Fishing Morris Lake in Miner County, South Dakota

• Overview

  South Dakota holds Morris Lake, in Miner County. The bank is 1,316 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 58 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The perimeter runs near 3.2 miles, so plan the walk before you start. Ground here is low by South Dakota standards. Nearest town is Mitchell, 19 miles off. Salem is 26 miles away, with De Smet at 34 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Morris Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Miner County records list green sunfish, black bullhead and orangespotted sunfish among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Morris Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 14°F to 74°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early April. The lid tends to go about early April and return around late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Morris Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Records show it does not hold water year-round. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Lake Leo, 6.3 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Nothing on Morris Lake should be assumed from this page alone.