Ice Fishing

About 20,000 years ago, the Wisconsin glacier inched its way across North America. As the ice shelf entered South Dakota it split into two distinct formations. In the Northeast part of the state, a highland area of land emerged between the split... known as the 'Coteau des Prairies' (Hills of the Prairie).

As the glaciers began to retreat at the end of the ice age, they scoured holes in the landscape and left massive chunks of standing ice. Over time, these 'Kettle Lakes' were filled with glacial melt. The glacial retreat scattered deposits of boulders, rock, gravel and sand (also known as 'Glacial Till') throughout the landscape. This series of events created what we now call the 'Glacial Lakes' of Northeast South Dakota.

In the 1990's, record snowfall and rain flooded the fertile prairie grass and agricultural land surrounding the original lakes. This precipitation quickly transformed the Glacial Lakes into the world-class fisheries they are today. Freshwater shrimp, crawfish, and young-of-the-year panish contribute to an abundant forage base for predatory fish. A flourishing mixture of aquatic grasses keep these lakes saturated with oxygen and provide cover and concealment for all fish species. Flooded road beds, stock dams, farm houses, standing timber, rock piles. and sand/gravel bars are common forms of fishing structure, 

The shallower (4-8' Mean Depth), slough-like lakes are cyclical in nature.  Gamefish grow rapidly and in great numbers. Trophy sized walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike are pulled from these waters in great abundance. In addition to the dozens of slough-like complexes, there are a handful of relatively deep, clear-water fisheries in the area that offer additional angling opportunities. Many of these lakes provide world-class largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. Bass fishing in this part of the world is overlooked, and can be considered an untapped resource. These lakes are also home to trophy crappie and bluegill populations. With so many choices within an hour drive of Webster, this is truly a sportsman's paradise.

West Lake Okoboji (3,800 Acres) is one of only three "Bluewater Lakes" in the entire world! On a calm day, it is possible to see the lake bottom in 20'. West Okoboji is the clearest and deepest lake in the chain, with a maximum depth of 140'. This glacial lake offers a variety of aquatic vegetation, rock structure, and docks making it an anglers dream. Trophy panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, crappie, perch, and yellow bass) is the primary ice fishing venture. However, guests can expect to encounter walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and even the elusive muskellunge. The exceptionally clear water on West can make angling difficult at times. However, downsizing equipment and bait presentations will result in a productive harvest. 

East Lake Okoboji (1,800 Acres), which includes the tributary chain of Upper/Lower Gar and Minnewasta), is also known for its exceptional panfish population. East Okoboji is much shallower than Western counterpart, with a maximum depth of 30'. Panfish, walleye, and bass can be caught in great size and quantity when targeting isolated structure and scouting the basin for roaming fish. The weed growth is Minnewasta also makes it a very popular destination on East Lake. 

Big Spirit Lake (5,600 Acres) is the largest of the three, and can be described as a cross between the two Okoboji's. Big Spirit is a shallower bowl-spaped lake similar to East Okoboji and possesses similar water clarity. However, it shares the same expansive weediness and rock formations found in West Okoboji. These fish holding structures makes the angling opportunity incredible. Yellow Perch are the primary target through the ice. Although sorting is usually needed to fill a limit of big fish, the action is non-stop. Walleye are also a prime target during the ice fishing season and can be tracked across the main basin and near shallow rock/sand transitions during low-light. Bluegill, crappie, northern pike and muskellunge are also common, as well as arguably the best smallmouth bass fishing in the state of Iowa. 

Despite being located in or near the urban centers of Omaha and Lincoln, a surprisingly good panfish, bass, and catfish bite can be found within minutes of home! A guided trip in the Metro areas can be just what the doctor ordered when winter's got you or your family feeling stir-crazy. We are excited to offer 'Intro to Ice Fishing' style trips in the metro areas!

Omaha Lakes: Prairie Queen, Lawrence Youngman, Flanagan, Whitehawk, and more

Lincoln / Salt Valley Lakes: Connestoga, Yankee Hill, Wildwood, Wanahoo, and more