The Lake Thompson Ice Fishing Derby draws anglers to central South Dakota each winter for a weekend of fishing, prizes, and community
The Lake Thompson Ice Fishing Derby is an annual winter event held on Lake Thompson near Watertown, South Dakota. The derby typically runs for a weekend in January or February, though the exact dates shift year to year depending on ice conditions. Anglers fish through holes in the ice for northern pike, walleye, and perch, competing for cash prizes and bragging rights. The event is open to the public — you do not need to be a member of any club or organization to participate.
The derby is run by local volunteers and fishing clubs in the Watertown area. Entry fees are modest, usually between $15 and $30 per angler, and the money funds the prize pool and event costs. Fishing happens during daylight hours only, typically from sunrise to sunset or a set window like 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on that year's rules. Most anglers fish from portable shelters or simply stand on the ice with a rod, jigging for fish in the deeper holes marked by organizers.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Thompson Ice Fishing Derby is a public winter event in Watertown, South Dakota, where anglers compete for prizes by fishing through the ice.
- Entry fees typically run $15 to $30 per person, and you fish during daylight hours only on designated portions of the lake.
- The event draws northern pike, walleye, and perch; your catch is weighed at the end of the fishing window to determine prize winners.
- You will need a valid South Dakota fishing license, an ice auger or hand chisel to cut holes, and a portable shelter or warm clothing for winter conditions.
- Exact dates, rules, and prize amounts change each year, so contact the Watertown Parks and Recreation Department or local fishing clubs before the season for current details.
What You Need to Bring and Prepare
A valid South Dakota fishing license is required to fish the derby. You can purchase a license online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops in Watertown. Licenses are available as daily, three-day, or annual permits; a daily license is the most affordable option if you are fishing only for the derby weekend.
Bring an ice auger or hand chisel to cut fishing holes. A hand auger (the kind you crank by hand) is cheaper and lighter than a powered auger, and works well for ice that is 12 to 18 inches thick — typical for Lake Thompson in January and February. A hand chisel is even simpler but requires more elbow work. Bring a small shovel or scoop to clear slush from the hole as you fish.
Dress in layers: a base layer of wool or synthetic material, an insulating middle layer, and a windproof outer jacket and pants. Bring insulated gloves, a warm hat, and a face mask or balaclava — wind chill on the ice is real, and your hands and face are the first to suffer. Insulated boots rated for extreme cold are worth the investment if you plan to fish ice derbies regularly. Bring a thermos of hot coffee or soup, snacks, and more water than you think you will drink; the cold and wind dehydrate you faster than you realize.
Fishing Gear and Tackle for Lake Thompson
A short ice fishing rod — typically 24 to 36 inches long — is standard for derby fishing. These rods are stiff enough to set the hook through thick ice and sensitive enough to feel light bites. Pair it with a small spinning reel or a traditional ice reel spooled with 4- to 8-pound monofilament line. Many anglers use braided line because it has less stretch and transmits bites more clearly, but monofilament is simpler to manage in cold weather.
For Lake Thompson, bring a mix of jigging lures and live bait. Small spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) in silver or gold work well for walleye and perch. Jigging minnows — plastic lures shaped like small fish — in white, chartreuse, or natural colors catch pike and walleye. Live minnows (shiners or chubs) under a small bobber or jigged on a hook catch all three species. Bring extra line, a few spare hooks, and a small tackle box that fits in your coat pocket; the cold makes your fingers clumsy, so keep everything organized and within arm's reach.
A hand-held auger, a small scoop, a stringer or cooler to hold your catch, and a measuring tape (many derbies award prizes for largest fish, not just total weight) round out the essentials. A portable shelter — a pop-up ice tent or even a simple windbreak — makes the day far more comfortable, though it is not required.
How the Derby Works and What Happens With Your Catch
On derby day, you will check in at a registration table near the lake, pay your entry fee, and receive a number or wristband. Fishing begins at a set time — usually announced by air horn or whistle — and continues for a set number of hours, typically 6 to 8 hours. You fish wherever you want on the designated area of the lake, cutting your own holes and moving around as you see fit.
When the fishing window closes, you bring your catch to a weigh station set up on the ice or at a nearby building. Your fish are weighed and measured, and the results are recorded against your entry number. Prizes are usually awarded for the heaviest single fish in each species (largest northern pike, largest walleye, largest perch) and sometimes for the heaviest total catch. Prize money is distributed at an awards ceremony later that day or the next morning, depending on the event schedule.
Keep your fish on a stringer in the water or in a cooler with ice to keep them fresh. If you plan to eat your catch, this also ensures the meat stays cold and in good condition for cooking. Many anglers take their fish home to fillet and cook; others release smaller fish and keep only keepers for the table.
When the Derby Happens and How to Find Current Information
The Lake Thompson Ice Fishing Derby is typically held in late January or early February, but the exact dates depend on ice thickness and safety. Lake Thompson usually has safe ice by mid-January, but organizers will not schedule the event until they confirm the ice is at least 4 to 6 inches thick — thick enough to support anglers and their shelters safely.
To find the current year's dates, entry details, and rules, contact the Watertown Parks and Recreation Department or the Watertown Convention and Visitors Bureau. Local bait and tackle shops in Watertown — such as shops near the lake or in town — often have flyers and registration information. You can also search online for "Lake Thompson Ice Fishing Derby" along with the current year to find announcements from local fishing clubs or the city website.
Register early if the event has a cap on entries, as some years fill up. Registration may close a few days before the event or remain open through derby day, depending on that year's rules. Bring cash for entry fees and any last-minute tackle purchases, though some registration tables accept cards.
Safety on the Ice and What to Watch For
Never fish alone on the ice, and always tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you expect to return. Carry a charged cell phone in a waterproof case, and know the non-emergency number for Codington County Sheriff's Office in case you need help.
Check ice thickness before you step out. Safe ice for walking and fishing is at least 4 inches thick; 6 inches is better if you are bringing a shelter or auger. Avoid areas near inlets, outlets, or current, where ice is thinner. If you fall through, get out immediately: wet clothes in winter cold will kill you in minutes. Know how to exit — practice rolling onto solid ice rather than trying to climb straight up.
Dress warmly and stay dry. Wet gloves, socks, or boots can lead to frostbite in an hour or two. If you feel numbness in your fingers, toes, nose, or ears, get inside and warm up. Wind chill on the ice is severe; check the forecast before you go, and do not fish if the wind chill is below -20°F or if a blizzard is forecast.
Cooking Your Lake Thompson Catch
Northern pike, walleye, and perch are all excellent eating fish, and ice fishing gives you the freshest possible catch. Pike and walleye have firm, mild white meat; perch is smaller and sweeter. All three benefit from simple preparation that lets the fish shine.
The easiest method is pan-frying. Fillet your fish, pat the fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, and fry them skin-side down in butter or oil over medium-high heat until the skin crisps and the meat turns opaque — about 4 to 6 minutes per side for walleye or perch, longer for thicker pike fillets. Serve with lemon, hot sauce, or a simple tartar sauce. Baking works too: place fillets on foil, season, add a pat of butter and a squeeze of lemon, and bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes until the meat flakes easily.
Pike has more bones than walleye or perch, so take time to remove the Y-bones that run through the center of each fillet. A fillet knife and a steady hand make this easier. If you are new to pike, ask someone at the weigh station or a local bait shop to show you the technique — it takes practice but is worth learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish the Lake Thompson Ice Fishing Derby?
Yes, a valid South Dakota fishing license is required. You can purchase a daily license online or at a bait shop in Watertown for a small fee. The license covers you for the derby and any other fishing you do that day.
What if the ice is not thick enough when the derby is scheduled?
Organizers will postpone or cancel the event if ice conditions are unsafe. Check the Watertown Parks and Recreation Department website or call ahead a few days before the event to confirm it is still on. If it is postponed, a new date is usually announced within a week or two.
Can I fish with a friend and split the entry fee?
No, each angler must pay their own entry fee and fish under their own number. You can fish near each other and share a shelter, but you each register separately and compete individually for prizes.
What should I do if I catch a fish I do not want to keep?
You can release it back into the water. Many anglers keep only the largest or best-eating fish and release smaller ones. If you are fishing for the prize, remember that only fish brought to the weigh station count — released fish do not affect your score.
Where can I buy bait and tackle in Watertown before the derby?
Local bait and tackle shops in Watertown carry live minnows, lures, line, and ice fishing gear. Search online for "bait shop Watertown South Dakota" or ask at your hotel — locals know the best spots and can give you tips on what is working that week.