Island Lake, South Dakota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Island Lake is one of the Marshall County listings for South Dakota. The country here is rolling bush. 12 miles away sits Sisseton, the nearest town. The big place round here is Fargo, 84 miles distant. What else is close: Mud Lake 1.4 miles away, Greys Lake some 1.4 miles off, Goodbird Lake 1.5 miles away, North Red Iron Lake some 2.4 miles off and Turtlefoot Lake 3.2 miles away. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Island Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Marshall County records list bluegill, common carp and northern pike among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Island Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 9°F in January up to 71°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid April in spring and again near late November in autumn. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. On Island Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Mud Lake, 1.4 miles away. Where Island Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.