Ultimate Walleye Fishing Adventure, Bitter Lake, SD

Chasing Giants: The Ultimate Bitter Lake Walleye Adventure

There’s something about the first tug on the line that makes an angler’s heart race. The moment the rod bends, the world narrows to just you, the fish, and the battle in between. That’s exactly what went down on Bitter Lake, South Dakota, where two seasoned anglers, Seth Lubers and Ted Takasaki, set out to find monster walleye lurking in the shallows.

The Ever-Growing Waters of Bitter Lake

Bitter Lake has a backstory as wild as the fish that swim in it. Originally a small lagoon, the lake exploded in size after heavy precipitation in the late ‘90s, swelling to over 15,000 acres. Along with this expansion came an underwater treasure trove of submerged timber, rock piles, and even remnants of old farms. This mix of structure created the perfect habitat for a thriving walleye population.

With the early summer sun warming the shallows and weeds just starting to sprout, Seth and Ted knew they had found the prime time to target walleye in just two to four feet of water. The game plan? Run shallow crankbaits, plastics, and jigs over the tops of these weeds and wait for that unmistakable strike.

The Thrill of Shallow Water Walleye

Armed with rods and an arsenal of lures, the duo got to work. “The fish spawn shallow, then move out deeper until the weeds start growing,” Seth explained. “Right now, the weeds are about halfway up, creating the perfect window to fish right over the tops.”

And the action didn’t take long to start.

 “There’s one!” The rod bent, and the fight was on. Ted worked his fish carefully, letting it run just enough before guiding it into the net. A solid 20-inch walleye—exactly what Bitter Lake is known for.

“This is why people come from all over,” Ted said, admiring the fish’s golden hues. “They’re just built different here—strong, aggressive, and absolutely beautiful.”

With the wind picking up, the bite only got better. The fish were on the move, and every cast held the potential for another monster. Jigs tipped with soft plastics were the ticket, as the walleye couldn’t resist the tantalizing movement of paddle tails and ringworms.

Fishing the Weed Edge—And Beyond

One of the biggest challenges in shallow water fishing is boat positioning. “You have to stay off the primary weed edge,” Seth advised. “Spook the fish, and the game’s over before it begins.”

Instead, they worked their lures up toward the shoreline, letting them dance over the submerged vegetation. And when the fish moved, the anglers adapted. “If they slide out deeper, we follow,” Seth added, pointing to the sunken islands and submerged roadbeds scattered across the lake.

Each cast brought a new surprise. A dark-hued weed walleye—almost black in color—was hoisted into the boat, its unique appearance proof of its life in the thick vegetation. Then came the white bass, hitting like freight trains and putting up a fight pound for pound.

“You know fishing’s good when you’re flipping in eaters,” Ted joked as they added another walleye to the cooler.

The Right Gear for the Job

Success in shallow water fishing isn’t just about knowing where to cast—it’s about using the right tools. Seth shared his go-to setup:

• Rod: 7’2” medium-light, extra-fast action
• Line: 10lb braid with a 14lb fluorocarbon leader
• Baits: Ringworms, paddle tails, and shallow-running crankbaits

“The key is to keep cycling through colors and styles,” he explained. “If something catches a fish, stick with it. If it goes cold, switch it up.”

High-visibility line also played a role. “Watch your line closely,” Seth advised. “When it goes slack, your bait just hit bottom. Reel in to keep it right in the strike zone. And when you see it jump—set the hook!”

The Power of Friendship & Fishing

Beyond the bites and battles, this trip was about more than just fishing. Seth reflected on how he first met Ted, approaching him after a seminar and asking if he could pre-fish a tournament together. That moment sparked a friendship that turned into mentorship—a testament to the tight-knit community of anglers who are always eager to share knowledge and experiences.

“I get approached by a lot of people,” Ted said. “But Seth stood out. He’s not just a passionate fisherman—he’s a genuinely great person.”

With another walleye hitting the net, Seth grinned. “And I’ve learned from the best.”

Bitter Lake: A Must-Fish Destination

As the day wrapped up, one thing was clear—Bitter Lake was living up to its reputation. Whether fishing the weeds, working the deeper structure, or intercepting fish cruising sandy flats, the lake offered a fishing experience unlike any other.