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Fishing Update for The Missouri River in South Dakota

by Jon Mitzel


SD MISSOURI RIVER FISHING/HUNTING REPORT – June 26, 2017

Provided by: South Dakota Missouri River Tourism

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Weather is looking pretty decent for the week. Storms can and do pop up occasionally though, so watch the sky. From our reports from guides, fishing is going well all up and down the river. Time to come to the river or plan your future trip! Be sure and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen!

 

REMINDER: Help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species! Check out the Game, Fish & Parks 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.

 

 

Lake Oahe

In the Pollock and Mobridge areas the fishing is going very well. Depths are anywhere from 5-15 feet and anglers are using bouncers with minnows or crawlers. Some anglers are seeing success using crankbaits. There are lots of numbers, and a little sorting may be necessary, but the fish are looking really good!

Akaska – At Akaska the fishing is also going great for walleye. And the fish are fat and healthy. You do need to sort, but you will catch lots of fish. Anglers are fishing in 7-20 feet. They’re using crawlers and leeches with just a few anglers using minnows.  The Moreau River by the islands has been a good area. Northern are still biting on smelt in the area and Catfish are being caught along with smallmouth bass. 

At Gettysburg the fishing is going well. Anywhere from 5-25 feet depth is working well with anglers using crawlers, or leeches.  Smallmouth, catfish and northern are biting here also. 

Around Spring Creek / Cow Creek  - On Oahe the fishing is very good.  Anglers are using mainly crawlers and leeches. Some are also pulling plugs. The catfish action is very good. Northern are still biting on smelt in about 3 to 5 feet of water. The smallmouth bass fishing is also going really well. 

Lake Sharpe - around the Pierre/Fort Pierre the bite is going pretty well. The wind is always a factor in catching, so be looking for those nice summer days. The depth is anywhere from 5 to 17 feet. Fish are starting to go a bit deeper. A lot of good eater size are being pulled in.  Best bait is bottom bouncers and crawlers. The average walleye is 17 inches. Some nice size smallmouth are also being caught.

Lake Francis Case 

 Around Chamberlain , Lake Sharpe is producing good walleye, and the bite is good in many areas. Anglers are using crawlers or leeches. Anglers are fishing in 10-25 feet. Good smallmouth bite here also.

On Francis Case in the Platte area fishing for walleye is definitely going good with good eater size being pulled in here also. Best bait is crawlers with some using leeches in around 10-25 feet. Anglers are also pulling crank baits. 

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, Pickstown areas they are experiencing very good fishing on both sides of the river, with lots of limits being brought in. Depth is 25 feet or less. It depends on the day which bait you should try, so you might want to alternate. Anglers are using crawlers and leeches. All areas seem to be good – bays and points. From the Fort Randall Dam to Whetstone are very good areas. Also, black crappie are being caught. Shore fishing below the dam at the point is excellent. You can drive right down to the water to fish from shore!

 At Yankton the fishing is good with a number of walleye being caught – again, the weather has been playing a part in the fishing here too.  Bottom bouncers or spinners with crawlers and leeches are working best.

For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing Lake Oahe, please call Kemnitz MoRest Motel in Mobridge at 605-845-3668. At Akaska call Akaska Bait Shop at 605-649-7847. Call Bob’s Resort at 605-765-2500 or South Whitlock Resort at 605-765-9762 in Gettysburg. On Oahe and Sharpe call Hutch’s Guide Service at 605-224-4755. On Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case, contact Dakota Prairie Guide Service at 605-680-1910 or SD Dakota Walleye Charters at 605-366-1875. On Lake Francis Case, call Platte Creek Lodge at 605-941-1679 or Circle H Motel at 605-487-7652. 

Remember – 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!