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 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Dry Lake
Hamlin County, South Dakota · about 1,880 acres (2.9 sq mi)
41°F water, calm this morning.
About Dry Lake
Dry Lake spreads over about 1,880 acres in Hamlin County, South Dakota.
From end to end it runs about 3.4 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 10.4 miles. At about 1,650 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Hayti lies about 6.6 miles to the west. The closest city is Sioux Falls, about 75 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,880 acres (2.9 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 10.4 miles
- End to end
- About 3.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,650 ft
- County
- Hamlin 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
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 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
For a lake of this size in South Dakota, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 41°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- 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
- 5
4 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 7:22 am · sunset 5:01 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Dry Lake
- Haytiabout 6.6 mi west
- Watertownabout 17 mi north
- Clear Lakeabout 19 mi northeast
- Volgaabout 20 mi south
- Sioux Fallsnearest city, about 75 mi south
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Questions about Dry Lake
What fish are in Dry Lake?
Lakes like Dry 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 Dry 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 Dry Lake?
About 1,880 acres, with about 10.4 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Dry Lake?
Hayti is about 6.6 miles west; Watertown is about 17 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Dry Lake today?
The surface was about 41°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Dry Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
