Hunting and Fishing
Wild + Wilder
The 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 thousands 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 a short drive from De Smet and offer great open-water and ice-fishing opportunities. 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.
Sportsmen will find lodging friendly to their needs, from rural lodges to clean motels and quiet campgrounds to comfortable B&Bs. Grab supplies, live bait, tackle, or get your license at local stores.
For a complete list of public hunting areas, regulations, and fees, refer to gfp.sd.gov, the SD GFP OUTDOORS app, or contact the SD Department of Game, Fish & Parks district office in Huron at 605-353-7145.
Area Lakes
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 who 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 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.
Fields Fish & Game is located at 109 4th St SW (corner of US Hwy 14 & SD Hwy 25).
Phone: 605-860-2334
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.
Phone: 605-690-5491
Parker Mentzer provides fishing and hunting guide services and is located in Lake Preston.
Phone: 402-671-4480
Cory Rogers guides on all area lakes and specializes in large and smallmouth bass.
Phone: 702-419-5796
Jeff Gottbreht guides open water fishing excursions from the Lake Thompson area all the way out to the Missouri River and Lake Oahe.
Phone: 402-440-5091
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.
Owners: Eric Fairchild & Rob Mann
209 SD-25
De Smet, SD
Phone: 605-868-1303
Who wouldn’t want an eagle’s nest as their neighbor? Aptly named, this is a quiet, private lodge that comfortably sleeps up to eight people. Located south of De Smet near Lake Thompson and Lake Preston.
43169 218th Street
De Smet, SD
Phone: 605-203-1104 or 605-203-1106
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
Phone: 605-854-9388
Located right in De Smet near the intersection of Highways 25 & 14, the Cottage Inn Motel has been owned and operated by the Myers family since 1948. They offer nightly, weekly, and monthly rates.
US 14
De Smet, SD
Phone: 605-203-0410
Located in Erwin, SD, this dog-friendly property can accommodate up to 8-10 hunters and dogs.
Owners: Mike & Garrett Baker
200 Third St West
Erwin, SD
Phone: 814-366-3634
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, a dump station, and a fish cleaning station are also available.
21176 Flood Club Road
Lake Preston, SD 57249
Phone: 605-847-4893
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.
Phone: 605-690-5729
This renovated farmhouse, located between De Smet and Lake Preston, comfortably sleeps up to 15 people. Pets allowed, just not in the living quarters. A large area for parking boats and other toys makes arrival and departure easy.
43991 Hwy 14
Lake Preston, SD
Phone: 605-860-1326
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.
21144 441st Ave
Lake Preston, SD
Phone: 605-860-8724
Check them out on Facebook at "Lone Pine Lodge"
Located in rural Hayti, Salt and Light is a one-bedroom, one-bath AirBnB. Need to relax? Then this is the place for you.
Phone: 605-881-9988
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