Crompton Lake Fishing near Aberdeen, South Dakota

• Overview

  Crompton Lake lies in McPherson County, in South Dakota. Height above sea level is 1,483 feet. Around 57 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Some 21 miles away sits Aberdeen, the nearest settlement. After that come Ellendale at 31 miles and Groton at 39 miles. Also within reach: Richmond Lake after 13 miles, Lake Parmley roughly 14 miles, Willow Creek Lake after 14 miles, Elm Lake roughly 18 miles and Blank Dam after 19 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Crompton Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Reported across McPherson County: bluegill, largemouth bass and northern pike. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Crompton Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 10°F in January up to 72°F in July. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly late November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. It holds true on Crompton Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Richmond Lake, 13 miles away. Treat access at Crompton Lake as something to verify.