SD Missouri River Fishing Report

https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/
The heat is up and THE BITE IS ON!

This week’s fishing report is sponsored by SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/) . Located in Geddes on the east side of Lake Francis Case, this family-owned professional guide service does it all from fishing to hunting, providing an excellent resort-style lodge where you can escape from the busy life and take in nature’s peace. On the river, their experienced guides can lead you to walleye, bass, perch, paddle fish and other species. In the prairies, book a hunt for several days on 10,000 acres of prime habitat to track down pheasant, waterfowl, and big game. SD Outfitters welcomes groups small and large, offering Couples Retreat (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/blog/fishing-that-feeds-the-soul) bookings for those honeys looking to relax together.
As we all felt last week, temperatures are really heating up across Central SoDak. This week looks to follow suit with temps mainly in the upper 80s and 90s. Thursday may have A.M. rain showers, but otherwise it is shaping up to be another great week full of best-catch opportunities.

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 MoRest Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/morest-motel/)  shared the fishing continues to be very good and folks are catching decent numbers of quality fish. Best depths have been 12-14ft. The best presentation has been bouncers with spinners, using crawlers for live bait.

Around Akaska (https://oahewings.com/?y_source=1_OTk3NzA2Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D) , the bite is on and anglers are finally making it look easy. In the past week people have done great catching really nice walleye. The bite moved up in depth, so people are fishing a little shallower right now. Most fish are coming in under 10ft. The best working presentation has been bottom bouncers and crawlers, scattering a few minnows in there. Many are not traveling far at all to find fish and staying in the Swan Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/swan-creek-recreation-area/) area, which is producing well. It’s a great time to visit Akaska!
Reported from Oahe Wings & Walleyes (https://oahewings.com/)
The 2025 AFTCO Walleye Throwdown in Akaska, held alongside South Dakota Walleye Classic & Festival (https://sdwalleyeclassic.com/) , is introducing an exciting new format this year – one lucky angler has the chance to reel in $10,000! The grand prize goes to the angler with the heaviest walleye weighed in over the two-day event. See rules and registration here (https://www.aftco.com/pages/2025-aftco-walleye-throwdown) .
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , a few salmon have been picked up in the Sutton Bay area. Otherwise, things haven’t changed and you can refer to last week:
South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)  shared anglers are catching really healthy & fat walleye. However, presentation has been a fairly mixed bag. Anglers are using all flavors of live bait, minnow & crawlers, and some leeches. Some are still using a plain hook, but the bait shop is seeing an uptick of spinners and propellors. Limits have been attainable for the area. Seeing more anglers starting to go south of the bridge and around Stove Creek, otherwise many are still heading towards Dodge Draw and Swift Bird. Same depths as last week starting fairly shallow 5-8ft all the way up to 23ft.

Excellent days on the water!
Photo Courtesy of South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)
Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  is reporting fairly the same as last week. The area is still catching walleye and catfish.  Smallmouth and northern has slowed a little. Some anglers are getting their limits, but still very dependent on weather and wind. Presentation has been a bit of everything, but best practices have been using bottom bouncers and crawlers. Still seeing minnow and leeches getting used. Depth has been between 10-25ft.
No new report for 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, please refer to last week’s report:
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.
Prospt Professional Anglers (https://propstprofessionalanglers.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKF59NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQY1o3MDVVVk13MFd1ZlREAR5XKiPHMtl4AiPzaaSVimieC6OfbJNHtoSyEfHxcHlJSGznPPzE0kYp1vHJXg_aem_Hb8X78kEvNlB0YoQo-zgwg)  shared from the lower end of Oahe that the bite is definitely picking up and live bait has been producing nice fish there. You can still catch fish in 7 feet of water or you can catch them even out to 20+ feet.
Salmon Update on Oahe
The Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)  shared
that this June has produced some very big salmon, bigger than most years, and they’re coming quite regularly. The best bite is anywhere between 40-60ft and 55-70ft depending on the day. Divers, coppers and riggers are all producing well. FF continues to be the most effective method. Yellow was probably the best overall, but white and blue put fish in the boat as well. Spoons have their moments and are certainly worth putting down. Their best colors have been yellows and greens.

As a reminder for salmon boats, when they are pulling planer boards, there will be 300-400 ft of line out behind the board. Please give plenty of room. Getting caught up with another boat is no fun for either party involved.

It appears most boats are catching, but it is uncertain how long this great bite will last. Best to get after it while it’s hot!

Successful Salmon Trips on Lake Oahe!
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/)  area on Lake Sharpe between the stilling basin and the dam, Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/) reported the area is offering a very solid bite. This time of year, anglers should focus on the main channel for consistent fishing. Most fishing pressure on the lake is at the Oahe Dam tailrace, stilling basin, and nearby, with shore-fishing being particularly good in the evening and night at the tailrace.

Farm Island Recreation Area (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/farm-island-recreation-area/)  also has some good spots on the flats adjacent to Antelope Island and below the Polo Field boat ramp. West Bend RA also has a great summer bite.

The best bite is shallow, less than 8ft. Bottom bouncing with spinners and crawlers is the best way to target these fish. Weeds have been floating down the river, and bottom bouncing is a good way to keep bait in front of fish and minimize fouling. The most important factor has been depth, so focus on those shallow areas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB3-w-1wKqo
Lip Ripper Guide Service
Missouri River Fishing Report 6/22/25 Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe (Pierre Area)
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 the report has not changed much. Please refer to last week’s report:
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!
In the Platte (https://www.platteareachamber.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz2cpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR7JDGXayyW4VCy_4DMCuwhhkqwS9ZKtUjJVnU4Fc6MitTvYmXAI9pZxChPXgA_aem_7iwzGAbvbzclSuv9zWunxQ) area, the weather was incredibly hot over the weekend. Some are doing well despite the heat, others are stuggling.
Reported from the Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service (https://www.plattecreek.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz2iZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR7oScl9s3B4ra9iQeM9hZ9HimoXaWCW1UdcoFxbUf6IwtecSGblwd7txoeKkA_aem_uqVNMaprdd0mW_ovc9cN5Q)

https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/
From the Geddes area, SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)  says walleye fishing on lower Lake Francis Case has never been better and there are lots of fish 15-24 inches. Angler have been trolling deeper between 20-30ft. Presentation has been using jigs over trees and jig raps. Also using bottom bouncers with slow death and spinners working in 15-18ft all over.

Lots of great sized fish coming out of 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 it seems the fish are everywhere and biting! Presentation has been with worms/minnow and jigs/crank baits both shallow and deep. The National Team Championship Tournament on Lake Francis Case was a huge success and there were lots of nice fish caught.
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, Lake Andes Inn & RV Park (https://lakeandesinn.com/)  shared more about the National Team Championship in the area. Over three days, Lake Francis Case showcased intense competition, strong local talent, and excellent conservation practices.
Max Wilson (Campbellsport, WI) and Rob Korth (Pulaski, WI) claimed first place with a flawless 15-fish limit and a total weight of 51 lbs 5 oz. They consistently improved each day, weighing in 15-10 on Day 1, 17-04 on Day 2, and finishing strong with 18-07 on Day 3.

Beau Schilling (Akaska, SD) and Brady Gere (Pierre, SD) took second place, also with a full 15-fish limit, totaling 50 lbs 6 oz. Their weights built steadily: 15-05 on Day 1, 16-02 on Day 2, and an impressive 18-15 on Day 3, the heaviest single-day catch of the top three.

Duane Hjelm and Tyson Keller (both from Pierre, SD) secured third place with a 15-fish total weighing 48 lbs 13 oz, thanks to a strong start of 16-01 on Day 1 and 17-09 on Day 2, followed by 15-03 on Day 3.

All three teams showcased top-tier skill and consistency in a tightly contested championship. See full list of competition results (https://walleyefederation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NTC-FINAL-RESULTS.pdf) .
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 week’s 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.

Reel Talk Fishing Podcast with Brian Bashore discussing the AFTCO Walleye Throwdown Tournament with the legendary guide Chad Schilling of Oahe Wings and Walleyes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnjCrSK3b1M
The Walleye Guys
AFTCO Walleye Throwdown Tournament with Chad Schilling

https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/
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://experience.arcgis.com/experience/fa1e6cd335d8425183944b9f1a03e01e) 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://youtu.be/cB3-w-1wKqo

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnjCrSK3b1M&authuser=0

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Mobile: (605) 222-5364

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Pierre South Dakota, 57501

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