Lake Thompson near De Smet, SD
                                       (May-November)
                         “The Big Lake on the Prairie”

Lake Thompson is South Dakota’s best-kept secret
to the outside fishing world.  This sprawling prairie lake
at 15,000 – 20,000 acres is South Dakota’s second largest
natural lake.  Similar too the size of the lake, its inhabitants
get big too.  The primary fish is walleye but they are not the
only game in town. Crappies up to two pounds, 4-5 lb smallmouth,
northern pike, and perch over a pound may congregate in large
schools and provide fast action.
      Unique to Lake Thompson is the shallow water fishing.  
If you have never caught a walleye in extremely shallow
water and felt the fight of these tackle busting brutes,
than Lake Thompson is an experience you should
definitely try.        
    Lake Thompson is located between De Smet and Lake
Preston, SD approximately 90 miles northwest of Sioux Falls,
SD.  De Smet, SD was the setting for the Laura Ingalls Wilder
book "The Little Town on the Prairie" while visiting see her
childhood home and the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum.