Davis Draw Reservoir, South Dakota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Davis Draw Reservoir in Harding County, South Dakota. The water sits 3,061 feet up. By elevation it is in the upper part of our South Dakota listings. Bowman is the closest town at 26 miles. Hettinger is 42 miles away, with Baker at 55 miles. More in the same country: Ash Tree Reservoir 0.7 miles off, High and Dry Reservoir 1.3 miles, Schleichart Draw Reservoir 1.9 miles off, Dry Creek Reservoir 6 miles and Beermug Lake 8 miles off. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Davis Draw Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Reported across Harding County: white sucker, stonecat, black bullhead, green sunfish and channel catfish. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Davis Draw Reservoir gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 18°F in January to roughly 71°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. Average temperatures cross freezing around early April in spring and again near late November in autumn. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. It holds true on Davis Draw Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Ash Tree Reservoir, 0.7 miles away. Confirm before you fish Davis Draw Reservoir.