile-long Missouri River reservoir.

Along with private and city campgrounds, 16 state parks and recreation areas provide more than 1,140 campsites for visitors.

SOUTHEAST

Fishing Techniques
Walleye and bass compete for top honors in this region. Lewis and Clark Lake, with more than 29,000 acres of surface water, draws anglers from across the nation with its alluring combination of largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Backwater bays, sandbar drop-offs, creeks and stands of rushes provide the habitat for both species. Casting toward structure with various crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits are popular methods, along with jigging during the heat of the summer. Don’t be surprised, however, if a large northern pike takes the bait as well. Walleye, sauger and catfish are a few other species that make up the catches for Lewis and Clark anglers.

Walleye anglers in this region troll crankbaits to locate schools of feeding fish in the flat-bottom lakes. Panfishermen will want to look for shallow weed beds during the spring and drop-offs during the summer. Stillfishing with a small jig or fly fishing with wet flies or small poppers is effective for bluegills as well.

Northern pike tend to be on the edges of weeds, rocks or other structure, which may hold the prey fish they are hunting. Lures imitating wounded prey fish work well to entice waiting pike.

Ice fishing in the Southeast Region can be very effective when using jigging spoons or teardrop hooks tipped with a minnow or wax/meal worms. Pike, walleye, bluegill and perch are favorites. Concentrations of trucks and ice houses on a lake will usually indicate where the bite is taking place.

Southeast SD Lake/Fish Surveys (GFP)

Game, Fish and Parks Fishing Handbook (PDF)

Order maps of South Dakota Lakes (GFP)