SD Missouri River Fishing Report

Action on the Water – so far a Great Season!

The longest standing walleye tournament, the South Dakota Governor’s Cup, is happening July 19-20 on Lake Oahe at the Spring Creek Resort. You can learn more about this through The Fishing Crew (https://thefishingcrew.com/) website.

Also coming up this month is the Junior World Bass Championship hosted in the city of Pierre. Boats will launch out of Spring Creek with weigh-ins held at Steamboat Park July 30 – August 1. Bring the family down to cheer on the young anglers as they weigh in their catch of the day!

Weather this week is typical for a South Dakota July. Temps will be in the 90s with rain potential on Thursday and Friday.

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 really good around Mobridge. Best depths have been 12-20ft. Bouncers and crawlers seem to be the best presentation. The catch has been good numbers of quality fish.

Around Akaska, the bite is even better than last week. The fish are very nice quality and healthy. Average size is around 17 inches. Anglers are fishing shallower waters in the morning, sliding out to 15-25ft later in the day. Bouncers will a spall spinner and crawler is really good. Boats are closely grouped around the Swan Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/swan-creek-recreation-area/) area.
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/) , South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)  shared anglers are picking up some really healthy and fat walleye. The bait shop is selling a lot of everything bait-wise. Anglers are using minnow, crawlers, propellors and smileys. Boats are frequenting Swift Bird and Sutton Bay. Same depths as last week starting fairly shallow 5-8ft all the way up to 23ft. Fishing deeper as the day grows hotter.
Big Beauty on the Water
Photo Courtesy of South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)
Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  reporting has not changed, please refer to last week:
The area is expecting a nice week on the water. Catfish can be caught in the creek from shore using crawlers. To catch walleyes, crawlers, minnows and leaches are all being used. Smallmouth are spawning right now, and will likely pick back up later in the season. Some are picking up northern pike in the bays.
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/)  reporting has not changed, please refer to last week:
The Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/)  shared there is lots of competition on the water, and it will only get busier going into the 4th of July weekend. Depths depend on the direction of the sun. By high noon, fish have dove down to 15ft. Worms and cranks are working the best right now. Try Cow Creek, the Sully Flats, and Agency, but pay attention to the direction of the wind.
Prospt Professional Anglers (https://propstprofessionalanglers.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKF59NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQY1o3MDVVVk13MFd1ZlREAR5XKiPHMtl4AiPzaaSVimieC6OfbJNHtoSyEfHxcHlJSGznPPzE0kYp1vHJXg_aem_Hb8X78kEvNlB0YoQo-zgwg)  shared that fishing is good on the lower end of Lake Oahe. It seems like there is fish to be caught everywhere, no matter if you launch at West Shore or higher in Spring Creek and Cow Creek. Best bite is landing between 15-20 feet but you can still catch fish in 10 feet too. Using bottom bouncers with half a crawler on a plain Aberdeen hook or a Berkly fusion 19 slow turn. Fishing the wind-blown side of the points gives the best opportunity to get more bites, otherwise keep moving until you hit an active pod.
Salmon Update on Oahe
The Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)  shared it was another outstanding week for salmon anglers. This season has been one of the best in 35 years of fishing! This past week produced some real nice sized jumbos with several fish weighing 12-16lbs. The biggest was right at 21lbs. Presentation was yellows, blues and greens from 60-75 ft down. Sometimes the fish will drop to 80ft for a few days looking for cooler water. Coppers, divers and riggers are all productive. Most boats are pulling fish and it’s a great time to get out there.

Salmon Anglers 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 please refer to last week’s report:
On Lake Sharpe, Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/) reported weather impacted water on both lakes, but still saw great fishing happening. Rain made Lake Sharpe muddy south of Pierre along the main water channel, making fishing tough. In Pierre, around Hipple Lake in the Farm Island Recreation Area (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/farm-island-recreation-area/)  still has a good bite, with good numbers of 15-17 inchers along with many smaller fish. Use a plain slow death hook and crawler. Farther south of Pierre, West Bend continues to be a popular spot.

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 it’s about the same as last week. Bite has slowed a little as a lot of bait fish are showing up. Anglers will have more competition. Limits are still being caught every day but you’ll have to go through a fair amount of fish to get the nicer ones. Most boats staying at the Hillside are doing well. Spinner and crawler are working best.
In the Platte (https://www.platteareachamber.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz2cpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR7JDGXayyW4VCy_4DMCuwhhkqwS9ZKtUjJVnU4Fc6MitTvYmXAI9pZxChPXgA_aem_7iwzGAbvbzclSuv9zWunxQ) area, Lake Francis Case is steady, producing good numbers and quality fish.
Reported from the Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service (https://www.plattecreek.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz2iZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR7oScl9s3B4ra9iQeM9hZ9HimoXaWCW1UdcoFxbUf6IwtecSGblwd7txoeKkA_aem_uqVNMaprdd0mW_ovc9cN5Q)

Great Fishing Out In Platte, SD
Photo Courtesy from Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service (https://www.plattecreek.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz2iZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIUDRtaTFINTJtYUNxRmJiAR7oScl9s3B4ra9iQeM9hZ9HimoXaWCW1UdcoFxbUf6IwtecSGblwd7txoeKkA_aem_uqVNMaprdd0mW_ovc9cN5Q)
From the Geddes area, refer to SD Outfitters Unlimited’s (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)  last report:
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.
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 that fishing was very good over the 4th of July weekend. Lots of fish being caught at 16ft using live bait. Anglers are also using crank baits over the trees.

Bonesteel Bass & Walleye Adventures
Photo Courtesy from Pavel’s Walleye Camp (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/)
No updated report 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, see the last report from Lake Andes Inn & RV Park (https://lakeandesinn.com/) :
Walleye fishing is steady both above and below Fort Randall Dam. The bite picked up near Pease Creek with anglers finding success at 10–17 feet 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.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

No new reports for the Yankton (https://www.visityanktonsd.com/)  area, refer to last week:
The Walleye Guys (https://www.thewalleyeguys.com/) shared a hot bite and fish are searching for cooler water, going deeper or into the chutes. Walleye are on the move looking for food sources, hanging out on the weed lines where the bugs are. Jigs with crawlers and leaches are working well in chutes and along deep breaks. Trolling Salmo hornets or Berkley Money Badgers has been effective all spring, and likely will be effective all summer. Lots of quality fish in the system right now, caught from the dam to the west end. River channel breaks will hold fish into the fall, but there will be tough days, especially when shad fills the system. Focus on finding fish in clean water, and the warmer the weather gets, the more the fish will bite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9yFuRjV3OA
The Walleye Guys
Reel Talk Podcast: Tackle and Walleye talk with NWT Pro Mark Courts
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 & SD Outfitters Unlimited 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