SD Missouri River Fishing Report July 18, 2022

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SD Missouri River Fishing Report July 18, 2022

SD Missouri River Tourism

July 18th, 2022

There are a few milder days of weather coming up that should help cool things down on the Missouri River before it jumps right back into the upper 90's. Nevertheless, with that slight drop you may find yourself fishing a little shallower over the next week.

As you plan for your time out on the water we encourage you to keep your eye on local weather resources. Additionally, contacting one of our resource guides for the location you plan to visit can be very helpful as you plan your trip.

Good luck, anglers!

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 info@sdmissouririver.com 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!

Lake Oahe

Fishing in the Pollock and Mobridge areas continues to be somewhat slow. Anglers who are willing to put in a full day are able to catch a limit. Most walleye are being caught between 25 - 35 feet on the main lake and 15 - 20 in the tributaries. Bait has been bouncers with spinner rigs, and crawlers have been working the best. There is still a very strong smallmouth bass bite if you're looking for other species than walleye.

In north Akaska the fishing is still fair but slowing down quite a bit. Limits are getting harder to come by. Smaller fish are also more scarce as well. The smaller fish that have been caught have been 13 inches or less. Fishing for larger trophy fish is easier right now and are being caught in the 24 - 40 feet range. But again, just be prepared to cover some water to look for them. Fishing for smaller fish has been 12 feet or under. Smallmouth bass is still a great bite to follow, many are between 3 - 5lbs. Crawlers are still working and trolling is a great method still. As the weather begins to get cooler anglers will be switching back to using more minnow.

In the Gettysburg area fishing continues to slow down and not every angler is meeting their limit. Smaller fish being caught are 13 inches or less. Both larger and smaller fish being caught in the 20 - 35 foot range.

In the Spring Creek / Cow Creek area, if you can be patient - there are some really nice large fish off Oahe. Bait has been crawler rigs, trolling with plugs and leaches is also successful. Average fishing has varied quite a bit between 15 - 35 feet of water depending on the location. 20 feet is a good depth to start out at. For anyone looking for Salmon, there has been some good fishing at the Oahe Dam. Salmon are also looking a little bigger in size this year - there was a 21 pound Salmon caught at the Dam recently.

Lake Sharpe

Around Pierre/Fort Pierre, Lake Sharpe seems to be a little easier to fish than Oahe and also producing more consistently sized walleye around 17 inches. Though limits are still being met, more recently some anglers have needed to keep smaller sized fish to top off their limit. Bait has been spinners, crawlers, and bouncer rigs around 20 feet of water.

Lake Francis Case

In Chamberlain, fishing has been good in both upper and lower parts. There are higher numbers of small fish and you’ll work harder to get those larger fish. Catch has been walleye and small mouth. Depth has been dependent on water clarity – fishing deeper in clearer waters and averaging between 15 – 20 feet. Anglers are using mostly all crawlers for bait.

On Francis Case in the Platte area fishing is slowing down and anglers are seeing smaller fish in the area. Bait has been bottom bouncers, crawlers, and crank baits. Depth has been deeper with the rising temperatures at 30+ feet deep. With the heat, be sure to get on the water before the day gets too hot.

In the Geddes area around Pease Creek the bite remains great! The fishing depth continues to go deeper every day however and fish are mainly being caught between 35 - 40 feet of water. Night crawlers and crank baits have been working the best.

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, Pickstown areas Circle H Motel says the area has had the best fishing year they can remember! Limits have been met all week. Fish size has been between 16 - 18 inches. Bait has been worm on bottom bouncers, and jig. Depth has been between 18 - 30 feet of water.

Lewis & Clark Lake

In the Yankton area fishing is HOT and should remain so throughout the rest of the summer. There are lots of good places to fish for walleye if that is your aim. The best bite is working along the river channel breaks by trolling lead core or bottom bouncers with rigs between 15 - 20 feet. There are also lots of fish on west end of the lake. Flavor of bait has been leaches and crawlers, and jigs with crawler. Smallmouth bass are biting as well if you use bait balls in depth average of 6 - 12 feet of water.

Fishing Update for The Missouri River in South Dakota

The fishing season in continually picking up – and each week we are seeing and hearing about the awesome stories on the Missouri River. Taking a look at weather coming up near the central location of South Dakota we are seeing the temps go up however still keeping those partly/mostly cloudy skies. This weekend is looking a little less likely to rain. But make sure to keep yourself looped in with weather services as weather changes can happen quickly.

And as always, good luck this week anglers!

Also, be sure to like us on Facebook for up to date information in the Missouri River Region!

Lake Oahe

Fishing in the Pollock and Mobridge areas continues to be very good. With the cooler weather the water temps have remained around 60 degrees. Anglers have been catching most of their fish between 8 – 15 inches of water. The choice bait has been minnow, some are catching on crawlers. Jigs and/or bouncer with spinners are also working well. In the area you can expect to catch a number of small fish with the ability to choose what to keep in your daily limit.

In north Akaska, fishing is doing well with lots of smaller fish of good quality. You may find yourself working a little harder for larger keepers. Anglers are pulling out walleye,

small mouth bass - white bass are firing up again too. Depth for smaller fish has been 8 – 12 inches onto shore and 30 – 40 feet for larger fish pulling crank baits. Night crawlers are taking preference as bait, but minnow, and bottom bouncers are still being used successfully.

Gettysburg area – is doing great from both ways of the bridge and is looking to get even busier this weekend. Again, a decent amount of smaller fish of good quality being caught. Anglers are pulling out small mouth bass, and catfish from the shores. Bait is minnow, crawlers, and leaches at about 10 – 25 feet deep. For some fun information, winners of the annual Wolves on the Water Tournament this past weekend (June 4th) caught a total of 28.17 fish and their winning walleye weighed in at 10.53lbs. Congratulations to their team!

Spring Creek / Cow Creek fishing has been good – but a little more challenging on the lower end. Bait has been minnow at about 10 feet of water.

Lake Sharpe

Around Pierre/Fort Pierre - fishing is good in many area. With the boat ramps busy with Memorial Day festivities and the season taking off - be prepared to see more anglers out on the water. Most walleye are being caught at about 10 feet or less. Bait has been minnow – night crawlers are just starting to take with the temperatures rising.

Lake Francis Case

In Chamberlain, fishing is good and limits are being caught in the area off Francis Case. Anglers are catching walleye and small mouth bass. Bait has spinners baited with night crawler and minnow, bottom bouncers are also being used. Depth has been between 15 – 20 feet deep.

On Francis Case in the Platte area anglers are seeing their numbers. Depth has been between 5 – 35 feet trolling crank baits and bottom bouncers. Anglers are pulling out Walleye and Small Mouth Bass.

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, Pickstown areas, fishing from the pump house down the dam is excellent! Fishing limits are being met quickly in the day. Shore fishing is still a great option if you don’t have a boat. Anglers are pulling out walleye and bass on minnow and worms between 10 – 20 feet deep. Visitors are enjoying the clean water and can see down up to 20 feet in areas. Additionally, the Lake Andes Fish Day proved a successful weekend with lots of activities including a fish dinner on Saturday, carnival rides and lots of fun events.

In Yankton is doing well this season with high numbers of fish on Lewis & Clark Lake. Anglers are pulling out walleye, catfish, and other rough fish as well. Bait has been a good variety of night crawler, minnow, leaches, propellers, and plastics. Catching depth has been between 10 – 30 feet deep.

For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing please contact:

Lake Oahe

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

 Oahe Wings & Walleyes at 605-230-0280

 Akaska Bait Shop in Akaska at 605-649-7847

 Bob’s Resort at 605-765-2500

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

Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe

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

 Allen’s South Dakota Fishing & Hunting in Chamberlain at 800-435-5591

 South Dakota Walleye Charters at 605-366-1875

Lake Francis Case

 Platte Creek Lodge at 605-941-1679

 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!

Questions about boat ramp access? Check the SD Game, Fish & Parks 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 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.

Fishing Update for The Missouri River in South Dakota

May 31, 2022

We hope you’ve had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Thank you to all our service men and women! And to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - we are forever grateful.

Fishing on the Missouri River is taking off and this past weekend had some great opportunities to be out on the water. As always, be sure to keep your eye on the weather as you are planning your fishing trips – this is a large key to maximizing your fishing success. Weather coming up in Central South Dakota is looking to be in the low 70’s up to the 80’s. And this weekend right around 70 degrees. Sun is hiding out with cloudy skies and some windy days are ahead.

Good luck this week, anglers!

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 info@sdmissouririver.com 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!

Lake Oahe

Fishing in the Pollock and Mobridge areas has been consistently good – and north and south of Mobridge is doing quite well. Anglers are catching most of their fish between 4 – 12 feet of water. Minnow has been the preferred bait – and working better than crawlers. Jigs and bottom bouncers with small spinner rigs have are also being used with success. Water temp has been staying around 60 degrees.

In Akaska fishing is good when the wind and weather permits. Catch has been Walleye on minnow bait. Boaters can access the North Dock which is open at Swan Creek. Upcoming Akaska Fishing Derby happening on June 4th. Contact the Akaska Bait Shop for more information.

In the Gettysburg area – they had a great weekend out on the water. Angler’s choice bait has been minnow followed by jigs, jigs on a long line, and bottom bouncers. Crawlers seem to be a little early but worth a try – some leaches have been used as well. The catch has been walleye, small mouth bass. If you’re shore fishing catfish has also been good. Depth has mainly been between 10-15 feet but some at 20 feet. North of the bridge has plentiful fish but smaller – south of the bridge you may see bigger fish but less numbers.

Spring Creek / Cow Creek fishing has been good – but a little more challenging on the lower end. Bait has been minnow at about 10 feet of water.

Lake Sharpe

Around Pierre/Fort Pierre - fishing is good in many area. With the boat ramps busy with Memorial Day festivities and the season taking off - be prepared to see more anglers out on the water. Most walleye are being caught at about 10 feet or less. Bait has been minnow – night crawlers are just starting to take with the temperatures rising.

Lake Francis Case

Near Chamberlain, fishing has picked up. Minnow is primarily being used by itself or on small spinners as well as crank baits. Depth has been varying, but mainly shallow water is being fished.

On Francis Case in the Platte area anglers are seeing their numbers. Depth has been between 5 – 35 feet trolling crank baits and bottom bouncers. Anglers are pulling out Walleye and Small Mouth Bass.

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, Pickstown areas, fishing from the pump house down the dam is doing well. Catch has been walleye and bass. Some black crappies have been caught in the Svatos Bay area as well. The bait has been split 50/50 between worm and minnow – so take your pick. Fishing depth has stayed between 10 – 20 feet of water.

In Yankton is gearing up for some action! Though it’s been a late spring for everyone on the Missouri River – numbers and size of fish are looking very promising!

For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing Lake Oahe, please call Kemnitz MoRest Motel in Mobridge at 605-845-3668. Call Akaska Bait Shop in Akaska 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 605-220-2844. On Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case, contact South 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.

Questions about boat ramp access? Check the SD Game, Fish & Parks 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 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.

Fishing Update for The Missouri River in South Dakota

May 23, 2022

We’ve had quite a late spring along the Missouri River – but the water temperatures are rising and we’re seeing more anglers getting out on the water across the board. That being said, be sure to keep an eye on the weather for optimal fishing results. Weather coming up indicates we may still be battling some winds - but again, rising temps in the 70’s – 80’s will keep fish biting. Skies looking partly cloudy with some showers in-between. Have a great week anglers!

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 info@sdmissouririver.com 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!

Lake Oahe

Fishing in the Pollock and Mobridge areas has been really good with the water temperatures climbing up to the mid 50’s. Anglers are using several different methods for catching fish. Jigs/Minnow/Bottom Bouncers with small Spinner Rigs. Overall - minnow has been proving to be very effective. Some anglers are additionally using Crank Baits with success. Optimal depth has been between 8 – 15 feet. Lots of smaller fish – but numbers are looking good to get your limits. For extra fun, the Bassmaster Elite Series Vendor Expo will be taking place in Mobridge, August 18th – 21st. Please contact the Mobridge Chamber of Commerce for more information.

In Akaska fishing is good when the wind and weather permits. Catch has been Walleye on minnow bait. Boaters can access the North Dock which is open at Swan Creek.

Upcoming Akaska Fishing Derby happening on June 4th. Contact the Akaska Bait Shop for more information.

In the Gettysburg area – the fishing is consistently getting better and the quality of fish is very good as well. Anglers are using Bottom Bouncers as bait. The catch has been Walleye at about 15 feet.

Spring Creek / Cow Creek fishing has been a little slower – but will pick up with warmer weather. Anglers are shore fishing with jigs and minnow. The season looks promising with fish sizes and numbers.

Lake Sharpe

Around Pierre/Fort Pierre fish are really biting are looking to be a little bigger than in other areas. Bait has been Minnow and Nightcrawlers at around 10 feet. With the temperatures up to 58 degrees, Lake Sharpe is catching their limits.

Lake Francis Case

Near Chamberlain, fishing has picked up a little to a lot in areas that are quiet and clean. Minnow is primarily being used by itself or on small spinners as well as crank baits. Depth has been varying, but mainly shallow water is being fished. Water temps have been 45 – 50 degrees.

On Francis Case in the Platte area anglers are seeing their numbers! Depth has been between 5 – 35 feet trolling crank baits and bottom bouncers. Anglers are pulling out Walleye and Small Mouth Bass.

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, Pickstown areas, fishing has been very good as the spawn is over and the fish are feeding. Anglers are pulling out Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Catfish, and Crappie in the Pease Creek area. You can’t go wrong using minnow – but if you’re fishing for Walleye they are starting to take their seasonal lean towards Nightcrawler. Water temperature has been between 50 – 55 degrees. Depth has been around 15 – 20 feet, and shore fishing is working well. Some good locations between Whetstone and the Fort Randall Dam. If you’re in the area you can treat yourself to some sights as Gray Wolf and Elk have been recently spotted again.

In Yankton is gearing up for some action! Though it’s been a late spring for everyone on the Missouri River – numbers and size of fish are looking very promising!

For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing Lake Oahe, please call Kemnitz MoRest Motel in Mobridge at 605-845-3668. Call Akaska Bait Shop in Akaska 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 605-220-2844. On Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case, contact South 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.

Help slow 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.

Fishing Update for The Missouri River in South Dakota

The South Dakota weather is starting to heat this fishing season up! The next week is looking very nice being mostly in the high 60’s to mid 70’s. However, keep an eye on some AM and PM rain showers. As the water temperature continues to rise - we are seeing those fishing numbers increase. Have a great week on the water!

Also, be sure to like us on Facebook for up to date information in the Missouri River Region!

Lake Oahe

With the rising water temperatures at 48 – 50 degrees fishing in the Pollock and Mobridge areas is picking up. Anglers are catching walleye at about 8 – 10 feet with jigs, minnow/smelt, and some crank baits. Fishing limits are also being met! Catch has been Northern.

In Akaska fishing is good when the wind and weather permits. Catch has been Walleye on minnow bait. Boaters can access the North Dock which is open at Swan Creek. Upcoming Akaska Fishing Derby happening on June 4th. Contact the Akaska Bait Shop for more information.

In the Gettysburg area – fishing has been a combination of slow to very good depending on weather. Bait has been jigs. Anglers are pulling out Walleye, some Northern, and they are starting to see Small Mouth Bass as well. Depth has been shallow.

Spring Creek / Cow Creek fishing has been a little slower – but will pick up with warmer weather. Anglers are shore fishing with jigs and minnow. The season looks promising with fish sizes and numbers.

Lake Sharpe

Around Pierre/Fort Pierre fishing has really started to heat up with the water temps at 50 degrees. Minnow jigs and minnow bouncer rigs are doing well for bait at around 10 feet. Catch has been Walleye and Bass. Fishing limits are being met when wind slows and weather is nice.

Lake Francis Case

Near Chamberlain, fishing has picked up a little to a lot in areas that are quiet and clean. Minnow is primarily being used by itself or on small spinners as well as crank baits. Depth has been varying, but mainly shallow water is being fished. Water temps have been 45 – 50 degrees.

On Francis Case in the Platte area anglers are seeing their numbers! Depth has been between 5 – 35 feet trolling crank baits and bottom bouncers. Anglers are pulling out Walleye and Small Mouth Bass.

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, Pickstown areas, fishing has been excellent particularly in Pease Creek and Svatos Bay. Flavor of bait does not matter – as the fish are biting everything. Anglers are pulling out Walleye and Bass between 15 - 20 feet. Shore fishing is also great.

In Yankton is slow and about a week away from really seeing some action. In some areas the water levels are quite low. Spawn is close to being over and anglers anticipate good fishing numbers and clean water.

For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing Lake Oahe, please call Kemnitz MoRest Motel in Mobridge at 605-845-3668. Call Akaska Bait Shop in Akaska 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 605-220-2844. On Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case, contact South 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.

SD MISSOURI RIVER FISHING/HUNTING REPORT

May 9th, 2022 Fishing Update for The Missouri River in South Dakota

We’re into the second week of May – and fishing numbers on the Missouri River are looking very promising for anglers. The forecast coming up is mainly in the mid 70’s with some high 60’s. With the rise in water temps you can be sure it’s going to hurry the season along and limits will continue being met!

Also, be sure to like us on Facebook for up to date information in the Missouri River Region!

Lake Oahe

In Akaska anglers are fishing Northern Pike from the shoreline and Walleye on a jig bite. Boaters are using the lower water ramp to access the water.

At Gettysburg, anglers are still waiting for a little warmer weather to get the season going. Most are shore fishing with minnows/smelt, nightcrawlers/crawlers as bait. Mostly catfish and Northern Pike are being pulled with some Walleye. Anglers anticipate more action as the weather and water temperature improves.

Spring Creek / Cow Creek some walleye are biting. Anglers are using jigs or bouncers and minnows. Bite will heat up as the water does.

Lake Sharpe

Around Pierre/Fort Pierre limits are being met when the weather is nice. Anglers are using a variety of bait such as, flasher jigs with minnow, and bottom bouncers. Catch has been Bass, Northern and Walleye - around 10 feet or less. Temperature has been in the low 40’s.

Lake Francis Case

On Francis Case in the Platte area is looking great this Spring and Summer!

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, Pickstown areas, fishing has been excellent. Lots of Bass and Walleye are being caught on jig, minnow, and lead line. Depth has been between 15 – 20 feet unless casting on shore. Spawn is coming to a close and fish are hungry! Additionally for fun, the recent Annual Walleye Tournament at the Circle H. Motel in this area had great overall numbers with 247lbs caught – first place winner hooked a 27.81lb Walleye.

In Yankton the fishing season has not taken off quite yet. Anglers say in the next couple of weeks fish will be downstream in the Lewis & Clark Lake after spawn is over. They are looking forward to clean water and good sized Walleye.

May 2, 2022 Fishing Update for The Missouri River in South Dakota

It’s fishing report time again! The upcoming forecast is looking pretty nice in the 60’s and 70’s. This is a great time to get outdoors and on the Missouri River in central South Dakota. If you have questions about boat ramp access, please check out the link at the end of the report. Good luck catching!

Lake Oahe

In the Pollock and Mobridge areas, the bite is slow as weather and wind has kept anglers from the water. Water temperature has been around 40 degrees. Anglers are using minnow and crankbaits.

At Akaska anglers are fishing Northern Pike from the shoreline and Walleye on a jig bite. Boaters are using the lower water ramp to access the water.

At Gettysburg, anglers are waiting for a little warmer weather to get the season started. Some are shore fishing with minnows and crawlers. Northern Pike, Catfish, and some walleye are being pulled. Anglers anticipate more action as the weather improves.

Around Spring Creek / Cow Creek some walleye are biting. Anglers are using jigs or bouncers and minnows. Bite will heat up as the water does.

Lake Sharpe

Around Pierre/Fort Pierre fishing is good and limits are being met as long as weather permits. Depths are shallow 10 feet or less. Anglers are catching Northern Pike some Walleye. Bait being used is jigs and minnow. Fishing will be better as the weather levels out.

Lake Francis Case

Near Chamberlain anglers are waiting for the weather to stabilize some more. Bait being used has been minnow, jig, and bottom bouncers. Fishing depth between 12-15 feet. Catch has been Walleye.

On Francis Case in the Platte area, the fishing is good and again looking to pick up even more as weather permits. Anglers are pulling out Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. Minnow and jigs are being used anywhere from 2-30 feet deep.

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, Pickstown areas, fishing is picking up and the spawn is close to being done. Anglers are using minnow and jig at 15-20 feet. Water temperature has been between 40-45 degrees. The catch has been Northern Pike, Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye. Additionally, wildlife like Elk can also be seen from the river bank adding to the experience.