SD Missouri River Fishing Report

Hang tight – better weather is just around the corner!
High probabilities of rain and thunderstorms over the next few days and weekend. Early next week should have a window of opportunity to get out on the water before rains start back up. You’ll get the most out of your fishing trip when you plan ahead, check your weather resources beforehand!

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team

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Recent dam water releases and frequent rain have caused Lake Oahe’s water levels to rise. Overall, the lake is extremely healthy and with all the soon-to-be-submerged vegetation, it’s only looking up from here.

Near Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) and Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/) , fishing continues to be good! Depth has been 16-30 feet. Presentation has been using bouncers with spinner and crawlers, which seems to be producing well. Not many boats around.

Around Akaska (https://oahewings.com/?y_source=1_OTk3NzA2Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D) , the bite is a little tougher than last week, but still good. It’s that time of year where you have to trust your electronics. The fish are moving constantly and you have to hunt them down. Once you find them, they are not hard to catch. Bays have a shallow bite right now 3-12 feet. The main lake is between 15-34 feet. Catching lots of catfish and a few smallmouth.
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (https://www.cityofgettysburgsd.com/) , there has been a little more action near Sutton’s Bay. Weights are really good, but smaller than expected and a difficult bite amplified by a full moon, clear skies, and an overabundance of smelt. The bite window opens as the sun comes up and closes shortly afterwards, rewarding anglers willing to rise early. There’s still lots of fish to be had in the 18-25ft range, mostly moving out onto main lake points. At the points, the fish range from 14-17 inches, with lots to be had. If you want bigger sizes, you have move deeper and sacrifice on the amount of bites. With present tough conditions, it’s hard to beat the plain slow death with a crawler. Best fishing on the the lake is still Whitlock Bay to Bush’s Landing and could remain that way for a long time while the water levels rise.
Around the Cheyenn River, Spring Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/spring-creek-recreation-area/)  & Cow Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/cow-creek-recereation-area/)  area, the bite around Cheyenne River is producing, but there is also a good bite to chase further south, just plan to put more time in for them. Cow Creek RA has been busy and catching has been good. The walleye have been deep and the smallmouth have been shallow. Milt’s Pond is currently stocked with smallmouth bass, all worm bite. For those who would rather cast, the glide bait is heating up. Catching all over on #7 WalleyeX Kamikaze in the birthday cake color. With all the bait in the system, some crazy colors could trigger full fish to bite.
Salmon Update on Oahe
Another good week on Oahe! So far this season has not disappointed. Very few fish under 10lbs with the biggest being 14.8. As far as the bite goes, nothing has changed. The best depth is anywhere between 60-80ft, depending on the day. Color preference is changing from day to day, blue, green, and yellow being the top producers. All FF bite, lately only the catfish will bite spoons. The water has still not stabilized at all. The big key is finding fish by staying in water below 56 degrees. On many days, that’s not an easy task. There’s a ton of warm water this year! Between the lack of cold water and the bi-polar attitude of the fish, it makes for a lot more work to figure them out on a daily basis. Most days the work pays off. There’s still a few off-days here and there, but that’s largely in part to the wind dictating what water is fishable.
Great catches from Lake Oahe
Photo curtesy of Oahe Salmon Guide Service (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/oahe-salmon-guide-service/)
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 the latest 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 some limits at all depths, with some fish being caught at around 25-35ft on most days. Some fish can be caught in shallower places if it’s windy.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/
For Chamberlain (https://www.chamberlainsd.com/) , the area remains tougher. Fast water below Bing Bend Dam is producing fish at night. Some scattered limits caught from Crow Creek to Big Bend dam. Depth is running 20-30 ft. Using bottom bouncers, spinners, and crawler.

In lower Lake Francis Case near Geddes (http://www.geddessd.org/) , please refer to last week’s report:
The fish seem to be spread out a lot. There are lots of fish in that 15-25 feet range and also very large groups of fish in about 35-40. Most of the walleye are biting nightcrawler or Flicker shad cranks. The same action happening daily.
Around Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/) , refer to last week’s update:
Anglers are finding fish in mud lines and over the trees. Presentation has been best with nightcrawlers and is best with the early morning bite.
In the area of Lake Andes (https://lakeandesinn.com/) , Wagner (https://www.cityofwagner.org/)  and Pickstown (https://www.pickstown-sd.net/) , while many anglers swear by May and June for walleye, the Fort Randall Dam area and Pease Creek were excellent for fishing last week. Early mornings and late evenings remain prime times, and casting around weedy spots were especially rewarding. These areas are hotbeds for baitfish and fresh insect hatches — exactly what walleye love. In addition to walleye, anglers also brought home some impressive-sized trout and catfish.
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.

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!