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SD Missouri River Fishing Report July 5 2016

by SD Missouri River Tourism


SD MISSOURI RIVER FISHING/HUNTING REPORT – July 5, 2016

Provided by: South Dakota Missouri River Tourism

 

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Fishing Update for

 The Missouri River in South Dakota

 

We hope you had a great time celebrating Independence Day!

Weather is warming up this week. There are some storms rolling through here and there, so watch the weather and be safe. It should be a great time on the Missouri River in Central South Dakota! 

 

REMINDER: Help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species! Check out the Game, Fish & Parks web site for detailed info on the regulations. You can trailer to fish cleaning stations nearest the boat ramp, but after that regulations call for draining live wells and boats. 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 slowing a little. Limits are still being caught, but you have to work at it – sometimes most of the day. South of town and around the Moreau is decent. Anglers are fishing in 25-35 feet using spinners and crawlers or leeches. 

At Gettysburg anglers are catching a number of smaller walleye, with some limits of nice fish coming in. Anglers are still using all bait and fishing in the 25-30 ft. depth. The Smallmouth bite is good, with anglers bringing in fish in the 3-4 lb. range. Some catfish are being brought in from the creeks.

Around Spring Creek / Cow Creek  - On Oahe the bite is fairly good from Spring Creek to the Cheyenne, so you can pretty much take your pick of areas. 

Anglers are fishing mainly in the back of the rivers or creeks. Depths are somewhat shallow on windy days – around 15 feet or less and out to 30 feet when the water is calm. Bouncers and crawlers seem to be working well. Northern, catfish and smallmouth are also going well right now. 

REMEMBER TO DRAIN YOUR BOAT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE CLEANING AREAS TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REGULATIONS AIMED AT INVASIVE SPECIES!

Lake Sharpe

There have been some nice walleye caught around the Pierre/Fort Pierre area to West Bend. The bite is getting a little tougher, but channel edges are working well, along with along the bluffs. Depths are around 8-20 feet around the channels and current breaks. Jigs and minnows are a great choice for bait along with crawlers. The best bite is downstream from Degray to the Dam. Nicer days will definitely produce limits. Smallmouths are going well in this area also, in 14 feet or less. Pulling plugs with leeches and crawlers is working well. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray and plenty of water!!

Remember, the 15 inch slot limit on Sharpe goes off July 1 until September. 

Lake Francis Case 

 Around Chamberlain , Lake Sharpe is producing good fish from the Big Bend Dam to Iron Nation. Anglers are fishing in 8-30 feet using spinners and crawlers. Some sorting is necessary.

 On Lake Francis Case the bite is going well and anglers are fishing in 8 to 12 feet depending on the wind. Spinners and bottom bouncers are working the best. Some anglers are pulling plugs also. From Chamberlain to the Dam fishing is good. Lots of 14 to 14.5 inch fish – should be a little less sorting.

In the Platte area the water levels are up. Fishing over the weekend was kind of tough.  Anglers are fishing 15-35 feet using crawlers and spinners or pulling crankbaits. Some anglers are pulling plugs over the trees in 35-40 feet. Smallmouth are biting here also. Fish are looking very healthy. 

At the Pickstown - Wagner – Lake Andes  areas fishing is going fairly well. Anglers are working the weed areas for the walleye.  With the higher water level the weeds from last year are covered up and the bait fish are taking shelter there.  Again, the fish are there, but you need to look for them and the fish are good and fat! The creeks to the Fort Randall Dam are going good.  Crawlers and leeches are working the best for bait in 20-28 feet depths. White Swan, Pease Creek are producing good fish. In the Svatos Bay area they are catching a lot of nice bluegill. Smallmouth, perch, crappie, and catfish are still being caught also. When you’re out on the water be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife – that’s a great part of fishing! 

At Yankton the fishing is going well here and it looks like it will be a good week weather wise in this area.  Minnows and crawlers and leeches are the best for bait here. 

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. 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!