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
Lake Poinsett
Hamlin County, South Dakota · about 7,560 acres (11.8 sq mi)
45°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Poinsett
In Hamlin County, South Dakota, Lake Poinsett covers about 7,560 acres; it is a natural lake. Lake Poinsett, northeast of Arlington, is one of South Dakota's larger natural lakes, spanning Hamlin and Brookings counties.
From end to end it runs about 4.6 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 14.6 miles. Its surface is about 1,650 ft above sea level. Hayti lies about 7.6 miles to the northwest. The closest city is Sioux Falls, about 70 miles away.
- Size
- About 7,560 acres (11.8 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 14.6 miles
- End to end
- About 4.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,650 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Hamlin County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 6:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 mph
Sunday Fair
- 4:30 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
Lakes like Lake Poinsett 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 7:22 am · sunset 5:02 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Poinsett
- Haytiabout 7.6 mi northwest
- Volgaabout 17 mi southeast
- Clear Lakeabout 20 mi northeast
- Brookingsabout 21 mi southeast
- Sioux Fallsnearest city, about 70 mi south
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Questions about Lake Poinsett
What fish are in Lake Poinsett?
Lakes like Lake Poinsett 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 Poinsett?
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 Poinsett?
About 7,560 acres, with about 14.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Poinsett?
Hayti is about 7.6 miles northwest; Volga is about 17 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Lake Poinsett today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Poinsett on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
