The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Thompson
Kingsbury County, South Dakota · 16,200 acres (25.4 sq mi)
44°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Thompson
Lake Thompson is a natural lake in Kingsbury County, South Dakota, covering 16,200 acres. Lake Thompson, one of South Dakota's largest natural lakes, dried up completely during the 1930s drought before refilling.
From end to end it runs about 10.3 miles with roughly 35 miles of shoreline. At about 1,690 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. It reaches about 26 ft at its deepest. The nearest town, De Smet, is about 6.2 miles northwest. Sioux Falls, the nearest city, is about 56 miles southeast.
- Size
- 16,200 acres (25.4 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 26 ft
- Shoreline
- About 35 miles
- End to end
- About 10.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,690 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Kingsbury 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
- 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 in Lake Thompson
Lake Thompson holds walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. With the surface at 44°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.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 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 7:23 am · sunset 5:04 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Thompson
- De Smetabout 6.2 mi northwest
- Howardabout 13 mi south
- Madisonabout 20 mi southeast
- Volgaabout 24 mi east
- Sioux Fallsnearest city, about 56 mi southeast
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Questions about Lake Thompson
What fish are in Lake Thompson?
Lake Thompson holds walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Thompson?
About 26 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake Thompson?
16,200 acres, with about 35 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Thompson?
De Smet is about 6.2 miles northwest; Howard is about 13 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Lake Thompson today?
The surface was about 44°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Thompson on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
