Wild + WilderThe pioneer spirit comes alive in De Smet, where abundant wildlife and outdoor recreation mix with the rich history of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who left her mark on this colorful town over 100 years ago.
With throusands of acres of public lands and numerous pothole lakes and sloughs, the open prairies around De Smet and Kingsbury County are a favorite spot for hunters and fishermen. Head out on your own or with the help of one of our experienced guide services. Lake Thompson and Dry Lake #2 are both a short drive from De Smet and offer great open water and ice fishing. Sloughs, grasslands and open fields provide ideal habitat for pheasant and whitetail deer to thrive. Geese and ducks pass through on their seasonal migration filling sloughs and lakes.
Sportsman will find lodging friendly to their needs from rural lodges to clean motels and quiet campgrounds to comfortable B&Bs. Grab supplies and gear at our local hunting and fishing store stocked with guns, ammo, live bait, tackle and more.
For a complete list of public hunting areas, regulations and fees, refer to gfp.sd.gov, SD GFP OUTDOORS app for contact the SD Department of Game, Fish & Parks district office in Huron 605-353-7145.
LAKE THOMPSON:
Located eight miles southeast of De Smet. Lake Thompson is the second-largest natural glacial lake in South Dakota. This 16,236-acre lake is filled with Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch and Crappies.
Bird watching is also a popular pastime at Lake Thompson. Many enthusiasts have spotted Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits, Wilson’s Phalarope, waterfowl, shorebirds in migration and Ross’ Geese with huge flocks of Snow Geese.
SPIRIT LAKE:
Located seven miles northwest of De Smet, Spirit Lake is 1,259 acres and 11 feet at its deepest point. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Northern Pike, Walleye, White Crappie, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch.
DRY LAKE #2:
Approximately 25 miles north of De Smet, Dry Lake #2 is one of the hottest lakes going for monster Master Angler yellow perch along with lots of walleyes. This lake draws fishermen from many states that stop in De Smet for supplies. It is a 6,475 acre sport fishing lake with a maximum depth of 15 feet 4 inches with many other lakes in close proximity.
Fields Fish & Game
Stop in for bait, tackle, and hunting and fishing licenses. A wide selection of guns and ammo are available. Flying in from out-of-state, order your ammo ahead and Fields Fish & Game will have it ready for you to pickup.
109 4th St SW (corner of US Hwy 14 & SD Hwy 25).
(605) 860-2334
fieldsfishandgame.com
Backroads Guide Service
Ryan Sauter has been a hunting and fishing guide in the area for years. Open water and ice fishing, pheasant and waterfowl hunting, and he also has lodging available in Lake Preston, only about 10 miles from De Smet.
605-690-5491
Facebook: Dakota Backroads Guide Service and Lodge
Mentzer Outfitters
Parker Mentzer provides fishing and hunting guide services, and is located in Lake Preston.
402-671-4480
Facebook: parkermentzer
Blue Line Guide Service
Cory Rogers guides on all area lakes, and specializes in large and smallmouth bass.
702-419-5796
4buck4dogs@gmail.com
Gott Walleye Guide Service
Jeff Gottbreht guides open water fishing excursions from the Lake Thompson area all the way out to the Missouri River and Lake Oahe.
402-440-5091
walleye2025@gmail.com
Prairie House Manor Bed & Breakfast
One of De Smet’s historic homes, featured in the Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House” books. You can stay in one of their five rooms, with breakfast included.
Owner: Eric Fairchild & Rob Mann
www.prairiehousemanor.com
209 SD-25, De Smet, SD
605-868-1303
Eagle Landing Lodge
Who wouldn’t want an eagle’s nest as their neighbor? Aptly named, this is a quiet and private lodge that sleeps up to eight people comfortably. Located by Lake Thompson and Lake Preston.
www.eaglelandinglodge.com
43169 218th Street, De Smet, SD
605-203-1104 or 605-203-1106
Super Deluxe Inn and Suites
This hotel hosts hunters and fishermen from all over, all year round. With a fish-cleaning station, BBQ area, and an indoor pool and jacuzzi, what more could you want? Located in De Smet and central to many fishing and hunting areas.
288 US 14, De Smet, SD
605-854-9388
Cottage Inn
This motel is located right in De Smet near the intersection of Highways 25 & 14. Owned and operated by the Myers family since 1948, they have nightly, weekly, and monthly rates.
US 14, De Smet, SD
605-203-0410
The Bird Dog Inn
Located in Erwin SD, this is a dog-friendly property that can hold up to 8-10 hunters and dogs.
Owners: Mike & Garrett Baker
www.birddoginn.com
200 Third St West, Erwin, SD
814-366-3634
Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Part of the state park system, this campground offers 103 campsites, four cabins and a five-bedroom group rental lodge perfect for hunters, fisherman or reunions. A playground, beach, boat dock, two comfort stations, dump station and fish cleaning station are also available.
21176 Flood Club Road, Lake Preston, SD 57249
605-847-4893
LakeThompson@state.sd.us
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/lake-thompson-recreation-area/
North Shore Campground
Located on the banks of Lake Thompson near the state park, North Shore has something for everyone. The Rusty Lure Lodge sleeps up to 20, or you can rent their cabin or fifth wheel if you don’t have your own camper to bring to their full hook-up sites.
www.lakethompsonvacations.com
605-690-5729
Dakota Prairie Lodging
This renovated farmhouse located between De Smet and Lake Preston can sleep 15 people comfortably. Pets allowed, just not in the living quarters. Large area to park boats and other toys.
www.dakotaprairielodging.com
43991 Hwy 14, Lake Preston SD
605-860-1326
Lone Pine Lodge
Located in Lake Preston, close to Lake Whitewood and Lake Thompson as well as many sloughs. This three-bed, two-bath mobile home will comfortably sleep six.
Check them out on Facebook at “Lone Pine Lodge”
21144 441st Ave, Lake Preston, SD
605-860-8724
Salt and Light Retreat
Located in rural Hayti, Salt and Light is a one-bedroom, one-bath AirBnB. Need to relax? Then this is the place for you.
605-881-9988
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