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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

Lake Kampeska

Codington County, South Dakota · 5,250 acres (8.2 sq mi)

Good

42°F water, level 1719 ft, calm this morning.

Water42°F
Level1,718.8 ft
Wind today8 mphSE
Best bite3:30 pmto 5:00 pm

About Lake Kampeska

Lake Kampeska spreads over 5,250 acres in Codington County, South Dakota. Lake Kampeska is a glacial lake near Watertown managed primarily as a walleye and smallmouth bass fishery.

From end to end it runs about 4 miles with roughly 13.5 miles of shoreline. At about 1,720 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. It reaches about 16 ft at its deepest. The nearest town, Watertown, is about 3.5 miles east.

Size
5,250 acres (8.2 sq mi)
Deepest
About 16 ft
Shoreline
About 13.5 miles
End to end
About 4 miles
Elevation
About 1,720 ft
Type
Natural lake
County
Codington County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

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 in Lake Kampeska

Lake Kampeska holds walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish, catfish, white bass, northern pike and yellow perch. At 42°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Good
    Walleye

    Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.

  • Slow
    Smallmouth bass

    Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.

  • Slow
    Crappie

    Cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

  • Slow
    Bluegill and sunfish

    Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.

  • Slow
    Catfish

    Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Upper arm

    The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 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

42°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

1,718.8 ft

7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.

Latest reading .

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

Friday 37° / —° 8 mph SE Sunny
Saturday 38° / 23° 15 mph SSE Sunny
Sunday 45° / 29° 16 mph S Sunny

Sunrise 7:23 am · sunset 5:01 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Lake Kampeska

  • Watertownabout 3.5 mi east
  • Haytiabout 16 mi south
  • Clarkabout 24 mi west
  • Clear Lakeabout 27 mi southeast

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Questions about Lake Kampeska

What fish are in Lake Kampeska?

Lake Kampeska holds walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish, catfish, white bass, northern pike and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Lake Kampeska?

About 16 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.

How big is Lake Kampeska?

5,250 acres, with about 13.5 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Lake Kampeska?

Watertown is about 3.5 miles east; Hayti is about 16 miles south.

What is the water temperature at Lake Kampeska today?

The surface was about 42°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Lake Kampeska on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

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