Cherry Lake Fishing near De Smet, South Dakota

• Overview

  Look for Cherry Lake in the Clark County part of South Dakota. Elevation runs to 1,759 feet. The water covers around 337 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. De Smet is the closest town at 11 miles. The nearest city of size is Sioux Falls, 80 miles away. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Cherry Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records held for Clark County cover northern pike, walleye, black bullhead and common carp. The county list is broader than any single water. Cherry Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 72°F and January near 12°F on the long-run figures. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early April. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Anyone fishing Cherry Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Lake Agnew is 9.6 miles off. Nothing on Cherry Lake should be assumed from this page alone.