SOUTH DAKOTA ICE FISHERMAN's REPORT

[greenhead4u]

I'm hoping to get a thread started on the different lakes and conditions in SD. I know there are people ice fishing out there and we are all wondering if they are biting and if we can even get access onto these lakes with the snow. If you have information on a lake please make a post. It would be great to get this thing going like they do for MN lakes. I think I hear a rattle!!

[Fish'n guy]

Well the lakes in the northeastern part of the state are still drivable but its getting tough around the access points. If you have a 4wd and relatively high wheel base you will be fine. A guy can expect anywhere from 12"-16" of ice on most lakes just watch bring a shovel and a tow rope to be safe.

As for the fishing it has been very good on the perch and eyes. Ive been doing well out on the basins for the perch as usual, but i have been burning up to 60 holes a day just to stay on them. Hali's and small Forage Minnow spoons loaded with spikes or waxies seem to be the ticket. If they get finicky I have been swithing over to a small Genz Worm and tipping it with one or 2 spikes. A guy might also consider using a spring bobber when they get picky.

Walleyes have been very aggresive up in the shallows, but its mainly been a low light bite. I think that the high water has these lakes so clear, the walleyes are much more noctural right now. I have been doing my best right along shallow rock piles in 4'-10'. I have also found a few moving up onto shallow basins near the mouths of bays and flooded trees. Just stay near the deeper edge and catch them as the move up onto the flat. Glow seems to be outperforming just about everything. Pink and glow Angel Eyes, larger Forage Minnow spoons, and before it gets too dark jiggin rap's have been pretty hot in the firetiger and red color.

Good luck!

[jason4020]

Greenhead4u Best of luck. Let me now if the fish are bitting. I may be heading to the Webster area this weekend.

[verg]

was a fair bite almost all places I fished. Don't bother coming unless you have snowmobile.