SD Missouri River Fishing Report

https://www.sdmissouririver.com/
Father’s Day Weekend: the best weekend on the water!

Make this weekend a Father’s Day fishing outing! Good upcoming weather is anticipated to boost fishing luck with temperatures ranging from high 70s to mid 80s. Most days this week are forecast to have partly cloudy skies, and Thursday may have evening rain, but overall the week looks great for getting out to spend some quality time on the water with family!

June 12th is the last night of the Ladies, Let’s Fish (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/calendar/view/ladies-lets-fish-angler-academy-copy-1746119987-copy-1746120193/) series in Platte (https://www.platteareachamber.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz8GxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR61ZqEc_xLYpJ8kClch_wGnsW3Sb0IWhpayvwO-Jadw_8KI06L_aIr3j1mPxw_aem_P234q_bcotmIXdjMSH7zhg) .

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team

Subscribe to the Missouri River Tourism Newsletter (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/newsletter-signup/)
In the Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/)  and Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/)  areas the fishing report is about the same as last week. The MoRest Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/morest-motel/)  shared when the weather is nice, the bite is crazy good. People are catching really nice limits of fish. Depth is anywhere between 5-15ft depending on the day. Pretty much any presentation has been working; both minnows and crawlers are doing well.

Around Akaska (https://oahewings.com/?y_source=1_OTk3NzA2Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D) , the bite has stayed good. The fish are constantly moving, but by using electronics you can find them every day. The best bite has come in water less than 15 feet. Jigs/minnows or bouncers with small blades or plain hooks are the best. The big fish are still here. You can catch some giant walleye in the deeper water, 20-40ft, using forward-facing sonar or just covering lots of area pulling crank baits.
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 that anglers are seeing the fishing pick up. People are catching some nice ones south of the area, but a lot of anglers are still going north up to Swift Bird and Dodge Bay. Depth has varied starting shallow 5-8ft all the way up to 23ft. Presentation has also been a mixed bag and boats are taking lots of bait with them; minnows, worms, and leeches. Sometimes even bare hooks will work. The area is catching walleye and smallmouth.

Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  shared fishing is definitely picking up and anglers are catching quite a few, as long as weather cooperates. Presentation has been a bit of everything, minnows/worms and also pulling plugs. Depth starts shallow around 8tt and goes up to 20ft. Catching walleye, smallmouth, and catfish. Ramps have been getting full and the area is anticipating a busy Father’s Day weekend.
Below the Cheyenne River near 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, The Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/) shared that fishing in the past week has improved on the peninsula. Cow Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/cow-creek-recereation-area/) has been a great launch sight for a day of monster walleye fishing on the southern end of Lake Oahe. Water temperatures are also coming up! Worms are growing in demand with a shortage of minnows from the western prairie ponds. The South Dakota Rural Electric Association had a great turn out with large bag weights and over 120 fishing team members – smiles ear to ear! “Walleye, Walleye, Walleye, give me this wish of the monster walleye!” Don’t forget The Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/)  cooks your catch!
South Dakota Rural Electric Association
Photo Courtesy of The Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/)
Salmon Update on Oahe
The Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)  has seen fish moving deeper due to some high winds over the weekend. The most productive depth range has been between 45 and 75ft. Bait varies, some doing better on spoons, others on FF. Salmon fishing is in a slower period right now, but sizes are good, with one report of a rather big fish coming in at 19.5lbs. Expect salmon fishing to get better as the season moves through temperamental spring weather on to solid summer weather.
A nice lineup of healthy Chinook Salmon
Photo Courtesy of Oahe Salmon Guide Service (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz0NBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR6kpmSeD_MOQHSrYZkNSAdLwU_fx5YOUoZSDssX_2K4VSPu2PB0z33P4epGuQ_aem_PJWahM83JNnj_95krGoFCw)
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/)  areas, some nice walleye and white bass are being caught trolling on Hipple Lake. A decent amount of other species is creating good action.

Prospt Professional Anglers (https://propstprofessionalanglers.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKF59NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQY1o3MDVVVk13MFd1ZlREAR5XKiPHMtl4AiPzaaSVimieC6OfbJNHtoSyEfHxcHlJSGznPPzE0kYp1vHJXg_aem_Hb8X78kEvNlB0YoQo-zgwg)  have been very active on both Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. For the southern end of Oahe, fishing is slower. They’ve still been finding some between 9-15ft of water. When you find active fish it’s best to grind out what you can. Crawlers and minnow both work right now. The further north on Oahe you go, the better the fishing is. A majority of the good fishing areas sit between Whitlock and Akaska, but if you venture north, be prepared to have a lot of company.

Things are going well on Lake Sharpe. West Bend (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/west-bend-recreation-area/) off the break lines in 17-20ft is producing a lot of fish. Be well stocked with lots of bait because you’re going to catch a lot of fish too small to keep. Average keepers have been coming in at about 15-18 inches.

The report from Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/)  sees fish constantly on the move, with warmer temperatures and high winds scattering fish. Typical places in and around town are being fished frequently, including the stilling basin, Marion’s Gardens, and sandbars along the bridges. Pitching jigs continues to be the primary option.

Further downriver, fish continue to filter through the reservoir, making the bluffs inconsistent. West Bend has been an active area. Target depths between 8-11 ft, use long passes trolling crankbaits, and move up and down the river to score fish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hkp0TD0S1ZI
Lip Ripper Guide Service
Secrets Revealed: Trolling Crankbaits for Spring Walleye (Lake Sharpe)
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/
In Chamberlain (https://chamberlainsd.com/) , Allen’s Missouri River Guide Service (http://www.allenshillside.com/) shared there is a lot of fish in the area and you’ll have to sort through smaller sizes to get your limit. Presentation has been mostly crawlers and spinners at about 15-20ft. Lots of action!
Day 2 fishing trip with a great family from Iowa!
Photo Courtesy – Allen’s Missouri River Guide Service (http://www.allenshillside.com/)
In the Platte (https://www.platteareachamber.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz2cpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR7JDGXayyW4VCy_4DMCuwhhkqwS9ZKtUjJVnU4Fc6MitTvYmXAI9pZxChPXgA_aem_7iwzGAbvbzclSuv9zWunxQ) area, fishing has been up and down with weather. Anglers didn’t get out on the water at all yesterday due to strong wind, but when the weather is good, the fishing’s great!
Reported from the Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service (https://www.plattecreek.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz2iZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR7oScl9s3B4ra9iQeM9hZ9HimoXaWCW1UdcoFxbUf6IwtecSGblwd7txoeKkA_aem_uqVNMaprdd0mW_ovc9cN5Q)
Good weather days in Platte (https://www.platteareachamber.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKqrjJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExZXc5U1ZzajdNWGlFbTJXAR5wxvKGC3XFb7yJjZc0NaVIhCJTjPD5xmbmNHXb3aXbVUMQlF0jyxFHx2TpOg_aem_uOkC9opF51b4XUjHrH5GwQ)  have been great!
Photo Courtesy of Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service (https://www.plattecreek.com/)
From the Geddes area, SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)  says lower Lake Francis Case
bite has been great and fish are caught using a variety of techniques. Trolling cranks 20-30ft has been working well, as well as flicker shad bait, nightcrawlers, spinners, or slow death.

Quality catches from Geddes, SD
Photo Courtesy from SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)

In the Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/category/cities-and-communities/bonesteel/)  area, Ed with Pavel’s Walleye Camp (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/) says fishing continues to get better by the day. The Whetstone Bay Tournament was this weekend and there were some really nice fish caught, 28.5 inches. Many anglers were pitching jigs to shore while others were jigging over trees. Also saw many anglers live baiting slow death hooks with either worms or minnow.

Nice sized walleye on Lake Francis Case
Photo Courtesy from Pavels Walleye Camp (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/)
No new reports for the Lake Andes (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/category/cities-and-communities/lake-andes/) , Wagner (https://wagnersd.squarespace.com/fort-randall-dam) , and Pickstown (https://pickstown-sd.net/) areas, please refer to last weeks report:
Lake Andes Inn & RV Park (https://lakeandesinn.com/) reported walleye fishing was steady last week above and below Fort Randall Dam. The bite picked up near Pease Creek with anglers finding success at 10–17ft using minnows or crawlers. Small-mouth bass were active on the shore, hitting plastics and crank baits. Above the dam, trolling and jigging produced good numbers. Water temps are climbing, expect fishing to only get better in the coming weeks.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

No new reports from the Yankton (https://www.visityanktonsd.com/)  area, please refer to last weeks report:
The Walleye Guys (https://www.thewalleyeguys.com/) shared the bite was excellent until this recent cold front brought nasty storms rolled in for a week dropping temps 15 degrees and dirtying up the water. With stable weather back in the forecast and temps warming back up, so is the bite. By the end of this week, it should be in full effect again. Walleye are being caught all over the lake. Shallow depths are the place to target them right now; however, some can be caught in deeper water as well. Shallow water fish are typically the most active and easier to catch. 6-7ft seems to be a good target for pitching jigs with live bait or plastics. Trolling the flats around the lake can also produce lots of fish. Drive around with your electronics to find the pods of fish and work them until you figure out what they want that day. Guides have been having bust luck pitching jigs but anticipate a great crankbait bite to take off this week. Trolling Salmo Hornet and Berkley Money Badgers has been
best.
Lots of action and sorting fish on Lewis & Clark Lake
Photo Courtesy from T (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/) he Walleye Guys (https://www.thewalleyeguys.com/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPGjySNmtPg

The Walleye Guys
Reel Talk Podcast: Lewis & Clark Spring Walleye Fishing

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!