Fishing at Swan Lake, Codington County, South Dakota

• Overview

  Swan Lake is one of the Codington County listings for South Dakota. It sits at 1,749 feet above sea level. The water covers around 2.7 sq miles, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Around 9.9 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. 14 miles away sits Webster, the nearest town. After that come Clark at 20 miles and Watertown at 27 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Swan Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Reported across Codington County: Iowa darter, green sunfish, white sucker, northern pike and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Swan Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 71°F and January near 10°F on the long-run figures. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. Break-up near early April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Swan Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, Heggs Lake is 1.7 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for Swan Lake.