Fishing at Lake Agnew, Kingsbury County, South Dakota

• Overview

  In South Dakota, Lake Agnew falls inside Kingsbury County. The water sits 1,621 feet up. This is a pocket water of some 12 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Kingsbury County. De Smet is the closest place, 11 miles off. Further out sit Clark (27 miles) and Huron (27 miles). The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Lake Agnew

  Nothing in our records gives a depth 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. Records held for Kingsbury County cover common carp, northern pike, black bullhead and largemouth bass. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Lake Agnew gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 73°F on average, January about 12°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early April. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Plan around that when you fish Lake Agnew.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Osceola Lake at 5.8 miles is the sensible second choice. For Lake Agnew in particular, ask before you travel.