Bourne Slough Fishing near Madison, South Dakota

• Overview

  Within Lake County, South Dakota, you have Bourne Slough. It stands 1,594 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 88 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. It is a small entry by Lake County standards. Nearest town is Madison, 3 miles off. Dell Rapids is 21 miles and Baltic 22 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Bourne Slough

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name common carp, white sucker and green sunfish. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Bourne Slough responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 72°F; by January the average is down near 13°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. At Bourne Slough the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Bourne Slough Game Production Area covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Lake Madison, 2.7 miles away. Confirm access to Bourne Slough locally before you travel.