Lake Thompson
One of South Dakota's largest natural lakes, about 6 miles southwest of Lake Preston near De Smet. The lake was dry in the 1930s, refilled in the 1980s, and is now a popular walleye, northern pike and yellow perch lake.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Wind-blown shorelines and rocky points in spring and fall. Jigs with minnows, crawler harnesses or trolled crankbaits in summer.
Yellow Perch
Often best through the ice. Small jigs tipped with minnow heads or waxworms.
Northern Pike
Shallow bays and flooded vegetation early in spring, and tip-ups in winter.
Crappie
Present in smaller numbers. Look around flooded trees and rock in spring.
Largemouth Bass
Present in smaller numbers in shallow, weedy areas in summer.
Boat launches
4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Lake Thompson Recreation AreaFeeSD Game, Fish & Parks state recreation area off US 14. Ramp, campground, cabins, fish cleaning station. Park entrance license requiredDirections ↗
- Thompson Southwest Public Water AccessPublicSD GFP boat ramp on the southwest shoreDirections ↗
- Thompson Northeast Public Water AccessPublicSD GFP boat ramp on the northeast shoreDirections ↗
- Lake Thompson Land Use AreaPublicSD GFP boat ramp near De SmetDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Thompson are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Lake Thompson ↗Local tips
- The lake is big, shallow and open to prairie wind, so waves build fast. Watch the forecast and stay off in strong wind.
- The recreation area has a fish cleaning station, campground and cabins, which makes it a good base for multi-day trips.
- Ice thickness varies across this large lake; check local reports before driving or walking out.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More South Dakota lakes
Lake Sharpe Waubay Lake Belle Fourche Reservoir Lake Preston Lake Kampeska Whitewood Lake Lake Andes Shadehill Reservoir All South Dakota lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.