SD Missouri River Fishing Report

Spearfishing on the Missouri River Agenda

The National Freshwater Spearfishing Association (NFSA) will be in Central South Dakota August 28–29, 2026.

The Competitor Meeting, Shotgun start, Weigh In, and Banquet location will all be held at The Outpost Lodge at Cow Creek. Registration cost is $100 per diver.

We welcome all anglers from across the country to South Dakota. Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe offer great opportunities for freshwater spearfishing along the Missouri River. Register for the tournament here. (https://nationalfreshwaterspearfishing.org/blogs/tournaments/2026-national-freshwater-spearfishing-tournament-lake-oahe-sd?fbclid=IwY2xjawT5Y6xwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXE1aGZWbmN6cmxCN0xuRVJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeBM2Ra66B4xG043qUeDlZUCKG9oyV8y5_yZC3CJhV75R7EeOvjyXXgX_gBrA_aem_2__IAhQnzfn5e5NzVnfGlQ)
Weekly Weather Forecast for Pierre & Fort Pierre: Overall looking fair to good with Saturday projected to have the best weather for fishing, provided storms stay isolated. Weekend temps toggling between 89-92 degrees and partly sunny skies. Weather forecasts are likely to change as the week progresses, so don’t forget to check before heading out on the water.

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
Subscribe to the Missouri River Tourism Newsletter (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/newsletter-signup/)
When electronics fail, you can still navigate the waters on Lake Oahe & Lake Sharpe with our Missouri River Lake Map Series. Find at participating locations below.
https://www.sdmissouririver.com/plan/navigate-the-waters/
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 fishing continues to be tough. That being said, walleye are still being caught every day. Moving around a lot and trusting your electronics are key. Depth changes by location but a good starting depth is 35 feet. Fish are being caught inconsistently with all types of methods, from pulling cranks to jig raps and everything in between.
https://www.southwhitlock.com/
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , the South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)  reported the bite has improved somewhat. Depth has been shallow, 8-20ft near Stove Creek and over trees; 11-20ft near Bob’s. Live bait is working, half a crawler. Generally, things are shaping up for fall fishing.
Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  shared they’re catching fish although it’s fairly tough; slow action, but overall not unfishable. Seasoned anglers shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding them, but they’re rotating through a lot of techniques to get them. A common method right now is pulling plugs in the deeper areas and casting over trees. Also using big bottom bouncers with crawlers. There are a lot of walleye measuring over 20in so people aren’t finding the smaller sizes to complete a full limit. But fish are heavy and healthy.
Salmon Update on Oahe
Kevin Thibodeau with the Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)  reported not much has changed. The fish are not coming easy. Despite last week being the toughest all year, fish can be caught every day. There was a couple over 20lb caught over the last few days. There is more bait in the system right now than most other years, and fish are definitely not going hungry! FF still remains the best bite with spoons still managing to pull a few as well as plugs. Meat is also working for some. Best color or combination still remains all over the place. All the usual colors are working at times. Depth has been the same as it has, 60-90ft depending on where you’re at. The summer season is beginning to wind down, and fall fishing is setting in.
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/
Nothing new for Lake Sharpe this week. Refer to last week’s report:

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 Lake Oahe
Finding Fish Faster with onX Fish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbgIuZtDvcU
Finding Fish Faster with onX Fish
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 not much has changed from last week. The shad now are around 3 inches. The mayfly hatch is ongoing and although good for the fish, isn’t always good for the fisherman. Walleye are very finicky. Precision is key. Normal summer presentations are still working.
https://www.facebook.com/allensmissouririverfishing
No new reports from Skipper Bros Guiding (https://www.skipperbrosguiding.com/)  on Lake Francis Case, refer to last week:
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/)  said that the area has walleye! In Pease Creek, the guys are trolling walleye 30-40ft and working with all colors of crank baits. Below Ft Randall Dam in the fast water produces a decent bite at times for some nice walleye.

Below the Dam in the Fast Water
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 that things have not changed for the area and to refer to last week’s report:
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 been fair to good, with the late-summer pattern still in place. There are plenty of fish in the system, but with lots of bait around, anglers have had to earn their catch. Bite windows have been short, so timing, location, and presentation matter.

Above Fort Randall Dam on Lake Francis Case, walleye are scattered from wind-blown shore line breaks, points, rocky banks, and coves out to deeper main-lake structure. A jig and minnow can still work shallow early, late, or when wind pushes bait toward shore. When that bite fades, move out to deeper breaks and channel edges.

From Pease Creek toward Fort Randall Dam, deeper water has been producing, with crankbaits working well in the 30-55ft range. Bottom bouncers with crawlers or minnows, slow-death rigs, spinner rigs, and trolling crankbaits are all good choices. The KDKO-style summary fits: it can be a great week on the river, but it is still the dog days of summer, and you have to work for the better fish.

Below Fort Randall Dam, focus on fast water, current seams, riprap, eddies, and slower pockets near moving water. A jig tipped with a minnow remains a dependable setup. Shore anglers should keep bait near bottom and work current breaks slowly. Some pike have been caught using a red and white daredevil spoon bounced off the deep end.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

No new reports for the Yankton Area, please refer to last week’s report: 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=fr4KMHqIYQU
Reel Talk Fishing Podcast
Breaking Bread with Bricko
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!