SD Missouri River Fishing Report

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Welcome back to another fishing season on the Mighty Missouri River!
A big thanks to all the incredible guides who provide us with accurate information for this report. We encourage readers to visit their websites and channels for more details. Please reach out to SD Missouri River Tourism if you would like to contribute to the report or if you are looking for specific information.

Weather plays a critical role in fishing trips, so plan accordingly. This week looks like partly cloudy days ranging between 70 and 80 degrees.

The Annual Open House & Free Fishing Weekend (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/calendar/view/open-house-free-fishing-weekend/)  is happening next week May 16-18 throughout the state. During this weekend guests can enjoy free entrance into all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. A number of parks will be hosting special events. Camping fees still apply. This weekend is Free Fishing Weekend meaning no fishing licenses are required. Regulations and limits still apply.

In Platte, Ladies, Let’s Fish! (https://license.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=231768) is a 3-part in-person series of classes designed to encourage women to confidently take part and enjoy the sport of fishing. Classes will be held on May 15th, May 29th, and June 12th at 6 PM at Snake Creek Recreation Area.

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
Subscribe to the Missouri River Tourism Newsletter (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/newsletter-signup/)
From the Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) and Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/)  areas, the Morest Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/morest-motel/) shares that things are starting to fire up. The bite around town has been very slow with water temps still in the upper 40°s. The further north of town you get the bite is better; you can find 50°+ water temps quite a ways up north. Most success has been jigs and minnow at 13-16ft. Also catching some fish pitching jigs toward shore in a couple of feet of water. With the warmer temps, the bite should pick up this week.

Around Akaska (https://oahewings.com/?y_source=1_OTk3NzA2Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D) , the bite has been pretty tough. Most anglers have been traveling north to the Pollock area. Fish should move down-river in the next 10 days. Right now, a jig and minnow/plastic is the way to go, concentrating on shallower water less than 15ft.
Reported from Oahe Wings & Walleyes (https://oahewings.com/)
https://www.southwhitlock.com/
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/) reports little action due to cold temps and wind. They estimate the general area is about 10 days out till things really start going for the season. The smelt and walleye spawn seems to be over as well, so fish are fairly quiet.

Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  reports that while the area has been pretty slow, anglers have been using a little bit of everything to get a catch here and there. With warmer weather on the way, it shouldn’t be too long until the season turns on.
A Taste of Summer – Mobridge Bridge at Sunset
Photo Curtesy of Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)
Below the Cheyenne River, The Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/) shares that Lake Oahe has been a little slow rolling in the Spring Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/spring-creek-recreation-area/)  & Cow Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/cow-creek-recereation-area/)  areas, but shallow fishing is the name of the game right now. Minnows are key and every warm day brings closer the best days Lake Oahe has to offer!
Guided Fishing Trip – Photo Curtesy of Oahe Salmon Guide Service (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)
Salmon Update on Oahe
The Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/) says the fishing report remains strong! Activity has slowed down far from what it was, but remains solid. Size and number of catches varies day to day. The spoon bite is the most active, with color preferences changing frequently throughout the day. All presentations are producing, aside from the cores. The best depth range has been 30-40ft. Wind will dampen chances this week for a few days. This bite is bound to slow down at some point so take advantage of it while it lasts!
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-sharpe/
In the Pierre (https://pierre.org/) /Fort Pierre (https://www.visitfortpierre.com/)  area, Prospt Professional Anglers (https://propstprofessionalanglers.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKF59NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQY1o3MDVVVk13MFd1ZlREAR5XKiPHMtl4AiPzaaSVimieC6OfbJNHtoSyEfHxcHlJSGznPPzE0kYp1vHJXg_aem_Hb8X78kEvNlB0YoQo-zgwg)  say they are focused on Lake Sharpe as the bite has been heating up fast there. The river has been producing 15-17 inches, though you will need to sort through many to find keepers. An occasional 18-20 incher has been harder to come by. Walleye are using certain areas to migrate south coming back from the spawn. Overall, the year is shaping up to be incredible.

Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/) shares the spawn is mostly complete on Lake Sharpe and the bite is starting to return! The trend from recent weeks is significant fish movement, moving from the northern end of the reservoir to the southern end, and going in and out of deep water. Male walleyes are still actively involved in spawning behavior when you catch them, but the bulk of the females have spawned and the bite should continue to pick up throughout this week. Fish are transitioning back towards their feeding areas; the large feeding flats between
Farm Island Recreation Area (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/farm-island-recreation-area/) and Fort George Recreation Area are top spots to target. The best bet is trolling crankbaits along the large flats, particularly adjacent to main current areas and deep waters. Fish are actively moving up and down the reservoir, so focus on these transitional areas. Keep moving; troll crankbaits and check new areas; switch up colors of bait to keep up with the wind changing the color of the water.

In town, the jig and minnow bite is very good. Fishing along Marions Gardens, the causeway, and among the bridges are the best options, but the stilling basin can produce as well. The deep hole on the LaFramboise side of the causeway has also been popular, though very hit and miss.

Further downriver is a decent bite along the bluffs. Anglers are trolling and jigging. Flats between Stoney Point, Fort George, and the secondary flats in this area have all been productive. Targeting both the sandbar sides, but also the trees, can be productive.

Overall, the key is covering water, targeting structural elements adjacent to deep water, and being cognizant of constant fish movement. There’s no secret baits or spots, the bite is generally excellent!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=48RUDIXPkng&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fmidwestliprippers.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&themeRefresh=1
Lip Ripper Guide Service
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report + State Park Reminders – May 4, 2025
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/
Around Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/) , Ed with Pavel’s Walleye Camp (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/) says Lake Francis Case is seeing action with the settling weather. Walleye are caught with crank baits, jig and minnow, jig/nightcrawlers, and bottom bouncers. Fish are scattered between shallow and deep waters down to 40ft. Overall, fish are healthy and abundant, and the small mouth bite is awesome right now.
Mornings on lake Francis Case – Photo Curtesy of Pavel’s Walleye Camp (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/)
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

The Walleye Guys (https://www.thewalleyeguys.com/) share the latest report from the Yankton (https://www.visityanktonsd.com/)  area: the bite upriver from Lewis & Clark Lake is on fire! Full pre-spawn and spawning action is under way. Lots of very nice size walleye being caught trolling crankbaits and jigs with minnow. Find some good current and you will find the walleye. The lake bite is hit or miss but should be coming back over the next couple of weeks as water temps are rising quickly. Hear the interview with NWT Pro Jake Caughey (The Candy Man) on the Reel Talk Fishing Podcast, discussing tournament fishing and how to become a better tournament angler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNJKvqKbP3M
Reel Talk Fishing Podcast
Brian Bashore interview with NWT Jake Caughey

https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/category/outdoors/fishing/

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 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.
Thanks for reading our Fishing Report!

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48RUDIXPkng&authuser=0

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNJKvqKbP3M&authuser=0