SD Missouri River Fishing Report

Hang tight – it’s almost time for the fall bite!

We hope our readers had a great Labor Day weekend with friends and family! Though not much has changed on the Missouri River this week, we are starting to get a glimpse of the fall bite approaching right around the corner. With sunny weather coming up all week and temps in the high 70s and 80s, it should be a great week to try your luck on the water!

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
Subscribe to the Missouri River Tourism Newsletter (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/newsletter-signup/)
The water levels on Lake Oahe are high and full, even with Oahe Dam water releases. Check with USACE (https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Oahe/)  for release times and also with SD Game Fish & Parks (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/fa1e6cd335d8425183944b9f1a03e01e/page/Ramps/) for boat ramp information.

Near Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) and Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/) , the report has not changed, please refer to last week’s report:
The bite has definitely slowed considerably. Catching fish still, but working hard and putting in long days to get limits. Most are using bouncer with spinners and crawlers. Trolling cranks are doing decent. 20-25 feet have been the best depths.

Around Akaska (https://oahewings.com/?y_source=1_OTk3NzA2Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D) , the bite has been really tough as of late. There were some fish caught before the wind came through, but the last two days of fishing were rough. Fish are extremely finicky and constantly moving. The fall bite should be good when it starts up.
https://www.southwhitlock.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE5vLdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeuiuMLkSAf9UQ6Pt-V16uscLEV6pTlmNVQX1SNeDwPbb1h9o4kqNt5IXQ_aem_33xm30OCvr0CubX8e0FY9A
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (https://www.cityofgettysburgsd.com/) , refer to last week’s report:
Not much has changed from last week. Overall fishing is still good and about 80% of anglers are getting limits. Anglers who typically fish the northern locations have been moving a little further down the system, mostly fishing South Whitlock area bays and up north to Dodge Draw on the west side of the river. Depth has been shallow between 10-15ft using live bait, and some areas 40ft with jigging raps. Using crawlers and the occasional minnow.
Around the Cheyenne 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, salmon is a go, and going big! Walleye are deep. Right now it’s good to fish the obvious spots, you don’t have to go further.
Last week’s update: Fishing is deep 30-40ft. Using red beads seems to help with presentation. Some hot locations have been between Agency Creek and down in the main channel.
Salmon Update on Oahe
It seems like the bite has picked back up towards the end of the week. Getting good reports from a few different locations. Greens and yellows are still producing well for the FF. Mirage flies have been a top producer. Spoons are producing an occasional fish also, but not consistently. Cut plugs have boated several this week for many. Still running heavy with the FF. Depths have been 60-90, with the most productive depth changing daily but still falling in that range. There’s still a lot of good fishing coming up. Spawning females are still on the feed, and there is a lot of bait in their bellies the last few days. The males might be done feeding, it’s been a while since bait has been seen in them. We will continue to get reaction bites from them. Walleye has moved very deep, 70-80ft. Expert anglers are speculating the spawn bite at Whitlock will be better this year. Time will tell!
Salmon and Walleye
Photo curtesy from 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, the bite is notably picking up on Lake Sharpe, the upper end faring a bit better. The incoming storms may impact the water clarity. Depth has varied from 6-10ft. Like Oahe, water levels are up. Average walleye size has been between 15-17in with smaller fish mixed in. Focus predominately on the larger flats as fish transition back up the reservoir.

West Bend (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/west-bend-recreation-area/)  has been fairly slow and hasn’t had as many anglers out on the water. Experienced guides are doing alright but this is definitely the time of year to put your electronics to use.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/
For Chamberlain (https://www.chamberlainsd.com/) , refer to last week’s fishing report:
Catfish is doing good. The walleye bite for lesser experienced anglers coming in has been hit and miss, but seasoned guides are doing well. One day fish are in 11ft, and the next in 35ft. Fish are chasing bait around in the system. Use bottom bouncers and crawlers, or pull crank baits.
In lower Lake Francis Case near Geddes (http://www.geddessd.org/) , the fish have moved a lot deeper. 48-60 feet seem to be best for nice walleye 18-22 inches using crank bait. Live bait has slowed a lot. Fort Randall Dam area has been good with lots of fishing biting! The fall bite looks to be fantastic on Lake Francis Case with the fish getting fatter and fatter and a continuous bite. This should see a really good progression right into late September – October, November and December for excellent fall fishing.
Guided Trips from Geddes, SD
Photos curtesy of SD Outfitters Unlimited & Missouri River Lodge (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)
Around Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/) , not much change in fishing. Water is already cooling down, so possibly anticipating a good early fall bite. Same presentation over the trees and in a mud line. Nice healthy fish in the area. Using jig and worm combos, worm jig raps, or spinners and night crawlers. Fishing in about 8-25ft.
In the areas of Lake Andes (https://lakeandesinn.com/) , Wagner (https://www.cityofwagner.org/) , and Pickstown (https://www.pickstown-sd.net/) , this past week brought prime fishing weather, with sunny skies and solid action at Fort Randall Dam and Pease Creek. The walleye bite is improving, but it takes some persistence and finesse to hook into the bigger ones. Catfish, trout, and drum remain reliable successes, with strong bites across the board and bringing in solid catches. For those seeking a quiet spot to cast a line, this area is a hidden gem — never overcrowded, with plenty of room for a fun and successful fishing trip. Pheasants have already been spotted darting across the roads, a sure sign that an awesome hunting season is just around the corner.
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. 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.