SD Missouri River Fishing Reports

The 4th of July heats up the Mighty Mo!

We hope everyone had an awesome time with their friends and family this 4th of July, celebrating 250 years of America’s Independence! It was a great opportunity to be out on the water fishing and watching firework displays!

Overall the fishing patterns are right on target for these hot summer days. And when the temps go up, the fish sink down to those cooler depths and currents. Right now the river temperature is really warming up, so don’t be surprised to see fish moving deeper into the main Missouri River body.

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team

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https://gfp.sd.gov/
STATE PARK SPOTLIGHT
Snake Creek Recreation Area (https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/snake-creek-recreation-area/)
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/snake-creek-recreation-area/
Lake Francis Case draws visitors to Snake Creek Recreation Area (https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/snake-creek-recreation-area/) . The park is popular with boaters and anglers, as well those looking for scenic beauty along the Missouri River. History buffs will enjoy knowing that the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled through the area, where they were told to watch for “burning bluffs” along the river. See More… (https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/snake-creek-recreation-area/)
In Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/)  and Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) , the MoRest Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/morest-motel/)  shared Mobridge had a great 4th of July weekend and the area was buzzing with lots of people. The fishing remained good this last week. Most fish have been down 10-16ft in the tributaries and 20-30ft on the main lake. Still catching fish using traditional bouncer and spinner/propeller with crawler. Trolling crankbaits have also been very productive.
Around Akaska, Chad Schilling with Oahe Wings & Walleyes (https://oahewings.com/)  reported the area had an awesome 4th! The bite continues to be pretty good. Not easy, but good. Most days see anglers catching limits, and all fish caught are looking nice. The shallow bite has held on for now. With warmer temperatures, expect them to slide deeper soon. Bouncers with crawlers seems to put the most fish in the boat.

The 2026 AFTCO Walleye Throwdown returns to Akaska for its second year in partnership with the South Dakota Walleye Classic (https://www.facebook.com/sdwalleyeclassic) , bringing even bigger prizes and an expanded tournament-style format.
https://sdwalleyeclassic.com/info.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawRu2CBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwd0wxUjVsTFdWMDNXRWVEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu28Pj0vYBDzTFWPsiagnu7TZD8GkyzCHxHhF86quyXYlSUY4iYo3eYmaAwM_aem_RM4nEMYPBjmULMnd6Qnq2Q
Campers Golf Cart Parade at South Whitlock Resort in Gettysburg
Photo Courtesy of South Whitlock Resort (https://www.facebook.com/southwhitlockresort)
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)  reported the area saw a very productive weekend with lots of campers and anglers. Hot temperatures are starting to move fish into deeper water to stay cool. The early morning bite seems to be best. There is activity happening both north and south of the bridge. However, north of the bridge seems to be slightly stronger. Catching limits of nice walleye and small mouth between 15-25ft. Sizes are often between 15-19in. Using minnows right now is good; some are using leeches and plugs.

Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  shared it was a gorgeous weekend in Gettysburg with a lot of activity happening in the campground and on the water. Fish are definitely diving deeper with the hot temps right now which is typical this time of year. Bait presentation is just about anything, and head out to deeper waters. Depth has been about 24ft.
Salmon Update on Oahe
Kevin Thibodeau with the Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)  reported the bite remains good. Depth is up and down on a daily basis with the cooler water shifting around a lot. Depth was down to 90ft on some days, 80ft on other days. No one color is doing better, all are working well: blues, greens and yellows. The only constant has been the FF bite. Very few have been caught on spoons. The first 20-pounder fish of the year was caught this week! There should be plenty more to come!
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-sharpe/
Nick Harrington with Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/)  reported Lake Sharpe has been slow this year. Fortunately, there’s still time to end the year strong, and Lake Sharpe has traditionally offered very good late summer and early fall fishing.

The most consistent fishing has been the West Bend area. Anglers are finding both walleye and smallmouth bass, and while the bite has been generally slower since a red hot start, this area should continue to produce for the next several months.

Further up river, the stilling basin of the Oahe Dam historically has a good late summer bite that begins in mid-July and carries into the fall. Bottom bouncing can produce, but trolling crankbaits is usually the better option.

By August, it will be time to check the flats below Farm Island down towards Stoney Point, Fort George, and De Grey. This bite is usually underway by mid-August, and continues to get better throughout September and October. In about a month, fish should move back up river, and hopefully set up for a strong fall!

Similarly, August is when fish move into the Oahe Dam tailrace area in good numbers, with more fish showing up in September and October. As fishing picks up on the flats, this means fish are on their way to the Oahe Dam and a great fall bite from both the boat and shore can be in the making!

The Complete Guide to Fishing on Lake Sharpe (https://midwestliprippers.com/2026/02/08/the-complete-guide-to-fishing-on-lake-sharpe/)  – by Nick Harrington
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/
In Chamberlain (https://chamberlainsd.com/)  there is not an updated report. Please refer to last week’s information:
Allen’s Missouri River Guide Service (http://www.allenshillside.com/)  shared that the end of June sees anglers having a tougher time getting keepers, but are managing. On July 1st, the size limit comes off for walleyes in Lake Sharpe, meaning anglers will be able to keep those smaller 14.5 inch fish.
Skipper Bros Guiding (https://www.skipperbrosguiding.com/)  on Lake Francis Case has no new updates. Refer to last week:
Fishing has stayed about the same as last week, but seeing more fish transitioning into summer patterns, many going to deeper water but some are staying shallow. Fish are starting to look healthy with the mayfly hatch in their bellies. People have been catching keeper walleyes as shallow as 10ft and as deep as 50. The fish are scattered all throughout the reservoir. There are lots of little fish being caught, and many species as well.
Joel Vasek with SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)  shared that Pease Creek area fishing has slowed a little. Fish are moving deeper and anglers can look for them between 25-35ft. Using slow death with night crawlers or crank baits. Flicker shads have been working best.

4th of July on Lake Francis Case
Photo Courtesy of SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)
For the Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/category/cities-and-communities/bonesteel/)  and Whetstone Bay area, Ed Pavel from Pavel’s Walleye Camp (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/)  said they had a good week fishing in 15-25ft of water using bottom bouncers with leeches and night crawlers. Anglers are fishing points around Pease Creek and over the trees with minnows. Starting think ahead for fall fishing; anticipate some of the best fishing of the year to come.

Guided Fishing Trips near Bonsteel, SD
Photo Courtesy of Pavel’s Walleye Camp (https://www.facebook.com/walleyecamp)
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, Mark Schofield with Lake Andes Inn & RV Park (https://lakeandesinn.com/)  has no new report. Refer to their latest report:
Anglers are finding walleye throughout the system, though boat pressure and changing conditions have made the bite more inconsistent the farther south you go. The best advice remains simple: stay mobile, keep changing presentations, and do not sit too long on dead water.

Above Fort Randall Dam on Lake Francis Case, walleye are being caught along shallow flats, shore line breaks, points, bluffs, and rocky shorelines. Fish are showing up shallow in some areas, especially from about 5 to 15 feet, but anglers are also finding fish deeper, down to roughly 35 feet. Around the Pease Creek stretch, bottom bouncers with minnows, crawlers, and slow-death rigs have been working well in 14-19ft. Some crankbait action is also showing up along rocky shorelines in the low 20ft range.

A jig and minnow is still a dependable choice, especially when pitching toward the shore line, wind-blown banks, points, and bluff edges. Bottom bouncers with crawler or minnow are probably the safer bet when covering water. Small crankbaits are also worth pulling across shallow flats and along rocky edges when fish are scattered.

Below Fort Randall Dam, anglers should continue to focus on current seams, riprap, eddies, and slower pockets close to moving water. A jig tipped with a minnow remains a good setup below the dam. Shore anglers should keep the bait near bottom, but avoid using more weight than necessary. A natural presentation usually outfishes dragging heavy tackle through the rocks.

Smallmouth bass action has been strong around the Pease Creek area, with topwater and swimbaits producing. Protected coves, backwater pockets, and quieter shoreline areas are also worth checking for panfish. A small crappie jig worked slowly around rock, brush, or shoreline cover can still pick up crappie and bluegill.

Best bets this week: bottom bouncers with minnows or crawlers for walleye, jig and minnow along shoreline structure, crankbaits on rocky shorelines and flats, and small crappie jigs in protected coves. The fish are there, but this is a week where moving and adjusting will beat waiting them out.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

The Walleye Guys (https://www.thewalleyeguys.com/)  in the Yankton area shared the summer bite is in full effect as walleye follow summer patterns. With water temps in the 80s, fish are moving deeper while some swim upriver to seek cooler water with the current. With the weeds growing full and holding lots of bait, you will find fish in shallow water among the weeds when conditions are right. Early morning and evenings are your best time for a good bite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9Ip3a0GRxM

The Walleye Guys
Off Shore Tackle with Nick DeShano

https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/snake-creek-recreation-area/
https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/category/outdoors/fishing/

Lake Oahe

·         Kemnitz MoRest Motel in Mobridge at 605-845-3668

·         Oahe Wings & Walleyes in Akaska at 605-230-0280

·         Bob’s Resort west of Gettysburg at 605-765-2500

·         South Whitlock Resort west of Gettysburg at 605-765-9762

·         The Outpost Lodge north of Pierre at 605-264-5450
·         Angry Walleye Guide Service at The Outpost Lodge at 605-321-3807

·         Oahe Salmon Guide Service in Onida at 605-691-9020

·         New Evarts Resort in Glenham at 605-762-3256

·         Pike Haven Resort north of Pierre at 605-264-5465

Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe

·         Lip Ripper Fishing in Pierre at 402-689-9947

·         Propst Professional Anglers in Pierre at 605-222-1621

Lake Francis Case

·        Allen’s South Dakota Fishing & Hunting at 800-435-5591

·        Platte Creek Lodge at 605-941-1679

·        Pavel’s Walleye Camp in Bonesteel at 402-340-0033

·        Missouri River Lodge & SD Outfitters Unlimited at 605-680-3877

·        Skipper Bros Guiding at 605-892-7777

·        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!