Black Hills Region Fishing Report
Ice conditions across the lakes within the Hills are still quite good and should remain that way for a while yet. However, shoreline access on some lakes will start to go soon as the sun continues to get higher in the sky by the day, beating down on the thinnest ice there. Small lakes are already seeing ice at the shore breaking up during the afternoon and refreezing at night. But while the plains lakes are seeing little activity, the fish activity in the Hills lakes are starting to pick up as the days start growing longer, signaling the start of prespawn behavior. Current reports are as follows:
Angostura and Belle Fourche Reservoirs continue to see little to no walleye fishing activity as they are still loaded with bait fish and bites have been few and far between. With the higher sun and warmer temps on the way, they may not be accessible currently until ice off. Pactola Reservoir is seeing a good rainbow and bluegill bite at present, particularly along the southern shore areas. Pike activity is picking up in Jenny Gulch and lake trout are being caught here and there on the main body, though no talk about what depths or lures at present, though dead sticks tipped with shiners are typically the best attractant this time of year.
Deerfield has the thickest ice in the Hills currently at over 3′ thick. Auger extensions are recommended and the ice should remain thick for a while yet, though shoreline access will bear watching as the calendar heads toward April. Perch are still being caught in most bays and by the dam in large numbers, but size is, as always, an issue. Smaller trout are also being caught suspended in 10-15′ of water. Stockade has 2′ of ice on it and has a decent bluegill and crappie bite happening, but lots of drilling and moving is required as they are suspended over 20′ of water and on the move most days. Gills should start moving back into the shallows as the light of the day continues to increase and weeds start turning green again. Sheridan has 2′ of ice as well, though shoreline access could start to go in the next couple of weeks. Good panfish and trout bites are being reported around Dakota Point, the north marina, and Chipper Bay in the south campground area. Some good pike are also being caught on tip-ups.
The trout lakes (Sylvan, Center, Lakota, Mitchell, Bismarck) still have good ice, though north side shorelines are starting to get a bit weak. Reports from Center indicate that fishermen are breaking through in the afternoons within 5′ of shore so accessing these lakes is starting to become an issue, especially midday. Use caution if going to these lakes. Trout bites have tapered off a bit in these places as well, though smaller minnows hooked onto panfish jigs have been working best. With the coming warmer weather, going elsewhere may be more prudent.
For more information or current fishing tips in the Black Hills region, please email Scott Olson at dr.auger81@hotmail.com or look him up on Facebook at Dr. Auger Ice Fishing Services, LLC or on the web at www.drauger81.wixsite.com/drauger81.