What to Expect at Berry Pond

Berry Pond is a shallow glacial lake in Day County, South Dakota, roughly 15 miles northeast of Waubay. The pond covers about 160 acres and holds a mixed warm-water fishery dominated by walleye and northern pike, with secondary populations of bluegill and crappie. The lake's shallow depth — averaging 8 to 12 feet with a maximum around 20 feet — makes it productive for both species but also means water temperature swings sharply with season and weather.

The pond is accessible by a public boat ramp on the south shore, maintained by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. There is no lodge, resort, or developed shoreline; this is a working agricultural landscape with a working fishery. The nearest town with fuel and supplies is Waubay, about 15 minutes south. Most anglers fish from boats; shore access is limited to the ramp area and a few informal pull-offs.

Key Takeaways

  • Berry Pond holds walleye and northern pike year-round, with walleye most active in spring and fall and pike available through summer.
  • The public boat ramp on the south shore is the only developed access; bring your own boat or arrange a rental from Waubay.
  • South Dakota fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older; a one-day license costs less than a three-day or annual permit.
  • Walleye bite best at dawn, dusk, and night using live minnows or jigs; pike respond to larger lures and live bait throughout daylight hours.
  • Water levels fluctuate seasonally and after heavy rain; call the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge office before your trip to confirm access.

Walleye Fishing: Spring Through Fall

Walleye are the primary target at Berry Pond and respond most reliably in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October). In spring, walleye move into shallow water to spawn; focus on the north and east shorelines in 4 to 8 feet of water at dawn and dusk. Live minnows — fathead minnows or shiners — under a slip bobber or on a jig head are the standard approach. Jigs tipped with minnow tails also work well and let you cover more water.

Summer walleye fishing slows as water warms and fish move deeper. By mid-June, concentrate on the deepest holes — the 18- to 20-foot basin in the center of the pond — and fish at night or very early morning. Trolling with live minnows or crankbaits along the deeper structure can produce, but many anglers shift focus to pike during summer months.

Fall is the second-best season for walleye. As water cools in September and October, walleye return to shallower feeding zones. The same spring techniques — live minnows, jigs, dawn and dusk timing — work again. Water clarity is usually better in fall than spring, so you may need lighter line and smaller baits.

Northern Pike: Summer and Early Fall

Northern pike at Berry Pond are aggressive and abundant, making them a reliable option when walleye are inactive. Pike bite throughout the day in summer and respond to larger presentations: 4- to 6-inch live minnows, spoons, and crankbaits in the 3- to 5-inch range. The shallow weed beds along the east and north shores hold pike in June and July; cast toward the edge of the vegetation and work your lure slowly.

Pike fishing peaks in August and September when water begins to cool. Fish the same shallow structure but expand your search to the deeper edges of weed beds. Trolling is effective here because the lake is small enough to cover systematically. Expect fish in the 18- to 28-inch range; larger pike (30+ inches) are present but less common.

Pike fishing declines sharply in late fall and winter as water temperature drops below 40 degrees. Winter pike fishing is possible through the ice, but the bite is slow and requires patience.

Seasons, Regulations, and Licensing

South Dakota has no closed season for walleye or pike at Berry Pond. Walleye season runs year-round; the daily limit is 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum length. Northern pike season also runs year-round; the daily limit is 5 fish with a 24-inch minimum length. Possession limits are double the daily limit, so you may keep 10 walleye and 10 pike in your possession at any time.

All anglers 16 years old and older must carry a valid South Dakota fishing license. A one-day license is available and costs less than a three-day or annual permit. Licenses are sold online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website, at the Waubay office, and at most bait shops in town. Anglers under 16 do not need a license but must follow all other regulations.

Ice fishing is permitted in winter once the ice is thick enough to support foot traffic — typically mid-December through February. The same daily and possession limits apply. Check ice thickness before venturing out; the shallow depth means ice forms and melts unevenly.

Access, Facilities, and Timing Your Visit

The public boat ramp is located on the south shore of Berry Pond, accessible via County Road 16 from Waubay. The ramp is maintained year-round and has a small parking area for 8 to 10 vehicles. There are no restrooms, fuel docks, or concessions at the ramp; plan accordingly. The nearest fuel and supplies are in Waubay, 15 minutes south.

If you do not have a boat, rental options are limited. Waubay has one or two small marinas that may rent boats during peak season (May through September), but availability is not may provide. Call ahead to confirm. Many anglers trailer their own boats from larger towns like Sisseton or Aberdeen.

Water levels at Berry Pond fluctuate with rainfall and snowmelt. After heavy rain or during spring runoff, the ramp may become temporarily unusable. The Waubay National Wildlife Refuge office (adjacent to the pond) can tell you current conditions; call before driving out if you are unsure.

Best Times to Fish and What to Bring

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most reliable seasons for both walleye and pike. Summer offers pike fishing but requires night fishing for walleye. Winter ice fishing is possible but slow. Plan your trip for early morning or evening in spring and fall; walleye are most active during low-light hours.

Bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line for walleye. For pike, a slightly heavier setup — 10- to 12-pound line — is safer because pike have sharp teeth. A tackle box with jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), crankbaits, spoons, and live bait containers is essential. A fish finder is helpful but not required; the lake is small enough to locate structure by observation and local knowledge.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The pond is exposed with little shade. In spring and fall, water can be cold; wear layers. A life jacket is required by law for anyone in a boat and is always a good idea.

Nearby Fishing and Lodging

Waubay, 15 minutes south, has a small motel, a few restaurants, and a bait shop. The town is the closest hub for fuel, food, and overnight stays. Larger towns like Sisseton (30 minutes south) and Aberdeen (45 minutes south) have more lodging and dining options but require a longer drive.

The Waubay National Wildlife Refuge surrounds Berry Pond and includes several other small lakes — Mud Lake, Spring Lake, and Enemy Swim Lake — all within 10 miles. These lakes hold similar warm-water species and offer alternative fishing if Berry Pond is crowded or conditions are poor. The refuge office can provide information on access and current conditions at all lakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Berry Pond?

A boat is strongly recommended because shore access is limited to the ramp area. If you do not have your own boat, contact marinas in Waubay to ask about rentals, though availability is not may provide. Some anglers fish from the ramp area itself, but success is limited.

What is the best bait for walleye at Berry Pond?

Live fathead minnows or shiners are most effective, fished under a slip bobber in shallow water or on a jig head. Walleye are most active at dawn, dusk, and night. Artificial jigs tipped with minnow tails also work and let you cover more water than bobber fishing.

Can I fish Berry Pond in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is permitted once ice is thick enough to support foot traffic, typically mid-December through February. The bite is slow, and the shallow depth means ice forms unevenly. Check ice thickness before going out, and bring a hand auger to drill holes.

What is the nearest town with lodging and supplies?

Waubay is 15 minutes south of Berry Pond and has a motel, restaurants, and a bait shop. Sisseton (30 minutes south) and Aberdeen (45 minutes south) are larger towns with more options but require a longer drive from the pond.

Are there other lakes to fish near Berry Pond?

Yes. Mud Lake, Spring Lake, and Enemy Swim Lake are all within the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge and within 10 miles of Berry Pond. All hold walleye and pike. The refuge office can provide current conditions and access information for all lakes.