South Dakota Fish & Game Report

Hot weather, hot fishing!

https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/hunting-fishing-reports/
Another great week for the Mighty Mo!
Though weekend weather was a bear in Central SoDak, the fish are still active and biting! Weather is looking to improve after morning thunderstorms tomorrow. For the rest of the week, temperatures in the 80s with lower chances of rain.

We’d love to see and share your fishing trip pictures! You can send photos to [email protected] to be featured in our fishing report.

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
Subscribe to the Missouri River Tourism Newsletter (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/newsletter-signup/)
Near Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) and Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/) , with more consistent weather, fishing has steadily improved. Anglers are catching really nice limits, mostly in 20-35 ft. They are pulling bouncers with spinners; crawlers continue to produce. Anglers are also having good success trolling crank baits. You’ll still have to put in time with the electronics as the fish are moving around a lot with all the bait in the system.

Around Akaska (https://oahewings.com/?y_source=1_OTk3NzA2Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D) , the bite has been good and anglers are doing well in the area. You can be finished by noon if you’re up and at it early enough. Using crawler harness and bouncer in less than 10 feet of water. There is starting to be a presence of smaller fish and catfish keeping everyone busy with some action. It’s a great time of year to get out and enjoy smaller crowds and great fishing.
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (https://www.cityofgettysburgsd.com/) , the fishing has been excellent anywhere from Dodge Draw heading south. With the high water levels, anticipation is this is going to be a long fishing season. Lots of nice walleye coming in along with northern and other species. Depth has ranged 15-40 ft. Anglers are catching in shallow and deeper waters. Walleye are averaging 15-18 inches. Limits are being met with 1 slot fish. Using nightcrawlers, spinners, with very few leeches.
Salmon Update on Oahe
Not as good as last week, experiencing a few days of tough fishing. The water changes almost daily, which keeps the fish on the move. Most days start with a hunt for them. Depth has been tough to decipher with changing locations. Most days 70-80 feet, some 50-60. There is a good bite right now, but it takes a lot of effort. Best bait has been a green FF, though Blues have had some good days followed by yellow. Spoons still pull some fish in. The quality of the fish this year is impressive, and many nice fish in the teens were pulled this week, including a 14lb salmon. The salmon will keep growing over the next two months. With a lot of adult fish in the system, there’s potential for a good spawn this year.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-sharpe/
For the Pierre (https://pierre.org/) /Fort Pierre (https://www.visitfortpierre.com/)  area refer to last week’s report:
the bite on the lower end has good quality of fish, but it is very slow and you need work for them. Little Bend to Sutton Bay is probably the best on the reservoir in terms of both size and numbers currently. Lake Sharpe continues to have its best bite in Hipple Lake and down at West Bend.

West Bend (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/west-bend-recreation-area/) area is producing fish at around 25-35 feet on most days. Some fish are caught in shallower places if it’s windy.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/
For the Chamberlain (https://www.chamberlainsd.com/)  area the report is about the same as last week:
Some are limiting in the area between Crow Creek and Big Bend Dam. Depth is 10-20 feet, depending on the wind. Nightcrawlers are the bait of choice and some are pulling crank baits.

In lower Lake Francis Case near Geddes (http://www.geddessd.org/) , the fish seem to be spread out a lot. Many are in that 15-20 ft range. Large groups of fish are hanging out in the 35-40 ft range. Most of the walleye are biting nightcrawlers or flicker shad cranks. There’s action to be had daily.

Nice days out on the water near Geddes, SD!
Photo curtesy of SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/sd-outfitters-unlimited-missouri-river-lodge/)
Around Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/) , refer to last week’s update:
The bite was good this week, either in shallow with night crawlers and leeches, or out over the trees with crank baits. Fish are healthy! Water is covering the boat ramp so you may get your feet wet getting onto the dock or launching your boat. The high water makes things just a bit more difficult.
In the area of Lake Andes (https://lakeandesinn.com/) , Wagner (https://www.cityofwagner.org/)  and Pickstown (https://www.pickstown-sd.net/) , anglers have successfully reeled in limits. Some managed to hit quotas before noon, while others had to put in a full day’s work to walleye-limit out. Prime fishing times are mornings and early evenings, with best results at depths of 30-40 ft. In addition to walleye, there is drum and catfish. Shore fishing is doing well, especially in the evening hours, providing fun and successful outings.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

No new report for the Yankton (https://www.visityanktonsd.com/)  area from our angler contacts, but please be aware that there has been major flooding in the southeast part of South Dakota. Check the SD Game, Fish & Parks Facebook for the latest updates.

Beach Updates
Both Gavin’s and Midway beaches at Lewis & Clark RA, as well as the beach at Lake Vermillion RA, have reopened. The road on the east side over the secondary spillway at Lake Vermillion has also been reopened.

Lake Oahe

·         Kemnitz MoRest Motel in Mobridge at 605-845-3668

·         Oahe Wings & Walleyes at 605-230-0280

·         Bob’s Resort in Gettysburg at 605-765-2500

·         South Whitlock Resort in Gettysburg at 605-765-9762

·         The Outpost Lodge in Pierre at 605-264-5450

·         Oahe Salmon Guide Service in Onida at 605-691-9020

Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe

·         Lip Ripper Fishing in Pierre at 402-689-9947

·         Hutch’s Guide Service at 605-220-2844

·         South Dakota Walleye Charters at 605-366-1875

Lake Francis Case

·         Allen’s South Dakota Fishing & Hunting at 800-435-5591

·         Platte Creek Lodge at 605-941-1679

·         Missouri River Lodge in Geddes at 605-680-3877

·         Lake Andes Inn Motel & RV Park at 605-418-9888

Lake Lewis and Clark

·         The Walleye Guys in Yankton 402-499-4936
Please note – this report is a snapshot in time and changes can occur quickly. We suggest you call one of our members listed above – they can be very helpful with what is happening along the river. That way you’ll be assured of a great trip!

Questions about boat ramp access? Check the SD Game, Fish & Parks (https://sdgfp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=79c3f941ae6c4abbbc6ac4b6987a06f5) interactive map. You’ll have to zoom in to the ramp you want to look at, and the information is regularly updated. It’s a great resource!

Help slow the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species! Check out the Game, Fish & Parks (https://gfp.sd.gov/) web site for detailed info on the regulations. They are very specific so you’ll want to be sure you’ve read the regulations. If you love to fish the Missouri River in South Dakota, please do your part to keep the reservoirs free of aquatic invasive species.

Have some great photos from your time on the water? South Dakota Missouri River Tourism would love to share them as part of our weekly Fishing Report update on our social media. Send your Mighty MO river photos to [email protected] and we’ll be sure to give you a shout out! Also, be sure to like us on Facebook for up to date information in the Missouri River Region.
Thanks for reading our Fishing Report!