Lake Poinsett

Boat Ramps: 13
Access Points: 16
Species: 17

Lake Poinsett is one of South Dakota's largest natural lakes, spanning nearly 8,000 acres in the eastern part of the state. Located about 7 miles west of Estelline in Hamlin and Brookings counties, this bowl-shaped lake features a maximum depth of 22 feet and an average depth of 17 feet. The lake receives water from Lake Albert and Dry Lake, making it part of a larger watershed system. With clear water that allows for deep weed beds even through winter, Lake Poinsett offers excellent fishing opportunities year-round. The shoreline is highly developed with cabins and homes, yet public access is exceptional with multiple access points around the lake. Managed by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP), Lake Poinsett has established itself as a premier fishing destination in the Midwest, especially popular for its ice fishing in winter.

South Dakota licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Lake Poinsett and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bigmouth Buffalo

Ictiobus cyprinellus

Black Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Orangespotted Sunfish

Lepomis humilis

Shorthead Redhorse Sucker

Moxostoma macrolepidotum

White Bass

Morone chrysops

White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Bullhead

Ameiurus natalis

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Poinsett. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Poinsett

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

South Dakota licenses and regulations

South Dakota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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South Dakota Fishing License

Residents and Nonresidents 18 years old and older are required to have a fishing license

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South Dakota Fishing Regulations

This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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South Dakota Stream Access Laws

If a river or stream is capable of being floated, it can be used for any lawful recreational activity, such as boating or fishing. Any public use above the ordinary high water mark, i.e., outside of the stream bank, without the landowner's permission, would be considered trespassing.

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Take Lake Poinsett with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Lake Poinsett to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Poinsett to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.