Fishing Lake Poinsett

AKA: Poinsett Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Poinsett Fishing Video
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Lake Poinsett, SD

Popular Fish Species Lake Poinsett, SD

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Lake Poinsett this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around 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. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. 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.

Lake Poinsett Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Lake Poinsett continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Lake Poinsett Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Poinsett. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Lake Poinsett Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, orangespotted sunfish, white bass, yellow perch, Chinook salmon and northern pike at Lake Poinsett in South Dakota.

Lake Poinsett is a popular recreational and fishing destination situated in eastern South Dakota. Located near the town of Arlington, it is easily accessible and draws anglers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Offering a wide range of fish species, and easy access to shoreline fishing, Lake Poinsett is an 7,900-acre lake, at Stone Bridge. Over 16 miles of sandy or rocky shoreline await anglers fishing.

One of the main attractions for fishing in Lake Poinsett is the abundance of walleye. The lake also boasts healthy populations of black crappie and white crappie. Smallmouth bass are another popular species that can be found here. Chinook salmon is a unique and exciting addition to Lake Poinsett's fishing opportunities. Northern pike are also prevalent and offer anglers a chance to reel in a formidable catch. Yellow perch and white bass add to the diversity of species in the lake. Channel catfish round out the list of popular fish species in Lake Poinsett.

Ice fishing for walleye, perch and crappie is popular in winter, and the fishing is considered good pretty much year round. Areas for fishing from the bank are available at the recreation areas, campgrounds and some open areas of shore around the lake. Lodging, restaurants and stores are all at, or nearby, the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Poinsett

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Poinsett Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Poinsett Campground 1 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off S Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Poinsett NE Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off 458th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lake Poinsett NW Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off NW Lake Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Lake Poinsett SW Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off US Highway 81, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.