I’ve always appreciated the tranquility of early mornings—the world still waking up, the air crisp and clean, and the peaceful calm before the day begins. One of my favorite ways to experience this stillness has been through early morning fishing trips with my housemates and friends around Brookings and the neighboring towns in South Dakota. The lakes in this region, surrounded by quiet, open landscapes, offer the perfect backdrop for fishing and bonding.

Preparing for the Trip

The preparation for our fishing trips typically starts the night before. After dinner, my housemate and I would gather our gear: rods, reels, tackle boxes, bait, and, of course, a cooler filled with snacks and drinks. We’d go over our plan for the morning, choosing which lake we wanted to visit and discussing what time we should set out to catch the best bite. Living in Brookings, we’re fortunate to be close to several great fishing spots, and our conversations would often lead us to choose between Lake Campbell, Lake Sinai, and sometimes Lake Poinsett in the neighboring towns.

The alarm would ring much earlier than I’m used to, often around 4:30 or 5 a.m., but the excitement always makes it easy to roll out of bed. There’s something about the prospect of a quiet lake, undisturbed water, and the challenge of catching fish that gets me moving without hesitation. We’d gather our gear, load up the car, and pick up a couple of our friends who always joined us on these trips.

Arriving at the Lake

There’s a certain magic to arriving at a lake just as the sun begins to rise. On most mornings, a faint mist would hang over the water, and the soft colors of dawn would paint the sky. The sounds of nature waking up were all around us—the rustle of leaves in the breeze, birds chirping, and the occasional splash of a fish breaking the surface. It’s a peaceful scene that makes the early wake-up call worth every second.

We’d often set up along the shoreline, though sometimes we’d take a small boat out onto the lake if the conditions were right. Lake Campbell, located just a few miles south of Brookings, was one of our go-to spots. It’s a beautiful, calm lake that rarely sees too much traffic, especially in the early morning. With our rods in hand, we’d find our spots, cast our lines, and settle into the rhythm of fishing.

The Quiet Patience of Fishing

Fishing has always been a test of patience and focus for me, and these early morning trips were no exception. We’d sit quietly, often without saying much, simply enjoying the silence and waiting for a tug on the line. There’s a meditative quality to fishing—watching the water ripple around your bobber, feeling the gentle breeze, and letting your thoughts wander as you wait for that moment when the fish finally bite.

Some mornings were slow, with only a few bites here and there, but that never seemed to matter. The true joy of these trips came from the peaceful surroundings and the time spent with friends. Other mornings, though, were much more active, with fish practically jumping out of the water. Lake Campbell, in particular, is known for its walleye, northern pike, and perch, and we’d often find ourselves catching a few decent-sized fish. The thrill of feeling a fish on the line, reeling it in, and seeing what we’d caught never got old.

Lake Sinai, just a short drive from Brookings, was another favorite of ours. It’s a larger, more expansive lake, and we’d occasionally rent a small boat to fish from the middle of the water. Drifting on the lake, surrounded by nothing but open water and the gentle hum of nature, was always a peaceful experience. I loved the sense of freedom that came with being out on the lake, away from the hustle of everyday life.

The Catch

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of reeling in a good catch after patiently waiting. I remember one trip in particular at Lake Poinsett, a bit farther away but well worth the drive. I was fishing with a simple setup—a bobber and a minnow—and had been sitting quietly for what felt like hours. Just as the sun rose higher in the sky, I felt a strong tug on my line. My heart raced as I started to reel in, feeling the resistance of a good-sized fish on the other end. After a short battle, I pulled in a beautiful walleye, glistening in the morning light. We ended up catching several more that morning, and later that evening, we cooked them up for a fresh, delicious dinner with the whole group.

On slower days, even the small catches felt rewarding. Perch and bluegill were common in the lakes around Brookings, and while they weren’t the biggest fish, they were still fun to catch. No matter the size or quantity of the fish, every trip felt like a success because of the simple joy of being outdoors and enjoying the quiet camaraderie with my friends.

The Bonding Experience

Fishing has a way of bringing people together. Some of the best conversations I’ve had with my housemate and friends have taken place while sitting by the lake, waiting for a bite. There’s something about the slow pace of the morning, the shared anticipation, and the beauty of nature that fosters meaningful connection.

Sometimes we’d talk about life—our studies, future plans, or memories from back home. Other times, we’d sit in comfortable silence, simply enjoying each other’s company. The lake, the fish, and the early morning sky created the perfect backdrop for these moments of connection.

Wrapping Up the Morning

By mid-morning, after a few hours of fishing, we’d usually start to pack up our gear. The sun would be higher in the sky, the mist long gone, and the peaceful solitude of the morning would start to give way to the day ahead. We’d often leave with a cooler filled with fish, satisfied smiles on our faces, and plans to do it all again soon.

On the drive back to Brookings, we’d stop for breakfast at one of the local diners—nothing tastes better than a big, hearty meal after spending the morning outdoors. As we ate, we’d recount the highlights of the trip: the big catches, the ones that got away, and the quiet moments of reflection by the lake.

Early morning fishing in the lakes around Brookings and its neighboring towns has become one of my favorite ways to relax, recharge, and connect with friends. The serene beauty of the lakes, the thrill of the catch, and the quiet companionship of the early hours make every trip special. Whether we catch a dozen fish or none at all, the experience always feels like a gift—a reminder of the simple joys that come from spending time in nature with good company.

South Dakota may not always be the first place that comes to mind when people think of great fishing spots, but for me, these lakes hold a special place in my heart. Each trip leaves me looking forward to the next, knowing that another peaceful morning on the water awaits.