Fishing Pickerel Lake in Day County, South Dakota

• Overview

  Pickerel Lake is set in Day County, South Dakota. The setting is lake country bush on every side. The water covers around 995 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. At about 7.8 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. For supplies, Sisseton is 16 miles out. Further out sit Webster (17 miles) and Britton (30 miles). The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Pickerel Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Across Day County, recorded fish include common carp, black bullhead, green sunfish, Iowa darter and bluegill. The county list is broader than any single water. The shape of Pickerel Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 9°F in January and 71°F in July. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Pickerel Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Boat access is recorded roughly half a mile away. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Enemy Swim Lake is 4.3 miles off. Check the position at Pickerel Lake before loading the car.