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 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Nicholson
Codington County, South Dakota · about 1,060 acres (1.6 sq mi)
42°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Nicholson
Lake Nicholson is a lake in Codington County, South Dakota, covering about 1,060 acres.
It stretches about 2.3 miles end to end with roughly 7.5 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,720 ft above sea level. Watertown lies about 14 miles to the southeast.
- Size
- About 1,060 acres (1.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.5 miles
- End to end
- About 2.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,720 ft
- County
- Codington 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 9 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
Expect the usual South Dakota mix for a lake this size: 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 42°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
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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 7:24 am · sunset 5:02 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Nicholson
- Watertownabout 14 mi southeast
- Clarkabout 19 mi southwest
- Websterabout 21 mi north
- Haytiabout 25 mi south
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Questions about Lake Nicholson
What fish are in Lake Nicholson?
Lakes like Lake Nicholson 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 Nicholson?
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 Nicholson?
About 1,060 acres, with about 7.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Nicholson?
Watertown is about 14 miles southeast; Clark is about 19 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Lake Nicholson today?
The surface was about 42°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Nicholson on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
