Lake Thompson near De Smet, SD
(May-October)
Lake Thompson is South Dakota’s best-kept secret to the outside fishing world.
This sprawling prairie lake of 10,000 acres is South Dakota’s second largest
natural lake. Similar too the size of the lake, its inhabitants get big too. The
primary species are walleyes, but they are not the only game in town. Get more
"bang for your buck" with slab crappies up to 2 lbs, trophy smallmouth bass up to 6 lbs,
plus bonus northern pike, and jumbo perch.
(May-October)
Lake Thompson is South Dakota’s best-kept secret to the outside fishing world.
This sprawling prairie lake of 10,000 acres is South Dakota’s second largest
natural lake. Similar too the size of the lake, its inhabitants get big too. The
primary species are walleyes, but they are not the only game in town. Get more
"bang for your buck" with slab crappies up to 2 lbs, trophy smallmouth bass up to 6 lbs,
plus bonus northern pike, and jumbo perch.
Unique to Lake Thompson is the shallow water fishing or as we call it "combat 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 definitely should try.
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 definitely should try.
Lake Thompson is located near De Smet, SD
approximately 90 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, SD.
The prairie scenery of De Smet was the setting for the
Laura Ingalls Wilder book "The Little Town on the
Prairie" her childhood home and the Wilder museum
attracts visitors from all over the world
(www.ingallshomestead.com).
approximately 90 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, SD.
The prairie scenery of De Smet was the setting for the
Laura Ingalls Wilder book "The Little Town on the
Prairie" her childhood home and the Wilder museum
attracts visitors from all over the world
(www.ingallshomestead.com).
Lodging is plentiful and diverse. The De Smet Super Deluxe Inn
(www.desmetsuperdeluxeinn.com) offers a continental breakfast, indoor swimming
pool, and hot tub.
The Cottage Inn Motel (800.848.0215) offers affordable and clean rooms with
outstanding customer service (www.desmetoxbow.com).
Highly recommended is the plush Prairie House Manor, this bed and breakfast is
an experience in itself (www.prairiehousemanor.com).
For the camping enthusiasts The Lake Thompson Recreation Area is located on
the lake's shoreline. The state of the art campground has over 120 electrical
campsites, a boat ramp, camping cabins, and showers
(www.sdgfp.info/parks/index.htm).
Located at the park entrance is the North Shore Bar & Grill. Enjoy a steak and
drinks lakeside.
For more information on De Smet, SD (www.desmetsd.com).
(www.desmetsuperdeluxeinn.com) offers a continental breakfast, indoor swimming
pool, and hot tub.
The Cottage Inn Motel (800.848.0215) offers affordable and clean rooms with
outstanding customer service (www.desmetoxbow.com).
Highly recommended is the plush Prairie House Manor, this bed and breakfast is
an experience in itself (www.prairiehousemanor.com).
For the camping enthusiasts The Lake Thompson Recreation Area is located on
the lake's shoreline. The state of the art campground has over 120 electrical
campsites, a boat ramp, camping cabins, and showers
(www.sdgfp.info/parks/index.htm).
Located at the park entrance is the North Shore Bar & Grill. Enjoy a steak and
drinks lakeside.
For more information on De Smet, SD (www.desmetsd.com).
| Slab crappies will put a smile on your face! |
| Walleyes are the name of the game on Lake Thompson |
| Hotels, motels, camping, and bed & breakfasts provide diverse options for the outdoor enthusiasts "Prairie House Manor" |
| Walleyes, bass, crappies, perch, and this bonus pike demonstrates why Lake Thompson offers more "bang for your buck." |
| Click on Map to View/Enlarge |