It’s no secret that northeast South Dakota features fantastic fishing. The Glacial Lakes region is known for tremendous walleye fishing, jumbo yellow perch, and abundant northern pike with fisheries such as Bitter Lake, Waubay Lake, Dry Lake #2, Indian Springs, and Lake Poinsett stealing the headlines. It may not seem like it, but there are indeed under the radar spots still available in the northeast corner of the state!
One of these under the radar spots is Roy Lake State Park. Sitting on the shores of Roy Lake, Roy Lake State Park offers two campgrounds, 6 modern cabins, and 6 hotel-style suites. This means whether you’re an avid camper, or prefer the comforts of home, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
Sitting right on the shoreline, the decks of each cabin have the perfect view as the sunsets over the water. Ample parking allows anglers to keep their boats right next to their cabin, and anglers without boats can fish right off the shore, access docks, or rent a kayak from the park. Between the cabins, boat ramp, and park store everything is right there in one spot meaning there is more time to enjoy the water!
The historic resort, which includes cabins and the hotel-style suites, has been taken over and completely renovated by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). Under the management of GFP, these cabins and suites have received a much-needed facelift and are ready to welcome everyone from avid anglers to families looking for the perfect vacation spot. It’s safe to say, these aren’t your grandpa’s cabins anymore!
While the cabins are available seasonally, the suites are available year-round, which makes them the perfect option for ice anglers. These suites feature a living room, kitchen, full bathroom, and bedroom. Additionally, the views off the deck and outside the suites are absolutely phenomenal!
In addition to the modern lodging options available, the park offers two campgrounds that include 101 campsites and 3 camping cabins. The park is open year-round, though showers, flush toilets, and other water systems will close for the winter months. Park staff will leave these features open as long as possible, depending on fall and spring weather conditions.
Know Before You Go:
When staying at the cabins and suites, bed linens and towels are not provided. Guests need to bring their own bedding, bath towels, and bathroom products. Guests also need to bring their own groceries and food products.
Campers need to also be aware that October 1-April 30 water systems will likely be shut off, campers are advised to contact the park directly for current statuses.
While the park offers the perfect spot for anglers to stay when off the water, the fishing spots on the water are just as good! Roy Lake is an excellent multispecies lake, with trophy-caliber smallmouth bass present, strong walleye fishing, excellent bluegill fishing, and aggressive pike willing to bite. Slab crappie also keep the panfish action hot, meaning there are great bites to be had all through the day!
Overall, Roy Lake features decent walleye fishing. There are good quality fish present, and with nearly any northeast South Dakota fishery, the opportunity to catch a trophy-caliber fish is always present too. The clear water sets up for the best walleye bites to take place at sunrise, sunset, and a night bite as well.
While the walleye fishing can be good, the smallmouth bass fishing can be absolutely spectacular with trophy-caliber fish present as well. Trophy caliber smallmouth are often willing to bite all day long and provide an excellent opportunity for anglers to take advantage of throughout the day while the sun is high.
The panfish opportunities are really what steal the show. Not many anglers think bluegill and crappie when they think northeast South Dakota, but that’s why the fishing is so good! The bluegill fishing is fantastic, with both great numbers, and great quality fish, present in the fishery. Bluegills 7-9 inches are common, and fish 10-11 inches are present for anglers as well!
In addition to bluegills, the crappie fishing can be just as good. Slab crappies, 12-14 inches, present an opportunity for anglers as well and similar to the rest of the species present, fish much larger are present too!
Northern pike present an opportunity for anglers as well, and the willing biters are a great way to introduce new anglers to the sport or bend a rod if the bite gets slow throughout the day. Yellow perch are also present and offer a valuable forage source for the larger predatory fish in the system.
The lake is relatively small, and while wind is always present in South Dakota, the various areas of the lake allow anglers to find areas out of the wind to fish on most days. The clear water means natural presentations are often best, and anglers will often find their best locations relate to the submerged weeds that grow throughout the water column. These weeds hold forage and are valuable nursery habitat for juvenile game fish as well, which plays a big role in the booming panfish populations.
Individuals who don’t have a boat, but want to take advantage of this fishery, are also in luck. Through the park, individuals can rent both a fishing boat and a pontoon boat. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats are also available too. The fishing boat can carry three passengers, while the pontoon can hold up to ten passengers. Rental information can be found at the onsite c-store or by contacting the park directly.
Know Before You Go:
Zebra mussels are present in Roy Lake, which means it is critical for anglers to clean, drain, and dry every time to do their part to slow the spread of invasive species across South Dakota.
Bait, ice, and snacks are available at the on site convenience store, though hours can vary. It is a good idea for anglers to bring adequate amounts of bait and food to ensure they are well stocked throughout their trip. Information regarding c-store hours can be found by contacting the park directly.
Whether looking for a destination that the whole family can enjoy, a multispecies bite for a weekend fishing trip, or the perfect spot to enjoy the blast and cast opportunities that exist in northeast South Dakota Roy Lake State Park makes the perfect destination for anyone!
Explore More of Roy Lake State Park
Want to see more of Roy Lake State Park? Check out our walk-through video of the suites and get a close up look of the fishing action in our Roy Lake State Park reel!
