Fishing at Milwaukee Lake, Lake County, South Dakota

• Overview

  Milwaukee Lake lies in Lake County, South Dakota. Height above sea level is 1,634 feet. The closest town, Madison, is 7.5 miles away. It is 35 miles to Sioux Falls, the nearest city. Others worth noting: Lake Madison some 5 miles off, Round Lake at about 5.8 miles, Bourne Slough some 6 miles off, Long Lake at about 6.3 miles and Brant Lake some 6.7 miles off. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Milwaukee Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. County-wide records name common carp, white sucker, green sunfish and white bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Fish Milwaukee Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 72°F, with January the cold end at about 13°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, early April opens the water and late November closes it again. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Anyone fishing Milwaukee Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Lake Madison sits 5 miles off and takes the overflow. For Milwaukee Lake in particular, ask before you travel.