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.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

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.