In The Minority In Ne South Dakota

[Zackopi]

Hey man.  I am just a drive down the road from world class smallmouth fishing in South Dakota's glacial lakes.  But since I moved here four years ago I have not conversed shot the breeze with a single devoted basser -everyone seems to have walleye fever. So are there any of you out here?!  I'll bet there are some Minnesota boys hitting old Roy Lake now and again, right?         *crickets*   

[jwharding76]

I'm from Omaha, and I travel up there to fish smallmouths a couple times a year.  You're right about the the world class smallmouth fishing up there.  The locals always look at me funny when I tell them I'm there for the bass fishing...

 

 

Roy and Clear are probably the most consistent lakes for large bass, but by no means the only lakes worth fishing.  I'm jealous of all the opportunities you folks have up there that are mostly overlooked--I say mostly overlooked because there's always a legion of Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota bassers when I'm there!

[Doc-Drew]

I lived in South Dakota all my childhood. Regualarly fished Kampeska and Pickerel most of the time until my parents bought a place on Pickerel. Then for years it was only Pickerel. If you are looking for numbers, Pickerel is hard to beat. I can show you on a map spots as well as lures. If you are looking for size, jwharding is right on with Roy and Clear. Another lake, Horseshoe can be really good for smallmouth as well.

About 10 years ago, my father and I went on a fishing trip to Lake Louise for some Largemouth. Everyone he talked to said to catch bass there we would have to go in the spring before the weeds hit. Well, August is close to spring right? Hah. Turned out to be the best fishing of my life. All the fish caught on top of the weeds using frogs. We averaged 4lbs (except for small bass that would hit our lures when fly fishing for bluegill) for 4 days including a 7lber that my father caught. I have only been there a few times since and it was never as good.

I see that your fav. lake is Pickerel. Chances are, that you have run into my father or me. If you want any help with that lake or other lakes around there, feel free to PM me.

[F14A-B]

I had a very dear friend of mine from South Dakota , met him in the military... Great photos, such beautiful country... The fishing must be pristine, he didn't fish, but did hunt! Always planned to go up, just never did!

Tight lines...