What Pickerel Lake offers anglers

Pickerel Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and northern pike lake in Day County, South Dakota, part of the Waubay chain of glacial lakes. The lake runs roughly 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, with an average depth around 8 feet and a maximum depth near 20 feet. That shallow character and dense aquatic vegetation make it a classic pike and walleye environment—the kind of lake where structure matters more than depth, and where you can see fish working the weed edges on a clear day.

The walleye population here responds well to live bait and crankbaits worked along the weed lines, particularly in spring and fall. Pike fishing is strong year-round, with summer requiring patience in the weeds and winter offering predictable action through the ice. The lake also holds perch and bluegill, though most anglers focus on the larger species.

Key Takeaways

  • Pickerel Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake averaging 8 feet deep with maximum depth near 20 feet.
  • Spring and fall walleye fishing peaks along weed edges using live bait and crankbaits; summer requires fishing deeper holes and weed pockets.
  • Northern pike are present year-round and respond to larger baits and lures, especially in and around dense vegetation.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye and pike is productive, with tip-ups and jigging both effective methods.
  • A South Dakota fishing license is required; check current regulations for species-specific rules and any seasonal closures before you fish.

Spring walleye fishing on Pickerel Lake

Spring is the most predictable season for walleye on Pickerel Lake. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s, walleye move from deeper winter holes into the shallower weed edges and transition zones. Early spring (April through early May) concentrates fish along the outside edges of emerging vegetation and in the few deeper holes the lake holds.

Live shiners or fathead minnows work best, fished on simple slip-sinker rigs or under a bobber in water 6 to 12 feet deep. Crankbaits that mimic baitfish—particularly shad-pattern lures in the 2- to 3-inch range—cover water efficiently and help you locate active fish. Work the weed lines slowly; walleye in spring are not aggressive, and a bait that sits or moves deliberately will outfish a fast retrieve.

By late spring (mid-May onward), as weeds thicken and water warms into the 60s, walleye begin moving into thicker vegetation and deeper pockets. This is when the fishing transitions from easy to technical—you need to pick apart specific weed clumps and holes rather than working a general edge.

Summer and the challenge of thick weeds

Summer on Pickerel Lake is a study in patience. The lake becomes choked with coontail, milfoil, and cabbage, and walleye retreat into the densest cover and the few deeper holes available. Water temperatures climb into the 70s, and fish become less active during daylight hours.

Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Fish the deepest holes you can find—the 15- to 20-foot zones—with live bait or jigging spoons. Alternatively, work the thickest weed edges with weedless soft plastics or spinnerbaits that can be retrieved through vegetation without constant snagging. Pike fishing actually improves in summer because they tolerate the thick weeds better than walleye and hunt actively in low-light conditions.

Many anglers abandon Pickerel Lake in July and August for clearer, deeper lakes nearby. If you stay, focus on dawn and dusk, and accept that you will spend more time picking weeds than catching fish.

Fall fishing and the second peak

Fall (September through October) brings the second strong walleye bite of the year. As water cools back into the 60s and then the 50s, walleye move out of the thickest weeds and return to the edges and transition zones. The vegetation begins to break down, making it easier to fish without constant fouling.

This is when Pickerel Lake fishes most like a traditional walleye lake. Live bait along weed edges, crankbaits, and jigging all produce. The bite is strongest in the hour or two after sunrise and again in the last hour before dark, but unlike summer, you can catch fish throughout the day if you stay on the structure.

Pike are also aggressive in fall, feeding heavily before winter. Larger baits and lures work well, and the cooler water means fish will chase baits farther than they do in summer heat.

Winter ice fishing

Pickerel Lake typically freezes solid by mid-December and remains fishable through February. The shallow depth means ice-out can come quickly in March, so confirm conditions before making the drive.

Walleye and pike both respond to tip-ups baited with live shiners or jigging with spoons and small plastics. Set tip-ups over the deeper holes and along the edges of submerged weed beds. Jigging is more active and helps you cover water; tip-ups let you fish multiple holes at once. Many anglers use a combination of both. The bite is often best in the first few hours after sunrise and again in the last hour before dark, though winter fishing here can be slow compared to deeper, clearer lakes.

Tackle and technique essentials

For walleye, a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line handles most situations. Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range, jigging spoons in 1/4 to 3/8 ounce, and slip-sinker rigs with live bait are your core arsenal. Bring multiple colors—natural shad patterns, chartreuse, and orange all have their days.

Pike fishing benefits from slightly heavier tackle: 8- to 10-pound line and lures with wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Spinnerbaits, large soft plastics, and topwater lures all work. Pike in weedy lakes are less leader-shy than pike in clear water, but a leader still prevents lost fish.

For ice fishing, a short jigging rod (24 to 28 inches) with light line (4 to 6 pounds) and small spoons or plastics is standard. Tip-ups should be set with enough line to reach bottom plus a few feet of slack.

Access and regulations

Pickerel Lake has a public access area on the north shore with a boat ramp, parking, and a small shelter. The ramp is maintained by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Launching fees vary; check the current rate before you arrive.

A South Dakota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are available online through the Game, Fish and Parks website, at sporting goods retailers, and at some convenience stores. Walleye and pike have specific daily possession limits and size restrictions that change periodically. Before you fish, review the current regulations on the Game, Fish and Parks website or in the printed regulations guide available at access areas.

The lake is open year-round, though winter access depends on ice safety. Check local conditions or contact the Game, Fish and Parks office in nearby Waubay before heading out in early winter or late spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Pickerel Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent periods. Summer is difficult due to thick weeds and warm water, though early morning and late evening can still produce. Winter ice fishing is productive but slower than other seasons.

Can I fish Pickerel Lake in winter?

Yes, the lake typically freezes by mid-December and remains fishable through February. Confirm ice thickness and safety before going out. Ice-out can happen quickly in March, so check conditions before making the trip.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish over 20 inches. Pike average 18 to 28 inches, and fish over 30 inches are caught regularly. Perch and bluegill are smaller but abundant.

Do I need a boat to fish Pickerel Lake?

A boat is helpful for reaching deeper water and working the weed edges efficiently, but shore fishing is possible from the access area. Winter ice fishing requires no boat and can be productive from anywhere on the ice.

Where do I get a South Dakota fishing license?

Licenses are available online at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website, at sporting goods retailers, and at some convenience stores. You need a license if you are 16 or older. Bring your license with you when you fish.