Fishing at Jones Lake, Hand County, South Dakota

• Overview

  Jones Lake is set in Hand County, South Dakota. What surrounds it is pine and birch. It measures about 74 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Hand County. Head to Miller, 4.1 miles away, for anything you forgot. For a city, Sioux Falls is 127 miles off. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Jones Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Hand County records list northern pike, black bullhead, bluegill and green sunfish among the fish reported. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Treat Jones Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 73°F and January about 14°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early April. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. On Jones Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. The water borders Jones Lake Game Production Area, so expect the reserve rules to apply. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Spring Lake, 13 miles out. Confirm before you fish Jones Lake.