Fishing Lake Dudley in Spink County, South Dakota

• Overview

  Lake Dudley falls in Spink County, part of South Dakota. Rolling bush runs right down to the water. At about 26 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. It lies lower than most water we list in South Dakota. Redfield lies 18 miles from the water. Then Huron, 21 miles, and Clark, 31 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Lake Dudley

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Open biodiversity records for Spink County list black bullhead, red shiner and sand shiner. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Take Lake Dudley a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 73°F, with January the cold end at about 12°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. After early April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Climate figures give an open season running early April to late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It holds true on Lake Dudley more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Connors Lake, 9.1 miles out. Rules at Lake Dudley are worth checking on the day.