Weekly Missouri River fishing update

The 50th annual South Dakota Governor’s Walleye Cup fishing tournament was held July 20-21, 2024. The Spring Creek area saw 200 boats on the water for the annual tournament. Congratulations to cup winners Tyson Keller and Duane Hjelm. The team’s total weight of fish was 42.45lbs; they were awarded 20k for the victory! Full tournament results can be found here (https://thefishingcrew.com/south-dakota-governors-cup-live-results-2024/) .

The fishing action in most areas has stayed consistent from last week. But be prepared! This week is gonna be a HOT one with temps nearing the 100s. Stay hydrated and apply the ‘ole sunscreen.

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
SD Governor’s Cup in Spring Creek, SD!
Photo courtesy of Miranda Panzer
Missouri River Walleye – Photo Submission from Readers
Tom & Deb Farnsworth

Near Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) and Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/) , the report has not changed, please refer to last week’s update:
With more consistent weather, fishing has steadily improved. Anglers are catching really nice limits, mostly in 20-35 ft. They are pulling bouncers with spinners; crawlers continue to produce. Anglers are also having good success trolling crank baits. You’ll still have to put in time with the electronics as the fish are moving around a lot with all the bait in the system.

Around Akaska (https://oahewings.com/?y_source=1_OTk3NzA2Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D) , refer to last week’s report:
The bite has been good and anglers are doing well in the area. You can be finished by noon if you’re up and at it early enough. Using crawler harness and bouncer in less than 10 feet of water. There is starting to be a presence of smaller fish and catfish keeping everyone busy with some action. It’s a great time of year to get out and enjoy smaller crowds and great fishing.

In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (https://www.cityofgettysburgsd.com/) , other than a little more action near Sutton’s Bay, the fishing report has not changed much. Please refer to last week’s report:
Fishing has been excellent anywhere from Dodge Draw heading south. With the high water levels, anticipation is this is going to be a long fishing season. Lots of nice walleye coming in along with northern and other species. Depth has ranged 15-40 ft. Anglers are catching in shallow and deeper waters. Walleye are averaging 15-18 inches. Limits are being met with 1 slot fish. Using nightcrawlers, spinners, with very few leeches.

Around Spring Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/spring-creek-recreation-area/)  / Cow Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/cow-creek-recereation-area/)  area, here’s the report from Brandon Brake, owner of The Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/) . “Howdy from The Outpost Lodge. Fishing has been the best now, more than anytime I can remember on the Mighty Lake Oahe. Depending on your choices, worms are the go-to for trolling. Even some may say, pulling plugs can create a great day of fishing. We have been hearing 8-12ft, except on the warm, hot and sunny days which put some depth to it. A little wind to your back is always nice with a moderate walleye chop and the bonus of keeping the flies down. But truly work the wind, it can be your best friend with working the lake bottom. Bait fish are everywhere, so keep that worm looking good. West Bend is on par, Miniconjou is moderate, Sutton Bay has been good, Chantier has been on fire along with Stoney Point. Sully Creek and down the edge from Agency Creek are a must! Big fish are there! Ultimately, take your family fishing, hug each other and make that memory. Memory’s last a lifetime. The best parking is at Cow Creek with the most space, Spring Creek is too packed and the light house is constantly full. Come join us for our famous pork ribs, and cook your catch – you won’t be disappointed.”

Salmon Update on Oahe
The salmon report has not changed, please refer to last week:
Not as good as last week, experiencing a few days of tough fishing. The water changes almost daily, which keeps the fish on the move. Most days start with a hunt for them. Depth has been tough to decipher with changing locations. Most days 70-80 feet, some 50-60. There is a good bite right now, but it takes a lot of effort. Best bait has been a green FF, though Blues have had some good days followed by yellow. Spoons still pull some fish in. The quality of the fish this year is impressive, and many nice fish in the teens were pulled this week, including a 14lb salmon. The salmon will keep growing over the next two months. With a lot of adult fish in the system, there’s potential for a good spawn this year.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-sharpe/

For the Pierre (https://pierre.org/) /Fort Pierre (https://www.visitfortpierre.com/)  area, refer to last week’s report:
the bite on the lower end has good quality of fish, but it is very slow and you need work for them. Little Bend to Sutton Bay is probably the best on the reservoir in terms of both size and numbers currently. Lake Sharpe continues to have its best bite in Hipple Lake and down at West Bend.

West Bend (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/west-bend-recreation-area/) area is producing fish at around 25-35 feet on most days. Some fish can be caught in shallower places if it’s windy. Fun times in West Bend RA!
Photo curtesy of Campground Host, Bill Sherman
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/

For the Chamberlain (https://www.chamberlainsd.com/)  area the report is about the same as last week:
Some are limiting in the area between Crow Creek and Big Bend Dam. Depth is 10-20 feet, depending on the wind. Nightcrawlers are the bait of choice and some are pulling crank baits.

In lower Lake Francis Case near Geddes (http://www.geddessd.org/) ,the fish seem to be spread out a lot. There are lots of fish in that 15-25 feet range and also very large groups of fish in about 35-40. Most of the walleye are biting nightcrawlers or Flicker shad cranks. The same action happening daily.
Nice days out on the water near Geddes, SD!
Photo curtesy of SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/sd-outfitters-unlimited-missouri-river-lodge/)

Around Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/) , anglers are finding fish in mud lines and over the trees. Presentation has been best with nightcrawlers and is best with the early morning bite.

In the area of Lake Andes (https://lakeandesinn.com/) , Wagner (https://www.cityofwagner.org/)  and Pickstown (https://www.pickstown-sd.net/) , anglers are having a decent time. The walleye are being a bit elusive, but the drum and catfish are hitting hard. Other than that, please refer to last week’s report:
Anglers have successfully reeled in limits. Some managed to hit quotas before noon, while others had to put in a full day’s work to walleye-limit out. Prime fishing times are mornings and early evenings, with best results at depths of 30-40 ft. In addition to walleye, there is drum and catfish. Shore fishing is doing well, especially in the evening hours, providing fun and successful outings.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

No new report for the Yankton (https://www.visityanktonsd.com/)  area from our angler contacts, but please be aware that there has been major flooding in the southeast part of South Dakota. Check the SD Game, Fish & Parks Facebook for the latest updates.

Questions about boat ramp access? Check the SD Game, Fish & Parks (https://sdgfp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=79c3f941ae6c4abbbc6ac4b6987a06f5) 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!