Where to go???

I have a few days off later this week, and it has lined up perfectly for a last minute fishing trip with an old friend that has not been on a good bite for several years. I am open to just about any place but considering the Winnie/ Leech area or NE SD Waubay area. Any tips on where to go? Not looking for honey holes, just looking to get into a good perch and walleye bite. We are heading out Thursday morning early and hoping to fish Thursday afternoon and evening, Saturday and Sunday. Live in NW Iowa. I am certainly more familiar with Winnie and Leech Lakes. Never really fished the Waubay area, but have heard great things about it in the fall. Just not sure about this fall.

Try something new and go to SD. Waubay is much, much closer to you. I’ve got an uncle in LeMars who tried SD and hasn’t bought a MN license since then. He loves it. Their fall bite should be really getting going.

Big Stone is another one to try out. If you go use the Hartford Beach access, they have great cleaning facilities.

Big Stone is great for perch and big bluegills but walleyes are hit or miss with the only consistent bite happening real early. At least that’s been my experience, and what I’ve heard from the people who I’ve talked to that fish it routinely. I’m not a big fan of shallow lakes either and 12′ is “deep” on Big Stone. The times I’ve fished it mid to late summer weeds are an issue.

It’s a good lake but not in the same class as Waubay, Leech, and Winnie imo.

There are lots of lakes in SD that are pretty good that are going to be a lot closer than Waubay. Don’t be afraid to try them. SD GF&P does a real good job of stocking throughout the state, not just in the NE.

Leech has been pretty tough all year. Yes some do well, but not the norm and this is coming from several first hand accounts from myself and others who know the lake well. If you were looking specifically to get on a good bite, it would be towards the bottom of my list right now

Not being too concerned on the distance from home… I think I will head to Webster SD on Thursday… fish Thursday and Friday. If there is nothing going or not enough going, we will head for Cass Lake are friday evening and fish that area Saturday and Sunday.

Bite on winnie is pretty solid right now. And if the wind blows, cutfoot and other local lakes are good options

My buddy Steve just took 3rd in the Cabelas MWC on Cass. They caught 60 fish/day over 20″. They stuck to shallower water with big red tails. He knows the lake like the back of his hand, but the winning teams also had the biggest 2 day limits of any tournament on Cass ever. So lots of quality fish to be had with plenty of 17″ too.

Winnie has been really good lately!