The prairie lakes of South Dakota host some of the best walleye action in the midwest. Al Lindner and Jeff Simpson are in South Dakota targeting shallow water walleyes using hair jigs. Using artificial baits, like hair jigs, can be very effective for walleye. VMC Moontail Jig has a TechSet technical locking curve that maximizes hook sets and locks fish in place. Oversized flat aspirin head shape enhances darting and rolling head motion when jigged. Low-profile elongated bucktail fibres maintain shape and create life-like action. UV BRIGHT Finish reflects more light energy, strengthening the lure’s visibility.
Understanding structure of the lakes when fishing for walleye. While prairie lakes may not have many traditional structures, such as rocks or submerged trees, there are still key spots where the fish tend to congregate. These spots can include weed edges, riprap, and even subtle changes in the bottom contour. The host emphasizes the need to fish any area that looks promising, as there could be fish present.
Walleye Fishing Adventure in the Dakotas: A Prairie Lake Paradise
The Call to Adventure
There’s something special about the wide-open waters of South Dakota, and when Jeff walked into the office after a recent trip, he had nothing but great things to say about the walleye fishing. It didn’t take much convincing—Al was in. It had been too long since they had fished together, and with the bite on, it was the perfect time to hit the water. Their plan? A few days of chasing walleyes across the prairie lakes of the Dakotas, making memories, and testing out some new gear along the way.
Hitting the Water
Launching the boat was a breeze thanks to the roller trailer system, and it wasn’t long before they were into the action. Jeff hooked into a solid fish right away. “This one’s got some beef to him!” he called out as the rod bent under the weight. Al didn’t waste any time either—another walleye was on. The depth finder was lighting up, confirming they were in the right spot.
The Magic of the Prairie Lakes
There’s something unique about fishing these waters. The clear, shallow lakes don’t look like your typical walleye habitat, but they’re absolutely packed with fish. “Every time I come here, I think this should be a bass lake,” Al mused, “but these prairie lakes are filled with fantastic walleye fishing.”
The walleyes were hitting a variety of presentations, but snap jigging with a moontail jig was proving to be a favorite. As the day went on, the fish continued to bite, and the action was steady. One particularly strong fish had Al thinking it might be the best of the day. “Only takes me about three fish before I start switching things up,” he joked, eyeing the ripping rap for the next bite.
Finding the Right Pattern
Every day on the water is a puzzle, and today was no different. They started in the shallows, fishing four to six feet of water near the weeds. With the wind coming in, it seemed like a promising spot. As they moved down the shoreline, they adjusted their approach—slowly working deeper, hitting five to eight feet, then targeting fish at 10 to 13 feet as they marked them on the depth finder.
“We know what walleyes look like on the hummingbird,” Jeff noted. “We just started contacting fish, and every day is a process of elimination.”
Changing Conditions, Consistent Fishing
Fishing conditions can change quickly, but the bite remained steady. The water temperature was around 74°F, a little cooler than it had been just days before when temperatures had soared into the upper 90s. A passing cold front had brought some relief, but the fish were still fired up. “Sometimes these fronts don’t even bother the fish,” Al said. “If you’re on a lake with a lot of fish, there’s always a way to catch them.”
And catching them they were. Al’s first fish on the new St. Croix Icon Series rod was a special one, and he took a moment to appreciate the gear upgrade. Meanwhile, Jeff decided it was time for a color change. Al had switched to black, a bold choice given the foot-and-a-half water clarity, but he knew these fish fed on bullheads. It was paying off.
The Beauty of Structure
Though many prairie lakes appear featureless at first glance, structure exists if you know where to look. Riprap shorelines, weed edges, and even slight changes in bottom contour can all hold fish. “Even a one-foot difference in the bottom—that’s structure,” Jeff explained. “Fish anything that looks like it could hold fish, because chances are, it does.”
Targeting the Active Ones
Watching the depth finder, they spotted another batch of fish holding just off the bottom—usually a sign of active feeders. Jeff marked a fish directly under the boat, dropped his jig down, and felt the unmistakable thump of a walleye inhaling the bait. “Saw him on the hummingbird, dropped back to him, and boom—she smacked it!” he said, grinning.
With fish coming in steadily, the day was shaping up to be one for the books. But the adventure was far from over—there were more lakes to explore, more techniques to test, and plenty more walleyes to catch.
The Ultimate Walleye Fishing Experience: Techniques, Gear, and Insights
The Power of Modern Fishing Electronics
One of the most valuable tools for walleye fishing is advanced electronics. Having the ability to spot-lock, stow the motor, and control boat positioning remotely makes fishing both efficient and enjoyable. The integration of remote-controlled motors allows for seamless transitions between spots, making them a must-have for serious anglers.
Essential Walleye Fishing Gear
At Angling Edge, a reliable spinning combo is key to success. The Daiwa 2500 size reel, particularly the Ballistic model, is a top choice due to its dependability and smooth drag system. This reel has stood the test of time, providing anglers with an affordable and efficient tool for their tackle boxes.
Another essential component is the fishing line. The Sufix Advanced Mono paired with a six-foot Sufix Fluorocarbon leader in an eight-pound test makes for a highly effective jigging setup. The use of high-visibility line enhances the ability to detect bites, an important factor in walleye fishing.
The Effectiveness of Jig Fishing
Jigging remains a primary technique for catching walleye, and the VMC Moontail Jig is regarded as one of the best jigs available. Designed with a large hook eye, flat sides for a faster drop, and the perfect length of hair, this jig has been optimized over years of development. Whether fishing in shallow weeds or deeper structures, this jig consistently produces results.
Throughout the day, a mix of shallow and deep-water fishing yielded excellent results. Early morning bites were strong, while the midday period required slight adjustments in color and presentation. The afternoon session saw a resurgence in activity, with multiple fish caught using the black jig.
Fishing depths varied from four to six feet in the weeds to ten to thirteen feet in deeper waters, demonstrating the adaptability of walleye behavior. The ability to adjust techniques and locations was key to a successful outing.
Some of the most exciting moments of the day involved battling tough, hard-hitting walleyes. The thrill of a strong hookset, feeling the fish fight, and finally landing a solid catch is what makes walleye fishing so rewarding. Despite a lack of giant walleyes, the consistent action and quality fish made for an unforgettable day.
The Effectiveness of Boat Control and Electronics
Moving on, the host discusses the effectiveness of boat control and electronics in walleye fishing. They mention the convenience of using a remote control to operate the boat, allowing them to fish from the back while still having full control. They highlight the benefits of having electronics, such as a Humminbird fish finder, to locate fish and structure underwater. The host also praises the versatility of the motor they are using, which allows for spot locking and easy maneuvering.
The Importance of Quality Equipment
The host emphasizes the importance of using quality equipment when fishing for walleye. They recommend using a Daiwa 2500 size spinning reel, specifically the Ballistic model, which they describe as dependable and affordable. They also mention the use of Suffix Advanced Mono fishing line and a Suffix fluorocarbon leader. The host explains that using a line that is visible against the water can make a difference in jig fishing.
The Success of Hair Jigs
The host continues to discuss the success they have had with hair jigs for walleye fishing. They specifically mention the VMC Moon Tail Jig as the best walleye jig on the market. They praise its design, including the hook, the flat sides, and the length of hair. The host reveals that they worked with VMC to design this jig and express their pride in its effectiveness. They recommend every walleye fisherman to have one in their tackle box.
The Beauty of Catch and Release
The host expresses their appreciation for catch and release fishing. They mention the importance of preserving the fish population and ensuring future generations can enjoy the sport. They emphasize the need to handle the fish with care and release them back into the water promptly, especially during warm water conditions.
In conclusion, fishing for walleye in prairie lakes using hair jigs can be an exhilarating experience. The excitement of the catch, the importance of understanding the lake’s structure, the versatility of hair jigs, the effectiveness of boat control and electronics, the significance of quality equipment, and the success of hair jigs all contribute to a successful fishing trip.
