Pickerel (Day)

Pickerel Lake in Day County, South Dakota

This lake has 8 Layers or 15 Layers for HD Version

Pickerel Lake is a 955-acre natural spring-fed lake in Day County, northeastern South Dakota, located 10 miles north of Waubay off U.S. Highway 12 in the heart of the Glacial Lakes Region. One of the deepest natural lakes in the state, Pickerel Lake reaches depths of 43 feet with crystal-clear, cool waters that distinguish it from many shallow prairie lakes in the region. The lake formed thousands of years ago through glacial activity as part of the Prairie Pothole Region, where depressions carved by retreating ice sheets filled with glacial meltwater to create the network of lakes that defines northeastern South Dakota's landscape today. The name "Pickerel Lake" originates from the American Indian name "Lake Tamahe," meaning "where you spear long fish," reflecting the abundance of large fish that attracted both Dakota Sioux tribes and early European settlers to the area for hunting and fishing. Until the early 1900s, excursion boats operated on the lake, showcasing its recreational appeal during the pioneer era, while a fish hatchery constructed in 1929 operated for 50 years before being replaced by a new facility at Blue Dog Lake in 1979. Today, Pickerel Lake Recreation Area, owned and managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, encompasses over 600 acres surrounding the pristine lake, preserving natural habitat along the highly developed shoreline while providing exceptional public access for outdoor recreation year-round.

Pickerel Lake has earned recognition as an outstanding multi-species fishery actively managed and regularly stocked by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, supporting excellent populations of Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, White Bass, White Crappie, Rock Bass, and Yellow Bullhead that attract anglers throughout the year for both open water and ice fishing opportunities. The lake's cool spring-fed waters and significant depth create ideal habitat for trophy-sized fish, with fishing success peaking during spring and fall seasons when cooler temperatures increase fish activity, though year-round access makes winter ice fishing particularly popular among regional anglers. Pickerel Lake Recreation Area features two separate camping complexes, the East Campground with 29 electrical sites and the West Campground with 38 electrical sites accommodating RVs from 40 to 100 feet in length, plus seven rustic camping cabins and one modern cabin, all equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts, playgrounds, restrooms with hot showers, and direct access to sandy swimming beaches perfect for families. Each campground offers its own beach area, boat launch ramps providing easy water access for powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes (which can be rented at the park office), while sites 27 through 36 in the West Campground sit directly on the shoreline for premium lakefront camping experiences. Beyond water activities, visitors enjoy two scenic hiking trails including the three-quarter-mile Glacial Mounds Trail winding through native prairies, rocky terrain, and offering spectacular bluff views, and the one-mile Ponderosa Trail meandering through majestic Ponderosa pine forests, both showcasing the diverse ecosystems of the Coteau des Prairies region. The nearby town of Waubay provides dining, lodging, and supplies, while the broader Glacial Lakes Region offers additional attractions including Waubay National Wildlife Refuge with world-class birdwatching, Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery tours, numerous nearby fishing lakes including Waubay Lake and Enemy Swim Lake, scenic U.S. Highway 12 drives through rolling prairies and glacial lakes, and seasonal festivals celebrating the area's rich agricultural heritage and outdoor traditions.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"

HD Extra Large: 20"x30" - 15 Layers

HD XX Large: 24"x36" - 15 Layers

HD Gigantic 30"x45" - 15 Layers

The difference between standard and HD maps is the number of layers. Standard maps have 1 land layer and 7 water layers. " The HD lake maps have 1 land layer and 14 water layers. So twice the detail. The HD Maps are limited to Extra Large, " XX Large, and Gigantic sizes only. On the smaller sizes the depth change of the wood is too extreme and you end up losing detail."