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 Saint John
Hamlin County, South Dakota · about 1,250 acres (2 sq mi)
39°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Saint John
Lake Saint John is a lake in Hamlin County, South Dakota, covering about 1,250 acres.
From end to end it runs about 2.2 miles with roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,650 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Hayti, is about 5.7 miles north. The closest city is Sioux Falls, about 73 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,250 acres (2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 6.3 miles
- End to end
- About 2.2 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
- 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
Lakes like Lake Saint John 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. With the surface at 39°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
- 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 5:02 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Saint John
- Haytiabout 5.7 mi north
- Volgaabout 20 mi southeast
- De Smetabout 21 mi southwest
- Watertownabout 23 mi north
- Sioux Fallsnearest city, about 73 mi south
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Lake Saint John
What fish are in Lake Saint John?
Lakes like Lake Saint John 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 Saint John?
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 Saint John?
About 1,250 acres, with about 6.3 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Saint John?
Hayti is about 5.7 miles north; Volga is about 20 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Lake Saint John today?
The surface was about 39°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Saint John on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
