Glacial Lakes Trip 2023

[curtisce]

Annual trip to SD Glacial Lakes region. Endded up fishing 17days. Stayed in the town of eden for 3 nights because you can only camp at roy Lake for 2 weekd max. first day we went to Big Stone Lake which is right on the MN/SD line. Tournament there the week before had 18 boats, 11 weighed in over 20#. Unfortunately for us the wind was blowing straight up the lake at 25+ so we were limited and didn't do too well.This year was different from other years. Typically we would be wearing outer gear for warm and wind protection, this year other than a few days it was hot. The wind still blew, the whole first week we had 20+ winds every day. Luckily the lakes aren't that bigg and yo can hide from it some. Still had times when the trolling motor was comeing out of the water. Thank god for spotlock.Started the nxt day at Cattail, 2nd fish was a 5 1/2# smallie, my biggest bass for the trip. The lake use to yield only big smallmouth typically 4# or better. It's getting pressured and we're catching smaller ones no but still some big ones.Early on the inlet to the lake was attracting the poke since the warmer inflow wsa bringing the bait fish in. Later on the whole lake warmer up. This year the ice came off the lake about a week later than usual. Hot weather set in and in about 2 1/2 weeks later the water was just below 60. When we left 2 weeks later is was 75. I'm sure it confused the fish as much as it did us. The small mouth still came up on the rocks but the LM were tougher to find on most lakes. My brother and I were there the whole time and we had friends of his come up for several days. 2  of my friends from MO came up for the second week.We fished 10 different lakes.. Each one favors different fish, a couple are mainly SM others for LM Several are best for walleye. Pike are found in most but not all of them. one spot of particular interest is what the call the grade. It is where they had to raaise up the hiway on a grade because of the rising water. the lake to the east is surrounded by private lane except where it hits the grade. There is a evening bite for wallaye there some better than others. My brother was the first to go there about 5 years ago. He came back with 1 walleye, a nice one about 22". He said he caught 22 but couls only bring 1 back becuse you are only allowed 1 over 20"This year we hit it twice with 4 or 5 guys caught 60 walleye  including two 7# that were released. we don't get the size we use to but most are 16-19".

      Aside from fishing I love watching the waterfowl. Lots of ducks in their peak spring plummage flying ing pairs or at time a couple  rakes chasing a hen. constant goose honking from the shores where they were nesting. The area is rolling hills of green pastures or cropland  with small lakes everywhere that formed over farmland back in the 80's. Club Eden is where  we head at night if were not doing a fish fry at camp. $4.75 for a 22oz IPA, play Shake A Day and you might win a free one.

     After 17 days of fishing we were a bit beat up but we broke camp. Boots the camp host came by and said goodbye, said we'll see you next year.

[Dutch]

Great fish.  I’m glad you had a good time.

[Ham]

4 hours ago, curtisce said:

Annual trip to SD Glacial Lakes region. Endded up fishing 17days.

Dang! A man can trip of a trip like that.

that all sounds Wonderful, Wonderful!

except for the 20 plus wind

[curtisce]

24 minutes ago, Ham said:

Dang! A man can trip of a trip like that.

that all sounds Wonderful, Wonderful!

except for the 20 plus wind

Wind can be tough but no wind brings out the gnats. The second week was better if mild to moderate wind.

[BilletHead]

              Great report Curt! I appreciate all the pictures you always send me as you catch pretty much daily. 

[Quillback]

Some very nice quality fish!  

[DADAKOTA]

Looks like an outstanding trip.