What the Enemy Swim Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is and when it happens
The Enemy Swim Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is an annual winter event held on Enemy Swim Lake in northeastern South Dakota, drawing anglers who fish for walleye, northern pike, and other species through the ice. The tournament typically takes place in late January or early February, when the lake ice is thick enough to support fishing safely. The exact dates shift year to year, so checking with the local tournament organizers or the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks office is the best way to confirm the current year's schedule.
The tournament operates as a catch-and-release event in most years, meaning fish are weighed and returned to the lake rather than kept. This format lets anglers compete without depleting the fishery and keeps the lake productive for future seasons. Registration usually happens in the weeks before the tournament, either online or at a local bait shop or tackle retailer near the lake.
Key Takeaways
- Enemy Swim Lake Ice Fishing Tournament runs in late January or early February each year, with exact dates announced by local organizers.
- The tournament is typically catch-and-release, so fish are weighed and returned to the water rather than kept.
- Registration opens several weeks before the event and closes a day or two before fishing begins.
- Entry fees vary by year but usually range from $25 to $50 per angler, with prizes awarded to top finishers in different weight categories.
- Enemy Swim Lake sits in Roberts County and is accessible by vehicle; parking and a boat launch are available near the tournament headquarters.
How to register and what the entry fee covers
Registration for the Enemy Swim Lake Ice Fishing Tournament opens about four to six weeks before the event and closes the day before fishing begins. You can register through the tournament's official contact—usually the local bait and tackle shop, the Roberts County Parks Department, or a dedicated tournament hotline. Some years the tournament offers online registration through a simple form; other years you register in person. Calling ahead to confirm the current registration method saves a trip.
Entry fees typically run between $25 and $50 per angler, though the exact amount changes from year to year depending on prize pool size and event costs. Your fee covers your spot in the tournament, a participant packet with rules and a map of the fishing area, and may be able to access for prize drawings. Most tournaments also include a weigh-in station and staff to record your catch. Some years the organizers hold a pre-tournament meeting or breakfast the morning of the event; check when you register whether that is included.
Where Enemy Swim Lake is and how to get there
Enemy Swim Lake lies in Roberts County in northeastern South Dakota, roughly 30 miles north of the town of Sisseton. The lake covers about 3,000 acres and sits in a rural area with good road access. Highway 81 runs nearby, making it reachable from Sisseton or from the Minnesota border to the east.
A public boat launch and parking area serve the tournament. The launch is maintained year-round and has space for vehicles and trailers. In winter, the parking area is plowed to keep access clear. Arrive early on tournament day—parking fills quickly once fishing begins. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, arriving the day before to scout the ice and locate the weigh-in station is worth the time.
What fish species you can catch and where they are usually found
Enemy Swim Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish—bluegill, crappie, and perch. Walleye are the primary target for most tournament anglers because they grow large and fight hard through the ice. Pike are also common and can reach impressive sizes, though they are less predictable than walleye. Panfish provide steady action and are good for anglers new to ice fishing or for filling out a mixed bag.
Walleye on Enemy Swim Lake tend to hold in deeper water during the day—typically 20 to 35 feet—and move shallower to feed at dawn and dusk. Early morning and late afternoon are prime fishing times. Pike roam more widely and can be found in shallower areas near weed lines or structure. Panfish school in moderate depths and are easier to locate once you find one. Successful tournament anglers often fish multiple holes at different depths to cover more water and increase their chances of connecting with larger fish.
Ice fishing techniques and gear that work on Enemy Swim Lake
Ice fishing on Enemy Swim Lake calls for a medium-action rod, a reel spooled with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line, and small jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics. Jigging—dropping your lure to the bottom and working it with small vertical movements—is the most effective method for walleye. Pike respond to larger jigs and live minnows, and they often hit aggressively. Panfish bite on tiny jigs and waxworms or maggots.
A hand auger or power auger drills holes through the ice; a power auger saves time and effort if you plan to fish multiple holes. A depth finder or sonar unit helps you locate structure and fish below the ice. Tip-ups—simple devices that hold a line and flag when a fish bites—let you fish passively while jigging another hole. Dress in layers, bring a windbreak or shelter, and keep your hands warm; tournament fishing often means standing on the ice for six to eight hours in cold weather. A thermos of hot coffee or soup makes the day more comfortable and helps you stay focused.
Tournament rules and what happens at weigh-in
Tournament rules typically specify a fishing window—usually from sunrise to a set time in the afternoon, often 2 or 3 p.m. All fish must be caught during that window. Catch-and-release tournaments require fish to be kept alive in a livewell or cooler with water until weigh-in; dead fish are usually disqualified or penalized. The tournament organizers provide specific instructions on how to care for your catch, so read the rules packet carefully before you fish.
Weigh-in happens at a central location near the boat launch, where tournament staff record the weight of each fish and the angler's name. Prizes are typically awarded for the heaviest single fish, the heaviest five-fish limit (if that is the format), or the most fish caught. Some tournaments also hold random drawings for all participants, giving everyone a chance at a prize regardless of their catch. After weigh-in, fish are released back into the lake. Results are usually posted the same day or the next morning.
What to bring and how to prepare for a full day on the ice
Pack your ice fishing rod, reel, tackle box with jigs and live bait, and an auger. Bring a bucket or cooler to keep your catch alive and a thermos of hot liquid. Wear insulated boots rated for extreme cold, heavy socks, insulated pants, a waterproof jacket, a hat, and gloves or mittens. Sunglasses reduce glare off the ice and protect your eyes. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you arrive before sunrise or if the day is overcast.
Bring your tournament registration packet and any identification the organizers request. A small stool or cushion makes sitting on the ice more comfortable. If you use a power auger, check the fuel level the night before. Pack snacks and water in addition to your hot drink; staying hydrated and fueled helps you fish longer and think more clearly. Tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you expect to return, especially if you are fishing alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a South Dakota fishing license to fish the tournament?
Yes. South Dakota requires a valid fishing license for all anglers 16 and older, even during tournaments. You can purchase a license online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website or at any bait shop. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you fish only occasionally.
Can I fish with someone else and combine our catch?
Tournament rules vary. Some tournaments allow team fishing with a shared weight total; others require each angler to fish individually and compete separately. Check your tournament rules packet or ask the organizers when you register. If you are fishing with a partner, clarify the format before you head onto the ice.
What if the ice is not thick enough on tournament day?
The tournament organizers monitor ice thickness in the weeks before the event and will postpone or cancel if conditions are unsafe. They will announce any changes through the same contact method you used to register. Check your email or call the organizers a few days before the tournament if you are concerned about weather or ice conditions.
Are there lodging options near Enemy Swim Lake?
Sisseton, about 30 miles south, has motels and restaurants. Some anglers camp at nearby state parks or fish-camp facilities during the tournament season, though availability is limited in winter. Booking lodging in advance is wise if you are traveling from a distance.
Can I bring my children to fish in the tournament?
Most tournaments welcome young anglers and may offer a youth division or reduced entry fee. Check the rules or call the organizers to confirm age requirements and whether children need their own license. Fishing with family is a good way to introduce kids to ice fishing and the tournament community.