The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Madison
Lake County, South Dakota · about 2,620 acres (4.1 sq mi)
45°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Madison
Lake Madison is a lake in Lake County, South Dakota, covering about 2,620 acres.
It stretches about 4.2 miles end to end with roughly 14 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,600 ft above sea level. Madison lies about 2.9 miles to the northwest. The closest city is Sioux Falls, about 30 miles away.
- Size
- About 2,620 acres (4.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 14 miles
- End to end
- About 4.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,600 ft
- County
- Lake 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 10 mph
Saturday Fair
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 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 45°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
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 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 7:20 am · sunset 5:03 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Madison
- Madisonabout 2.9 mi northwest
- Dell Rapidsabout 16 mi southeast
- Balticabout 17 mi southeast
- Flandreauabout 21 mi east
- Sioux Fallsnearest city, about 30 mi southeast
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Questions about Lake Madison
What fish are in Lake Madison?
Lakes like Lake Madison 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 Lake Madison?
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 Lake Madison?
About 2,620 acres, with about 14 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Madison?
Madison is about 2.9 miles northwest; Dell Rapids is about 16 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Lake Madison today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Madison on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
