Guide To Fishing At Big Stone Lake
AKA: Big Stone Reservoir

Bass, walleye and perch are the main attraction at Big Stone Lake on the eastern border of the state, at Big Stone City, SD. The plethora of rocks and boulders in the lake bed are what gave this 12,600-acre lake its name.
There are nearly 60 miles of shoreline, half in South Dakota and half in MN. The complete list of targeted fish in the lake includes bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, white bass, perch and northern pike. This is a year-round fishery. Spring, summer and fall provide excellent fishing from the shore, fish houses, and all types of boats - from canoes and kayaks to pontoons and all kinds of fishing boats. During winter ice fishing is quite popular and generally quite successful. Local fishing guides offer trips by boat and through the ice. Boat launch ramps are available at Hartford Beach State Park and Schmidt's Landing for launching pleasure and fishing boats.
What to fish for...
Fishing for largemouth bass, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Big Stone Lake in South Dakota.
Primary fish species residing in Big Stone Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Big Stone Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Schmidt's Landing
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
605 432-6911
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Douthitt Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Lake Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Hartford State Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Hartford Beach Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Kasuske Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off 479th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Rearing Ponds Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Rocky Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Schmidt's Landing Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Schmidt's Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Marinas
Schmidt's Landing
48140 Schmidts Road
Big Stone City, SD 57216
605 432-6911
Click here for a South Dakota Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Hartford Beach State Park Campground - 605 432-6374
Camp Iyataka Campground - 605 361-2697
Camping 109 RV Park - 605 862-7650
Big Stone Lake SD Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Lake Video
Contact Information
Big Stone Lake
Schmidt's Landing
48140 Schmidts Rd
Big Stone City, SD 57216
605 432-6911
Fishing lakes in each state.
Big Stone Lake in South Dakota.
SOUTH DAKOTA

