A unique chance for outdoor enthusiasts to combine two activities into one unforgettable trip

By Andrew Johnson

By this time of year, most outdoor enthusiasts might be tempted to hang up their pheasant vests for the year. But savvy hunters and anglers know that South Dakota transforms into a dual-sport paradise in the winter months. With its world-class pheasant hunting and ice fishing opportunities, the final weeks of December and the whole month of January offer a unique chance for outdoor enthusiasts to combine these activities into one unforgettable trip.

“It’s a combination of opportunity and challenge,” says Chris Hull, a lifelong South Dakotan who grew up hunting and fishing in the Glacial Lakes region of northeast South Dakota and now makes his home in Pierre where he works as a communications specialist for the state Game, Fish and Parks Department. “Not only is South Dakota the premiere pheasant hunting destination in the country, but it’s also a top-five ice fishing destination. If you like to hunt and fish, the real question is why wouldn’t you take advantage of the opportunity?”

Window of Opportunity

South Dakota’s pheasant season closes Jan. 31, and hunting the final weeks of the season offers its own rewards. By December and January, fewer hunters are in the fields, temperatures are more dog-friendly and birds begin to bunch up in heavier cover. In short, late season can offer some of the best hunting of the year.

At the same time, safe ice has already covered South Dakota’s lakes and prairie sloughs, which are teeming with species such as walleye, perch, crappie, bluegills and bass, providing countless opportunities for success on the ice.

The combination of these two pursuits promises adventure, a test of skill, and plenty of unforgettable memories.

Planning is Key

The cornerstone of any successful cast and blast trip is planning, says Hull.

“Travel can really eat up a lot of a short day,” he contends. “With that in mind, I would focus on fishing in the morning and early afternoon and then try and catch pheasants when they are returning to the heavy or good roosting cover during the last hour or two of daylight. Then, if you have knowledge of a good night bite for say, crappies and walleyes, and you like to burn the candle at both ends for a couple days, that’s even better. You can spend more time hunting if you want.”

Casey Weismantel is the executive director of the Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau, and his best advice is to do plenty of research before you plan your trip.

“Make sure the dates and desire match up to provide the best hunting experience available,” Weismantel says, adding that the Aberdeen CVB’s hunting and fishing website, huntfishsd.com, is packed with helpful info and tips for success. “Plus, don’t forget that many guides, lodges and outfitters are here to help put you on birds or guide you to the lakes that are on fire. Maximize your resources to make it the best trip possible. After all, what could be better than hunting birds followed by hooking up with some jumbo perch?”

Where to Go

Luckily, some of South Dakota’s best pheasant ground and fishing opportunities can be found right next door to each other.

For starters, the Glacial Lakes region of northeast South Dakota offers a wealth of public land for freelancing hunters, and so far this season, Weismantel says hunters have been reporting high bird numbers and high success rates. What’s more, the Glacial Lakes region has plenty of ice fishing options within a short drive from one another. From small sloughs to large lakes, there’s a body of water that can cater to any ice angler’s tastes.

Further west, the Fort Pierre National Grassland is widely known for its mixed-bag potential, as pheasants, prairie chickens and sharptails all call the area home. However, Hull reminds people that the dams dotting the Grassland’s landscape can provide incredible panfishing opportunities.

“The Grasslands get some fishing pressure, but there are so many dams out there that, if you are willing to walk just a little bit, you will have some to yourself and maybe not even see any evidence of anyone fishing there,” he says. “Some of the more well-known dams are Richland, Sheriff, War Creek and Military. They might be more popular, but they’re still some of my favorites.”

And not all winter fishing adventures are through the ice, either. Below Missouri River dams like Oahe and Fort Randall, winter walleye fishing can be phenomenal.

“If you are hunting in central or south-central South Dakota, fishing below the dams is an opportunity that often gets overlooked,” Hull states. “In fact, casting for walleyes below the Oahe dam at night is one of my favorite winter activities. The fish are there — it is usually just a matter of when they are going to feed. It can be 9 p.m. It could be 3 a.m. It can be cold and frustrating with iced-up eyelets and frozen gear, but there are usually fish stacked up near the dams that can make for a really unique and successful trip.”

Pheasant Hunting Late in the Season

Late-season pheasant hunting is a unique experience that rewards perseverance and skill. By this time of year, birds are less spread out and tend to congregate in thick, thermal cover that protects them from the winter elements. This is where having a good dog can make all the difference. Cooler temperatures are easier on dogs, allowing them to work harder and longer.

“Focus on areas with heavy roosting cover like cattails, CRP fields and shelterbelts,” Weismantel says. “Birds are more predictable late in the day, returning to these areas to roost. Take advantage of this behavior by timing your hunts for the last two hours before sunset.”

Ice Fishing Tips for Success

When it comes to ice fishing, the right gear and techniques can make or break your trip.

Unless you’re targeting the reservoirs of the Missouri River or some of the larger northeastern lakes, such as Bitter and Waubay, for jumbo perch or trophy walleye, it’s wise to downsize your gear, Hull says.

“I think the biggest mistake many anglers make is using gear that’s too large for panfish,” he contends. “For me, traditional perch ice fishing gear is too big, and I’ve found more success the smaller I go with rods, reels, line, bobbers and jigs. For example, if I’m targeting panfish, I have at least four noodle rods rigged up with 2-pound-test line, and one with 1-pound-test. Finicky bluegills can drive you nuts, and the smaller the baits you can present, the better.”

Twice the Adventure, Twice the Fun

The combination of ice fishing and pheasant hunting offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards, and South Dakota’s natural beauty and abundant resources — not to mention its iconic grassland habitat and top-notch fisheries — make it the perfect backdrop for this winter adventure. Whether it’s catching a limit of perch in the morning, flushing pheasants in the golden hours of the afternoon, or braving the cold for a late-night walleye bite, a cast and blast trip promises memories that will last a lifetime.

“Whether you’re wetting a line or stuffing your hunting vest with wild birds, the vast open fields and the thrill of the adventure is limited only by the time it takes you to make the decision,” Weismantel concludes. “This is the ultimate getaway for any outdoor lover looking to create lasting memories. So pack your gear, plan your route and head to South Dakota for a winter adventure that combines the best of both worlds.”