Fishing Reports

With daytime highs settling back into the low 80s this week, the bite is stabilizing into a steady early summer rhythm as water conditions level out.  Walleyes are consistently holding on the 5 to 7 foot rock structures and mid-lake breaks.  Largemouth bass and panfish are locked tight into the pondweed beds and shallow shoreline transitions.  A decent amount of loose vegetation is drifting across the basin, making clean presentations a bit tricky in the wind.  Key in on the low-light windows at dawn and duck with crawlers or leaches on jigs to find the most active schools.- Hartford Beach State Park, submitted June 15, 2026

Hartford Beach State Park, Corona:  605-432-6374, www.gfp.sd.gov

Fishing has been pretty fair on Poinsett this summer.  Some folks are getting into them, and some are striking out. - Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, submitted May 27, 2026

Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, Arlington:  605-983-5085, www.gfp.sd.gov

June 4,5,6,7 found gamefish and panfish very active.  Walleyes were found in 5-7’ mostly on rock structure.  Weeds and rocks produced both crappie, bluegill and perch.  Crawlers on jigs and spinners produced most walleyes and bluegills.  Perch and crappie on minnows.   Water clarity is good,  water temp is 70+.  - Wing N Fin Resort, submitted June 8, 2026.

Wing N Fin Resort, Browns Valley, MN:  605-237-8323, www.wingnfintraverse.com
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We are in the midst of the busiest fishing month of the year.  Seeing walleyes off Waubay when you can deal with the wind.  Not a lot of big walleyes, but usually able to get your limit.  Accesses on Hazelden and North Rush  are being repaired or replaced this week, so maybe wait a few days before trying those lakes.  Many different presentations: spoons, bottom bouncers, jigging, plastics.  Live bait being used is assorted also, depending on the fisherman’s preference.  They all are seeming to work depending on the day.  Water temps have cooled down, keeping the fish a little shallower than you would expect this time of year.   The nights have been cool recently.  Yesterday they were fishing in stocking caps.

Lynn is still producing plenty of muskies and some NICE walleyes.  Remember that you need to release the muskies. Hold them horizontally, take a photo and get them back in the water. A good rule of thumb: hold your breath when you catch a muskie, or any fish you plan on releasing, put it back in the water by the time you need to take your next breath.  Happy fishing! - Lynn Lake Lodge, submitted June 15, 2026.  

Lynn Lake Lodge, Webster:  605-237-0309, www.lynnlakelodge.com

Quite a windy stretch the last few days.  There's still pretty good success on Waubay.  We heard good reports on South Rush, they're still doing well.  North Rush still has no dock, otherwise it would be a busy lake as well.  Didn't hear too much on Bitter due to the high west winds.  When the winds settle, it will get busier.  West Stink is busy as well.  There is a pretty good walleye bite in the region.  Water temperatures have dropped with the cooler weather, but assume it's in the 60's now. – Sportsman’s Cove, submitted June 14, 2026.  

Sportsman's Cove, Webster:  605-345-2468, www.sportsmanscove.net