May closeout Report from South Dakota

With a late start to the open water season, a few turkey hunting outings, and some variable weather patterns putting together some good early season patterns has been anything but easy as of late. Ice off was around May 15th on some water bodies with water bodies remaining in that low 40s temp region for soem time before a couple hot days boosted temps up above 50 degrees. Jigs and plastics along with jigs and minnows have turned fish midday and mornings while #8 X-raps along with small swimbaits triggering fish in the evenings. Fish have been been seen anywhere from prespawn to spawning to post spawn.

A good midday bite has presented itself on mid-depth flats out in front of spawning creeks as well as on flats adjacent to shallow flooded roadbeds and gravel areas. 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigs with plastics as well as fatheads are working well drifted and pitched throughout thesea areas. Most fish are running in that great eating size 15-18 inches along with some nicer fish in the mid 20s as well as a few kickers in the high 20s.

In the evenings a great small jerkbait bite is taking place using small number #8 xraps in parrot color as well as moss back shiner on some of the clear waters. Pitching up to as shallow as 2 feet of water with a slow twitching retrieve has given me and my friends some wrist breaking hits at times. Do not be afraid to let the X-rap sit for afew seconds after a jerk give the fish a chance to come check it out. Hits are coming right at the beginning of the next twitch. Casting these smaller X-raps is a blast in shallow water. Hope everyone has a chance to get out soon, with June approaching look for the crawler/spinner bite as well as a good crankbait trolling bite to start. If anyone has a question dont be afraid to shoot me a PM, – tight lines and wet nets- Q