
South Dakota Fishing Report – August 12, 2026 – video
The number of good walleyes being caught has definitely decreased because of the heat, but hopefully, expected cooler temps will improve the bite.

The number of good walleyes being caught has definitely decreased because of the heat, but hopefully, expected cooler temps will improve the bite.

Busting out the jigs and slamming the eater walleyes and jumbo perch in northern Minnesota, fishing with both plastics (Mimic Minnows) and shiner minnows.

Finding a lot of fish sliding into their summer patterns and the fish size is getting better as well. Some full-proof ways to catch them right now.

Fish are still being caught on slip bobbers and jigs but it won’t be long before we see the transition to bottom-bouncers and spinners. Courtesy of Devils Lake Tourism.

Hot, hot, hot, which is warming water temps in a big way. Super top-water bite going on here.

Planning for and understanding how to take good care of these fish and releasing them in a timely manner greatly increases their chances of survival.

The weather has had a tight grip on eastern South Dakota, with plenty of wind and heat. The wind definitely kept many off the water, but plenty of fish still being caught.

As hot as the weather has been, the walleye bite has been scorching, too. Here’s what anglers are using to land those ‘eyes. And the northern pike continue to hit just about anything.

Leisure Outdoor Adventures guide Jason Freed walks through his three-pronged approach of walleye fishing with live bait.

Panfishing continues to heat up along with the weather.
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