SD Missouri River Fishing Report

Clean waters and open prairies in the Chamberlain area bring many hopeful sportsmen every year to relax and engage their hunter instincts out in nature. In the business for decades, Allen’s Missouri River Hillside Motel and Guide Service (http://www.allenshillside.com/fishing/)  has provided day after day of great casting and blasting. Individuals, groups, and families are all welcome to venture out into the captivating Missouri River valley landscape for a good time – there’s no group too small or too big! Allen’s has the experience and service record to provide every one of their hunters or anglers with an enjoyable trip on the water or in the field. Book early! Reservations go fast with this trusty charter service.
http://www.allenshillside.com/
Beautiful day with this crew from Iowa!
Allen’s Hillside Motel & Guide Service (http://www.allenshillside.com/)
Weekly Weather Forecast for Pierre & Fort Pierre: Overall, it’s a GOOD fishing weekend ahead. Friday looks fair and warm with a chance of thunderstorms; just watch the timing and wind, especially on Oahe. Saturday gives the best forecast of the weekend in the mid 80s with partial sunshine. Sunday is also fairly promising in the upper 80s and mostly sunny, with only a slight chance of storms.

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
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In Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/)  and Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) , the MoRest Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/morest-motel/)  shared the fishing report has not changed, so refer to last week:
Fishing has slowed into the super tough category. 25-40 feet has been the most productive depth, but limits are hard to come by.
Around Akaska, Chad Schilling with Oahe Wings & Walleyes (https://oahewings.com/)  reported the bouncer-crawler bite is tough. The jigging bite using forward facing sonar is decent. There is an amazing number of trophy fish in the system: getting their attention hasn’t been easy, but the bite has slowly been improving. Some are finding success pulling crank baits.
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , the South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)  reported the bite had slowed down quite a bit but is getting better again. Anglers have been picking them up between 20-25ft and are doing well when pitching over the trees. Catching walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and catfish. Boats are generally picking up 4-5 fish per day. Presentation has been night crawlers, plugs, and leeches. No minnows right now. Looking ahead to the salmon season for the area.
Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  reports the are is picking up again from its previous dip. Walleye are going as deep as 50ft. Catching walleye, smallmouth, and catfish. Bait has mostly been crawlers and some leeches. Anglers are fishing south of the bridge and there is strong action near Okobojo Point.
Salmon Update on Oahe
Kevin Thibodeau with the Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)  reported their similar slow dip is improving. They have been hauling in a mixed bag of year classes, with the majority being younger fish. You’ll find a few 3 and 4 year-olds, and 20-25 pounders, if you look hard! The FF bite remains the best overall. Spoons are starting to pick up, greens and yellows being the best. Oranges do well on some days. 60 – 80ft was the most productive depth range.
Nice-Sized Salmon from Oahe
Photo Courtesy of Oahe Salmon Guide Service (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577021757404)
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-sharpe/
Nick Harrington with Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/) : Late Summer into Fall Fishing

The fishing was slow in the spring and early summer on Lake Sharpe, but the reservoir produces a great late summer bite that gets even better throughout the fall, and all signs are pointing towards a great fall bite!

Stilling Basin & Tailrace: There is a very strong number of fish present in the area, and the fish are in outstanding condition. Putting bait right in front of fish is crucial as fish are well-fed on forage and not actively feeding. Get your depth dialed in and drop bait right on top of them — bites will often follow. Emulating the gizzard shad is the best strategy. A #7 Berkley Flicker Shad does this well, and Blue Frost is a top color. Other good colors include Jester, as well as variations of purple. The Berkley Money Badger is also proving effective, particularly when bottom-fishing.

In-Town Bridges: Pitching jigs in the early morning is most effective, as well as trolling crankbaits in the evening.

Lake Sharpe Flats: Fish will be moving through the large flats below Farm Island, Fort George and De Grey. Here, bottom bouncing is most effective. This bite generally begins in early August and continues through October.

Find Nick on Upper Lake Oahe
Upper Lake Oahe in the video below.

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

Late Summer Madness on Lake Oahe

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 that there is lots of bait in system and bite windows are short-lived. Walleye are very picky with presentation, but anglers are still catching some really decent, healthy walleye . Depths have been all over the map.
https://www.facebook.com/allensmissouririverfishing
https://www.facebook.com/allensmissouririverfishing

https://www.facebook.com/allensmissouririverfishing

https://www.facebook.com/allensmissouririverfishing
Skipper Bros Guiding (https://www.skipperbrosguiding.com/)  on Lake Francis Case shared things are about the same as last week. It’s tough to catch lots of fish right now with all the bait in the system, but they are definitely around. Before too long, the bite should start picking back up.
Joel Vasek with SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)  has reported the bite is steadily getting better every day with the cool weather. All of a sudden there’s been lots of fish in the 35-50ft depth range feeding mainly on crank baits. Some guys are catching a few on worms.

A Productive Week
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/)  reported the water keeps cooling down and fishing is getting better. Remember to get your fall fishing dates spoken for as the fall season is close and expecting a good bite!
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/)  shared fishing over the past week on the lower Missouri River has remained fair to good, but it is still a late-summer bite. The fish are there, but anglers need to work for them. Walleye are spread out from shallow wind-blown shorelines to deeper main-lake structure, and the best bite can come in short windows during the day.

On Lake Francis Case above Fort Randall Dam, anglers are finding walleye along shore line breaks, points, rocky banks, protected coves, flats, and deeper structure. Wind remains important. When bait is pushed into the shore line, a jig and minnow can still produce, especially early and late. When the shallow bite slows, move out and work deeper breaks, channel edges, and rocky structure.

Reports from the south end of Lake Francis Case point to a better jig bite in some areas, with plenty of bait in the system. That means fish may not feed aggressively all day, so timing and presentation matter. If they are not biting where you start, do not sit there too long. Move, change depth, and put the bait in front of fish.

From Pease Creek down toward Fort Randall Dam, the bite has stayed steady, with deeper water producing. Crankbaits have been working well in 30 – 55ft, especially when fish are scattered and holding deeper. Bottom bouncers with crawlers or minnows, slow-death rigs, spinner rigs, and crankbaits are all good options.

Below Fort Randall Dam, focus on current seams, riprap, eddies, and slower pockets close to moving water. A jig tipped with a minnow remains a dependable setup. Shore anglers should keep bait near bottom and work slowly through the current breaks without using more weight than necessary.

Smallmouth bass remain a good option around rocky banks, points, bluff structure, and riprap. Protected coves, backwater pockets, and quiet shoreline areas are still worth checking for panfish. A small crappie jig worked slowly around brush, rock, shade, or shoreline cover can pick up crappie and bluegill.

Best bets this week: jig and minnow on wind-blown shore line structure, bottom bouncers with crawlers or minnows, crankbaits on deeper breaks and rocky edges, and small crappie jigs in protected coves. The short version: fishing is good, but not automatic. Keep moving, watch the wind and current, and adjust until you find the active fish.

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 reporting water temps are holding in the low 80s but should begin to drop slowly. Fish are scattered all over the system. When conditions are ideal — clean water, a little wind, and lots of sun — the bite can be excellent, with limits coming in fast. When conditions are not so perfect, the bite has been a bit tough.

Mark Schofield reports on Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point, walleye are relating more to main-lake humps, river-channel ledges, points, and deeper structure. Live bait rigs, bottom bouncers, and crankbaits are good choices for covering water and locating active fish. Boat traffic, wind, and changing weather can affect the bite quickly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbVLjr4HkU0

Reel Talk Fishing Podcast
AFTCO Walleye Throwdown

http://www.allenshillside.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTwJXpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUgyc3E1WmQ2ZzhrOEpHZ05zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEee4pug6A9vv5JnEAAzBdLoF1t7ZuIMPWNpZeIo0cQOMs72E0hEN2Lfcy-UsQ_aem_y9kJEdC2sdQuLx3lUmxZVA
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!