What You'll Find at Covell Lake

Covell Lake is a shallow, 350-acre reservoir about 20 miles northeast of Sioux Falls in Moody County. It holds walleye and northern pike as its main fisheries, with some panfish mixed in—bluegill and crappie if you're targeting smaller species. The lake runs murky most of the year because of its shallow depth and silt bottom, which is typical for prairie reservoirs in this part of South Dakota. That murkiness actually works in your favor: walleye and pike don't need clear water to hunt, and they're often more aggressive in stained conditions.

The lake has a public access point on the south shore with a boat ramp, parking, and basic facilities. It's the kind of place where you can be on the water in under an hour from downtown Sioux Falls, making it a solid choice for a half-day trip or an evening bite. The shoreline is mostly undeveloped, with some cattail marsh on the north end and sandy banks on the south—good habitat for pike to hunt and walleye to rest during the day.

Key Takeaways

  • Covell Lake holds walleye and northern pike; walleye bite best in low light (dawn, dusk, and cloudy days), while pike will hunt throughout the day.
  • The lake is shallow and silty, so use sonar to find deeper holes and structure—the deepest water is rarely more than 20 feet.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent seasons; summer can be slow during midday heat.
  • Public access is on the south shore; bring your own boat or fish from shore near the ramp and along the marshy north end.
  • Live bait (shiners, crawlers) and jigs work year-round; adjust your depth and speed based on water temperature and light conditions.

Walleye Patterns Through the Year

Spring walleye at Covell Lake start shallow as the water warms from winter. In April and early May, you'll find them in 4 to 8 feet of water near the marshy areas and along drop-offs where the bottom transitions from sand to silt. A jig tipped with a live shiner or crawler works well; cast parallel to the shoreline and work the jig slowly along the bottom. The bite is strongest in the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset.

By mid-June, as the water temperature climbs into the 60s and 70s, walleye move deeper and become more nocturnal. During the day, they'll be in the deepest holes you can find—usually 15 to 20 feet—but they're sluggish and hard to trigger. Your best bet is to fish at night or during overcast days when light penetration is low. A slip-sinker rig with a live shiner or a plain jig-and-crawler combo fished on the bottom will catch fish when other methods fail.

Fall (September and October) is when Covell Lake walleye fishing really turns on again. Water temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s, and walleye move shallower and feed more actively throughout the day. You can catch them in 6 to 12 feet of water from mid-morning through late afternoon. This is the season to throw crankbaits and spinners if you want to cover water quickly, or stick with jigs if you want to work specific spots methodically.

Northern Pike and How to Hunt Them

Pike at Covell Lake are aggressive and less time-sensitive than walleye—they'll bite in bright sun, at midday, and in shallow water. The marshy north end of the lake is prime pike habitat; cast large topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics along the cattail edges and work them with sharp, erratic retrieves. Pike respond to commotion and contrast, so don't be afraid to use bright colors (chartreuse, orange, white) and make your lure move like an injured baitfish.

Spring and fall are good for pike, but summer can actually be excellent if you fish early morning or late evening when the water is cooler and pike are more active. In the heat of July and August, pike will retreat to deeper water and shade during the day, but they'll move into the shallows to feed at dawn and dusk. A 6 to 8-inch soft plastic swimbait on a 1/2-ounce jighead cast near structure will draw strikes from larger fish.

Winter pike fishing is possible through the ice, though Covell Lake is not known as a premier ice-fishing destination. If you do venture out, tip-ups with live shiners set in 12 to 15 feet of water will catch pike, but you'll need to check local ice conditions and thickness before heading out.

Seasonal Timing and Water Temperature

Covell Lake is a cold-water lake by prairie standards, but it still follows the typical Midwest seasonal pattern. Spring (April through May) sees water temperatures rising from the 40s to the 50s and 60s; this is when both walleye and pike are most active and hungry. Summer (June through August) pushes water into the 70s and 80s, which slows the bite during midday but can be excellent at dawn and dusk. Fall (September through October) cools the water back down to the 50s and 60s, triggering another feeding window that can rival spring.

Winter (November through March) turns Covell Lake into an ice fishery. The lake typically freezes by mid-November and stays frozen through March. Ice thickness varies, but 12 to 18 inches is common by January. Walleye and pike are still present under the ice, but they're less active and harder to locate without a sonar unit. Many anglers focus on panfish (bluegill and crappie) through the ice because they're easier to find in shallow water and more predictable.

Tackle and Bait That Work

For walleye, keep your tackle simple and effective. A 6 to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 6 to 8-pound monofilament or braided line is ideal. Jigs in the 1/8 to 1/4-ounce range tipped with live shiners, crawlers, or minnows are the bread and butter. Crankbaits (shallow-diving models in the 2 to 4-inch range) work well in spring and fall when walleye are shallow. Slip-sinker rigs with live bait are deadly at night or in deep water during summer.

For pike, step up to a 7 to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 10 to 15-pound braided line and a 12 to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader to resist pike teeth. Spinnerbaits (1/2 to 3/4-ounce), soft plastics (6 to 10 inches), topwater plugs, and large crankbaits all produce. Pike don't care about finesse; they want to see and hear your lure. Bright colors and erratic retrieves outperform subtle presentations.

Live bait is your most reliable option year-round. Shiners and crawlers are available at tackle shops in Sioux Falls and along the way to Covell Lake. If you want to catch your own, a small seine net or minnow trap set in the shallows will give you fresh bait and let you match the hatch to what's naturally in the lake.

Access, Facilities, and Regulations

Covell Lake has a public access area on the south shore managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. The ramp is concrete and well-maintained, with a small parking lot and vault toilets. There's no fuel, food, or lodging at the lake itself, so plan to bring what you need or make the short drive back to Sioux Falls. The nearest town with services is Flandreau, about 15 miles away.

South Dakota fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. A one-day license costs less than a week-long license, and you can purchase them online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website or at most tackle shops. Walleye and pike have specific season dates and bag limits that change year to year; check the current regulations before you fish. As of recent years, walleye season typically runs year-round with a daily bag limit, and pike season is also year-round with a separate limit.

The lake is open to public fishing from sunrise to sunset, though night fishing is allowed during walleye season. Boats are permitted, and there are no horsepower restrictions, though the shallow water means you'll want to run at idle speed in many areas to avoid hitting bottom or stirring up silt.

When to Fish Covell Lake

Spring (April and May) is the most reliable time to fish Covell Lake if you want consistent action. Walleye and pike are both active, the weather is usually mild, and you don't have to deal with summer heat or winter ice. The bite is strong in the early morning and late evening, and you can catch fish throughout the day if you're willing to work deeper water or adjust to overcast conditions.

Fall (September and October) is equally good and often less crowded than spring. Water temperatures are ideal for both species, and the bite can be excellent from mid-morning through late afternoon. This is also when larger walleye and pike are most likely to be caught, as they're feeding heavily to prepare for winter.

Summer is fishable but requires more effort. The midday bite is slow, so plan to fish early morning (5 to 9 a.m.) or late evening (6 p.m. to dark). Cloudy days are better than sunny ones. If you're willing to adjust your schedule and fish when the light is low, you can still catch walleye and pike, but you'll work harder for them than you would in spring or fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Covell Lake?

Walleye bite best in low light: the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset. Pike will bite throughout the day but are more aggressive in early morning and late evening. Overcast days are better than sunny days for both species because the reduced light makes them more active.

Can I fish from shore at Covell Lake?

Yes. The south shore near the access ramp and the marshy north end are both fishable from shore. You won't reach the deeper water where walleye rest during the day, but you can catch pike in the shallows and walleye during low-light periods. A boat gives you more options and lets you reach deeper structure.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye at Covell Lake typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish in the 20-inch range. Pike are often larger, with 18 to 28-inch fish common and the possibility of larger specimens. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) run small to medium, usually 6 to 9 inches.

Is Covell Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The lake is small enough to learn quickly, the fish are relatively aggressive, and the public access is straightforward. Start with live bait and jigs in spring or fall, fish the early morning or late evening, and you'll catch walleye and pike without needing advanced techniques.

How far is Covell Lake from Sioux Falls?

Covell Lake is about 20 miles northeast of downtown Sioux Falls, roughly a 30-minute drive. Take I-29 north toward Flandreau, then follow county roads to the lake. It's close enough for a half-day trip or an evening outing after work.