Fishing Angostura Reservoir

AKA: Angostura Lake

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Angostura Reservoir Fishing Video
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Angostura Reservoir, SD

Popular Fish Species Angostura Reservoir, SD

Angostura Reservoir Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, a healthy population of walleye continue to thrive in Angostura Reservoir this year. Numerous walleye tournaments are held here annually with very good results. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Angostura Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Angostura Reservoir, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Angostura Reservoir Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Black crappie continue to reside in good numbers throughout Angostura Reservoir, averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of crappie.

Angostura Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Angostura Reservoir in South Dakota.

Fishing is very popular at Angostura Reservoir, a 4,800-acre lake, 5 miles south of Hot Springs. At least eight boating access areas with boat launch ramps are distributed around the lake. reservoir is part of Angostura Recreation Area, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping.

Angostura Reservoir is known for its diverse fish population, attracting anglers from all over the region. The lake is home to various popular fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, sunfish, white bass, and northern pike. This diversity of fish makes it an ideal spot for anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

During the warmer months, anglers can target bass species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, which are plentiful in the reservoir's waters. The reservoir is also famous for its panfish, such as black crappie, yellow perch, and bluegill. These species are perfect for family-friendly fishing trips, especially for younger anglers, as they are easy to catch and abundant in the lake.

There are 36 miles of shoreline for easy launching from most any direction. Campgrounds, parks and recreation areas provide ample areas for swimming, picnicking and fishing from the bank. Quality largemouth bass and plentiful chunky smallmouth bass attract anglers from all around. Walleye, crappie, sunfish and pike also reside here and are caught with regularity as well. Ice fishing is an option in winter when safe ice permits.

Primary fish species residing in Angostura Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Angostura Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Angostura Reservoir Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Sheps Canyon Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Angostura Reservoir Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Recreation Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Baileys State Lakeside Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off FR-6D, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Angostura State Recreation Area Boat Ramp 1
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Summersun Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Angostura State Recreation Area Boat Ramp 2
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Recreation Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sheps Canyon Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off S Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.