http://www.allenshillside.com/
Rollin’ on the River into Late Summer
The season carries on; much of the fishing report has remained the same, with slight variations. Temperatures are forecasted high in the 80s and 90s. We will see fair to cloudy skies all week, with possible rain on Tuesday. Hopefully the storms will keep away and the sun will stay!
All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
Subscribe to the Missouri River Tourism Newsletter (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/newsletter-signup/)
In Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/) and Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) , the MoRest Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/morest-motel/) shared the bite definitely slowed down over the course of the week. You can still scratch out a limit of quality fish, but you’ll have to work for it. Mostly using bouncers and spinners with crawlers to catch fish. Trolling crank baits has also been effective. Between 25-35 feet has been our best depths.
Around Akaska, Chad Schilling with Oahe Wings & Walleyes (https://oahewings.com/) shared the bite is currently a grind. Anglers have been targeting the shallow waters all week in less than 12ft around the bay areas and back in the Moreau River. Catching lots of species: catfish and lots of small walleye will keep you busy.
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/) reported that limits aren’t as plentiful right now, but they are still attainable. Anglers getting out and after it are catching nice fish. Presentation fairly similar to last week, using crawlers, jig raps, and pulling plugs with flicker minnows and reapers. Depth has been about 35-40ft.
Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/) shared things have slowed but anglers continue to catch. Some limits have been met, but the number has been dropping. Although fish are spread out right now, some anglers have been catching shallow in about 10ft. Average depth has been around 30-35ft. A lot of folks are using jig raps over the trees and really leaning into their live scopes and electronics.
No new reporting from Prospt Professional Anglers (https://propstprofessionalanglers.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKF59NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQY1o3MDVVVk13MFd1ZlREAR5XKiPHMtl4AiPzaaSVimieC6OfbJNHtoSyEfHxcHlJSGznPPzE0kYp1vHJXg_aem_Hb8X78kEvNlB0YoQo-zgwg) , please refer to last week: The Lake Oahe bite is back on. Using a bottom bouncer with a half crawler on a Berkley fusion 19 Slow Turn is producing good fish. Fishing the main lake points from 20-27ft has been best but other anglers have been catching them from 35-45ft with good results as well.
Salmon Update on Oahe
The Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/) shared things are slow. The beginning of last week was decent, then it came to a halt. There’s still some really nice fish coming in, from the mid to upper teens and a very few in the 20lbs range. Depth is consistently 65-80ft. Temps has been varying from 52 to 57 degrees at 80ft. Still no pattern on color. What’s hot one day is dead the next. The fish do not want to stay put at all! Everyday starts with a hunt, and if you find them, they’re very hard to stay on. However, it’s finally looking like we’re going to get some stable weather. With any luck that’ll kick them back into high gear!
Happy 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/) areas Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/) shared fishing is very hit and miss on Lake Sharpe. The primary bite is in the stilling basin, where trolling crankbaits has produced the most fish. There is a significant amount of forage in the stilling basin, mostly gizzard shad, and that means fish are extremely well fed. Covering water with crankbaits has been the highest percentage option, but the bite is good one day and slow the next! Traditional crank options, #5 and #7 Shad Raps in the color purple, remain one of the top options. Whether trolling crankbaits or spoons, no one is immune from the hit and miss nature that comes with targeting walleye surrounded by forage in the stilling basin. Fortunately, when the bite is slow in the stilling basin there is still good fishing to be had on the river!
The best bite is fishing in 6-10 ft along the major flats, targeting areas that feature rolling topography or “dunes” under the water. Fish are sitting in these areas and ambushing forage as it comes by. This means when it’s a #4 Colorado blade and nightcrawler behind a bottom bouncer, they’re often willing to bite!
Throughout the entire system, there remains a great number of fish 12-17 inches, with a good number of fish between 14-15 inches. These make for great action and great eaters, especially for it being the heat of the summer. There is no shortage of forage in the system, but when you find active fish they’re often willing to eat a bit more!
Further down river below the Pierre (https://midwestliprippers.com/plan-your-trip-to-pierre/) area, anglers targeting the West Bend and Iron Nation recreation areas are reporting fish present. The trend of a great number of fish continues to be the case all along the reservoir.
Lip Ripper Fishing took a look at a new wrinkle; trolling light, flashy spoons behind heavy 10-ounce torpedo weights. This is a tactic that is common on Lake Erie, but not so common on Lake Sharpe. Fortunately, this can produce fish on the Missouri River too! Check out Nick’s YouTube video Mixing It Up For Mid-Summer Lake Sharpe Walleye (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlf8eGtSMyo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhu8XMALGfE
Lip Ripper Fishing
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report | August 3
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/) reported the bite is about the same, please refer to last week’s report: The bite is slowing up with plenty of bait in the system. You have to work for the fish you catch. Best depths on Lake Sharpe by Big Bend Dam has been 20-35ft, scattered; on Francis case, depth is 10-20ft.
From the Geddes area, SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/) shared the bite remains steady and fish are eating every day. Lower Francis Case fishing stayed about the same as last week, requiring anglers to cast real deep in the evening at 70-90ft, and shallower in the early day at 40-55ft. Fort Randall Dam is also producing some nice walleye in fast water on swim baits.
Great times on the Water
Photo Courtesy of S (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/) D Outfitters Unlimited & Missouri River Lodge (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 was good this week using bottom bouncers in 25ft of water. Catching all sizes of fish, and the wind sure helps. Lots of bait fish are showing up in the system.
In 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 no big changes on the fishing front, conditions have pretty much stayed the same. Please refer to last week: While some struggled to get a bite, the ones who cracked the code found a consistent pattern and got good results. The key? Big-profile, slow-moving presentations that offered fish a worthwhile meal without forcing them to burn energy chasing down snack-sized baits. Large minnow-style options like the 6” Hinge Minnow and fluttering spoons did the trick, putting some quality 18-inch walleye in the net.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/
For the Yankton (https://www.visityanktonsd.com/) area, please refer to the latest report:
The Walleye Guys (https://www.thewalleyeguys.com/) reported the bite is excellent and they had another great week guiding on Lewis & Clark Lake. A couple slower days but overall a decent week. Lots of bait fish and mayflies in the system now so time to modify your presentation and locations to get the bites.
Tune in to hear from AIMS Chairman Brett King as The Walleye Guys discuss AIM NXT, the newest tournament circuit in the Walleye world coming in 2026!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7waLx2zcPY
The Walleye Guys
AIM NXT Level Walleye Tournament Circuit
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!
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