Fishing Report October 2026
October 21, 2026
A small group of guys I have been hunting with for 30-40 years gradually built a pheasant hunting compound, in partnership with a few local ranchers in Sanborn County S.D. We named it Hinkerville, in honor of the original rancher and the Hinker family, who provided us access to their many huntable acres. It started as a primitive encampment many years ago, but today we have individual hunting shacks, a clubhouse with full kitchen, bathroom / showers, full bar, refrigeration, big screen TV, and a fine pheasant cleaning facility. We have been hunting it since the 1980s, and we gather every year for the S.D. Pheasant Opener to tell old stories, work with our dogs, shoot a few roosters, and maybe consume a few adult beverages. One of my very favorite trips every year. This year we hunted my 11 year old brittany "Jersey", as well as my son-in-laws 6 mo. old "Ginger". We all enjoyed the beautiful weather, the camaraderie of the local ranchers, excellent hunting and dog work, and the peaceful prairie vistas. I will post a few photos in the "Catch Photos" section.
October 8, 2026
The Woman Lake weather has been pretty decent this fall, and the strong walleye bite (and smallmouth and northern pike bites) have certainly mirrored this pattern. Many of the young loons still on the lake have bunched up and can be seen feeding together every day, as they try to contemplate their next adventure. Water temperatures are still north of 60 degrees, which is perfect, so get out and chase some walleyes while you still can. I expect this good fishing will last through the end of the month, or long as the weather is fishable. We have been finding our walleyes on shore related sand breaks in 18-24 feet of water, fishing redtail chubs on live bait rigs, very slowly. The bites have been quite subtle, so stay focused, and patient. It will pay off. The fall colors have been as stunning as I have seen in my 20+ years on Woman Lake, truly dynamic. Even if you are not fishing, get out on the water to take in the fabulous scenery.
It is time to wind down my fishing and guiding for the 2026 season as my brittany spaniel, Jersey, and the the coming hunting seasons beckon my attention. We enjoyed yet another abundant walleye catch on Woman Lake, one clearly leaning towards larger than average walleyes this year. I have maintained a log of all the larger Woman lake fish caught from my boat for the last 20+ years, and we put plenty of bigger ones on the board this year, many of which were released. It seems every year, I am more impressed with the health and overall consistancy of the walleye fishery here. It is with mixed emotions I put away my fishing gear during such a solid fishing bite, but I have been fishing since April and I am anxious to get out in the fields and woods. I am soon off to South Dakota for pheasant hunting, then maybe back here for a few days chasing ducks or grouse, then on to the woods for whitetails. I will be back on the water with first ice in early December. I would like to greatly thank all of you who fished with me, and/or followed my fishing reports in 2026. I am very passionate about my time on the water and I truly enjoy spending time with people who share this passion. Thank You All and best of luck fishing !!!