The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bitter Lake
Day County, South Dakota · about 6,040 acres (9.4 sq mi)
45°F water, calm this morning.
About Bitter Lake
In Day County, South Dakota, Bitter Lake covers about 6,040 acres; it is a salt lake. Bitter Lake in Day County gets its name from its naturally bitter-tasting, mineral-rich water.
From end to end it runs about 4.2 miles with roughly 17.3 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,800 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Webster, is about 8.9 miles west.
- Size
- About 6,040 acres (9.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 17.3 miles
- End to end
- About 4.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,800 ft
- Type
- Salt lake
- County
- Day County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Saturday Fair
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like Bitter Lake in South Dakota usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 45°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:25 am · sunset 5:01 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bitter Lake
- Websterabout 8.9 mi west
- Watertownabout 26 mi south
- Sissetonabout 27 mi northeast
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Questions about Bitter Lake
What fish are in Bitter Lake?
Lakes like Bitter Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Bitter Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Bitter Lake?
About 6,040 acres, with about 17.3 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bitter Lake?
Webster is about 8.9 miles west; Watertown is about 26 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Bitter Lake today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Bitter Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
