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South Dakota · Fishing
Madison sits in the middle of Lake County, and the fishing around town is built around a handful of connected glacial lakes and sloughs that hold fish year-round.
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Madison sits in the middle of Lake County, and the fishing around town is built around a handful of connected glacial lakes and sloughs that hold fish year-round. Lake Herman is the anchor — a public lake with established access that draws anglers for walleye, perch, and bass depending on the season. Reynolds Slough and Herman Slough round out the local options, both offering the kind of shallow, weedy water that tends to hold fish when the bigger lake gets pressure or turns over in early fall. None of these are destination fisheries that require a long drive or a boat with a big motor. Most spots are accessible from the bank or with a small craft, which makes Madison a reasonable base for someone who wants to fish a few different waters over a weekend without burning half the day in a truck. South Dakota fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and the Game, Fish and Parks regulations booklet covers slot limits and possession rules that apply to these waters — worth reading before you go rather than after.
Lake Herman is managed for walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Walleye are the most sought-after target, particularly in spring and early summer when they're active in shallower water. Perch fishing can be productive through the ice in winter.
Yes, especially if you prefer slower, shallower water or want to avoid boat traffic. Sloughs like these tend to hold panfish and bass in warmer months, and the vegetation provides cover that concentrates fish. They're better suited to light tackle or fly fishing than to trolling setups.
Lake Herman
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Big Sioux River - Sioux Falls
~1h 4m drive
Easy
Herman Slough
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Lake Poinsett - Estelline Access
~1h 12m drive
Easy
Reynolds Slough
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Lake Mitchell
~1h 19m drive
Easy
Crane Slough
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Round Lake
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Otter Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Scotts Slough
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Englehardt Slough
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Lake Henry
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near SD.
Also worth it near here
Lake Herman State Park provides bank access and a boat ramp, so you can fish without a boat if needed. The sloughs are generally small enough that a kayak or canoe is more practical than a motorized boat anyway. Check current park access conditions with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks before your trip.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for walleye and bass on these waters. Midday fishing in summer slows down as water temperatures rise and fish move deeper or into shaded cover. On overcast days, walleye in particular will feed throughout the day.
Anyone 16 or older needs a valid South Dakota fishing license. You can purchase one online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website or at local sporting goods retailers in Madison. Make sure to check the current regulation booklet for any special rules that apply to Lake Herman or Lake County waters specifically.
