Lake Dolton near Gregory: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Lake Dolton is a Gregory County water, in South Dakota. It lies 2,224 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 11 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. On size it sits at the modest end of our Gregory County list. The nearest place of any size is Gregory, 6.3 miles away. The big place round here is Sioux Falls, 142 miles distant. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Lake Dolton

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Fish documented in Gregory County include green sunfish, black bullhead, johnny darter, largemouth bass and white sucker. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of Lake Dolton rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 20°F to 74°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late March. Break-up near late March, freeze-up near early December: that is the shape of an average year. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It holds true on Lake Dolton more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. 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. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Should this one be busy, Roosevelt Lake is 5.7 miles off. Where Lake Dolton is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.