If you’ve never been ice fishing in the Glacial Lakes region around Watertown, SD, let me tell you—it’s an adventure like no other. Some days, you’re reeling in walleyes left and right. Other days, you’re just sitting there, staring at a hole in the ice, wondering if the fish have collectively decided to ghost you. Either way, it’s always an experience.
This trip? We had both kinds of days.
Day 1: The Fishing Was Hot, The Toes Were Cold
We hit the ice early because apparently fish like to wake up before I do, and we were rewarded with a fantastic morning. We caught our limit of walleyes and even a few perch. It was one of those perfect fishing days where everything just clicked. The right lures, the right bait, and the right spot. This week, we tried the Clam Maki Plastics Maki lures, and they did not disappoint.
The best catch of the day was a solid 22 inch walleye that made waking up at 5 a.m. almost worth it. Almost.
Days 2 & 3: When the Fish Don’t Cooperate
If you’ve fished long enough, you know that every great day is usually followed by a humbling one. Days two and three were those days. The fish must have heard about our success the day before and decided to peace out.
So, what do you do when the bite is dead and kids start getting restless?
- Play trivia. What’s the state fish of South Dakota? It’s the walleye, by the way. You’re welcome.
- Listen to music. The more ridiculous the playlist, the better.
- Drill a lot of holes. Maybe the fish just moved, right?
- Eat all the snacks. Because somehow ice fishing makes kids constantly hungry.
- Chase hermit crabs—wait, wrong trip. lol
One important note: If you have younger kids, bring extra socks. My youngest, without fail, will get bored and somehow end up with cold feet or, even worse, drop his boot down an ice hole. I also have constantly cold feet – so I LOVE heated socks.
Heated Socks – Option 1
Heated Socks – Option 2
Why We Love Fishing in a Snobear
We love fishing in a Snobear, and not just because it keeps us warm. The ability to move around the ice quickly and drill in new spots makes all the difference when the fish aren’t biting. It also just feels safer.
A few reasons we love our Snobear:
- Mobility. If the fish aren’t here, we just move. No freezing while we pack up.
- Safety features. There’s even an escape hatch on top in case of an emergency, which is comforting if you’re nervous about being on the ice.
- Comfort. Because being warm and fishing is the dream.
We purchased our Snobear from Gilby’s Marine and have had great customer service there. They really know their stuff when it comes to these machines and have been helpful anytime we needed assistance.
Check out this video of my oldest son catching some fish in the Snobear:
Watch the video!
Bonus Pro Tip: Hot Drinks Are a Must (But Use Lidded Cups)
Bringing a thermos of hot chocolate is always a good idea, especially on those colder days. But learn from my mistake:
Do not give kids hot chocolate without a lid.
Nothing says great day on the ice like having to clean up a frozen chocolate spill. It’s like concrete. Just don’t.
Want a Guided Ice Fishing Trip? Check Out Dakota Fish Tales
If you’re looking for a reputable fishing guide in the Glacial Lakes area, we highly recommend Dakota Fish Tales. We know the guide personally, and he’s not only an excellent fisherman, but he’s great with kids and always makes sure people feel safe and have fun.
If your looking for a nice place to stay, Lake Poinsett Waterfront and Pool Retreat has four bedrooms and can sleep 12! Discounted rates in the winter.
Final Thoughts: Another Ice Fishing Trip in the Books
Even though the fish gave us a little attitude after day one, this trip was a success. Between catching walleyes, drilling too many holes, trivia battles, and the occasional missing boot, it was exactly the kind of memory-making adventure we love.
Would I wake up at 5 a.m. again? … Probably. But I’m bringing extra socks and a lot of lidded cups next time.
Have You Been Ice Fishing in South Dakota?
Drop your best ice fishing tip or funniest ice fishing fail in the comments. What’s your go-to lure? How do you keep kids entertained when the fish aren’t biting? Let’s swap stories!