Ice fishing is a whole different sport than your everyday angling. There are no boats to glide you along, no sitting on shore enjoying a cold beer--and getting a tan is out of the question. Ice fishing is a lesson in cold, patience and, enthusiasts say, a lot of fun. Ice fishing in South Dakota is a popular sport due to the prime conditions.

Time of Year

The ice fishing season in South Dakota usually runs from December to March, depending on temperatures and water levels. Serious northern pike fishermen and women get out as early in the season as possible, as pike hang out in the shallows as long as their food, mostly spawning tulibees and whitefish, is around. Smaller lakes and northeastern lakes are frozen solid by January; in fact these lakes are usually ready even earlier in the season. The fish populations of northern pike, yellow perch and walleye are usually high. Southeastern lakes usually won't be good until at least January or February, as they freeze much later in the season.

Time of Day

The time of day to go fishing in South Dakota depends on the type of fish you want to catch. If you're fishing for perch or northern pike, daytime is best to be on the ice and you want to be out where the water is deeper. Walleye seem to move around more in the evening. Night fishing for walleye is popular in South Dakota for anglers after the big fish, even though they may be harder to catch because they are harder to see. You can fish off the shore for walleye at night also.

Where to Go

The northeastern natural lakes in South Dakota have gained ground as choice areas to fish. There were a few quiet, wet years while the lakes filled up, which brought in more fish, which improved fishing. Enemy Swim, Waubay Lake and Pickerel Lake are good lakes for perch and some walleye. Lynn and Opitz have a two-fish limit for walleye, as does Waubay, in an attempt to increase the size of fish by reducing the harvest. Ice fishing on these northern lakes usually starts earlier in the season before January. In southeastern South Dakota, three popular lakes are Madison, Lake Thompson and Brant, where the population of yellow perch is good. Fishing these lakes usually won't be good until January. Lake Thompson, Whitewood and Preston see some decent populations of northern pike.


Gear for South Dakota is basically the same for any ice fishing.You will need something to cut a hole in the ice. You can use an ice saw, which is a long saw attached to a pole, or a hand auger, basically a long drill attached to a handle for turning, both which take some time. A motorized power auger gets through the ice with the least amount of work. Next you will want a flasher, which really comes in handy when chasing down northern pike. Flashers let you see what is going on down in the water and how the fish are reacting to your lure. And of course you need an ice fishing rod and jigs (smaller than normal ones), a bait bucket, and something to carry your fish. An ice fishing shelter with a heater is great, especially for long hours on the ice.


Always make sure the ice is thick enough before walking or driving on it: at least 6 inches for walking and 10 inches for driving. Areas that are dark are not thick enough. Never drive fast on ice even when it is thick. Ice moves, and driving fast can cause air bubbles, which can break the ice. One of the most important things to do when ice fishing in South Dakota is to dress warm enough. Even if you have an ice shelter, the winds will chill you to the bone. Use layers of clothing and a windproof coat. You can always remove layers if you get too warm. Staying dry is very important. Take food and plenty to drink--but leave the alcohol, which makes it harder to stay warm.

About the Author

An avid writer since writing her first book at age 19, Darcy Sautelet has written for various publications both in print and online. Some of Sautelet's work can be found on, and She has authored four books, including a soon-to-be-released travel guide for Ireland. Sautelet studied creative writing and journalism at Cal State Irvine.

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