Brookings, SD – January 2020
5:17
Mike Tietjen is host of the “Wild Dakota Outdoor” television show and is founder of “Mike’s Minute,” a Facebook page that includes 60-second video tips about fishing, rigging, using AMSOIL products and more. Check out Wild Dakota’s Facebook page for more.
Before the recent cold front, Brookings had warm temperatures as well as 40-mph winds, causing pressure ridges throughout the lakes. The warm sun has caused honeycomb ice, which means it can turn into unsafe ice after the water drains off. After the recent cold front of negative temperatures, the lakes have formed up to 20 inches of ice. Due to the pressure ridges and honeycomb ice that was developed, you really have to know where you’re going. There is still some open water over dams and bridges. Mike suggests you check with the local bait shop on current conditions and areas to avoid. He also recommends waiting until later in March for ATVs/UTVs and trucks. Safety first, then fishing!
There are four main lakes with outstanding fishing.
Dry Lake Number Two is north of Willow Lake, S.D., where anglers are catching 14”-16” trophy perch and it will only get stronger throughout the month of March. Mike suggests looking for mud and sand flats to try and locate a school of perch. Look for trees sticking out of the ice to take precautions for unsafe ice. The walleye and northern pike bite is amazing. He recommends using tip-ups with big minnows. You definitely have the chance to catch a trophy walleye or northern pike at this lake.
Dry Lake Number One is by Clark, S.D., and is mainly a walleye and perch lake. The perch average 14½” but can get up to two pounds. Perch are usually in around 7’-8’ of water and on mud and sand flats. Acme Kastmaster or any type of spoons will work. Try throwing half a minnow down and it could bring in a school of fish.
Lake Henry is close to Lake Thompson and has A LOT of northern pike. You want to search for dirty water. Spoons and minnow heads work for both walleyes and northern pike.
Lake Pan Set is the largest natural lake with jumbo crappies, walleyes and northern pike. Move around a lot and look for the basin areas and 14’ of water.
It’s cold and it’s only going to get better as March goes on and into April. Mike Tietjen recommends fishing guide Ryan Sauter, in Brookings, S.D. Again, to get more information and updates, either go to the Wild Dakota or Mike’s Minute Facebook pages.
MIKE TIETJEN:
(605) 695-2705
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