SD Missouri River Fishing Report

http://www.allenshillside.com/
The Dog Days are Here – but the fish are still biting!
Overall this week’s temperatures are forecasted in the mid to upper 80s. Skies are expected to be cloudy with a likelihood of thunderstorms and high wind this week. If you are planning an upcoming fishing trip, check with local guide services and weather resources. When it comes to fishing, weather makes or breaks your trip!

The 2025 AFTCO Walleye Throwdown in Akaska had a huge turnout with great numbers this past weekend! You can tune into their Live Leaderboard (https://midwestfishtournaments.com/live-leaderboard/?fbclid=IwY2xjawL0ncNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkvhVRNS7mi7vOHPVv80TIfIbWT3uRyVbX_jwPOiVit42HpJaaUH9E2xn82L_aem_qA8om0JMzRJeW6yPvyV-sA) for official results and also follow the South Dakota Walleye Classic & Festival (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081865050385) Facebook page for updates.

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 not much has changed for the area, please refer to last week’s report:
Recent storm systems over the weekend made fishing more sporadic. Anglers are still catching limits of really nice fish, but you’ll have to work harder to find them as the fish have scattered. Most days, the depth is between 20-25ft, other days have been at 25-35ft. Presentation is still mostly bouncers and spinners with crawlers.

Around Akaska, Chad Schilling with Oahe Wings & Walleyes (https://oahewings.com/)  shared about just finishing with the Aftco Walleye Throwdown in conjunction with the SD Walleye Classic. It was a huge success with 244 participants and was an absolute blast. Some giant walleyes were weighed in during the two-day event, capping off with a 13.95lb walleye that took home $15K and the big trophy. Seems like everyone caught fish. The bite was a little slow but the giant walleyes showed up and made for quite a spectacular event. The big fish were targeted by jigging deep trees 30-50ft down. The bait bite is decent with a bouncer and crawler in 20-32ft. Lots of catfish, smallmouth, and some rough fish to keep the anglers busy.
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)  reported that, when weather permits, fishing has been good and limits are attainable. Mostly similar to last week but depths have changed slightly to 17-25 on average, 40-50ft for the large walleye. Crawlers are still the most preferred bait.
Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  shared the area is still catching some nice fish, although the bite has slowed. Recent tournaments show there are nice big fish in the area. The depth has been deeper, between 15-35ft. A lot of anglers are using jig raps over trees for the bigger fish. Otherwise using bottom bouncers, lindy rigs, and crawlers for live bait. Catfish are still in the creeks and there is nice smallmouth around. Lots of campers are out taking advantage of the recent nice weather!
Prospt Professional Anglers (https://propstprofessionalanglers.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKF59NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQY1o3MDVVVk13MFd1ZlREAR5XKiPHMtl4AiPzaaSVimieC6OfbJNHtoSyEfHxcHlJSGznPPzE0kYp1vHJXg_aem_Hb8X78kEvNlB0YoQo-zgwg)  shared that the bite on Oahe 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 the past week was tough with an inconsistent bite; Wednesday had bad weather, but things were better over the weekend with calmer skies. Overall things are staying about the same as the last couple weeks. Depth has remained at 60-85ft. Still no color pattern; anglers are mixing green, yellow, blue and white on a daily basis. Most days, nothing hits twice. Weight in pounds has been teens and twenties.
Good Salmon Numbers 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 Prospt Professional Anglers (https://propstprofessionalanglers.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKF59NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQY1o3MDVVVk13MFd1ZlREAR5XKiPHMtl4AiPzaaSVimieC6OfbJNHtoSyEfHxcHlJSGznPPzE0kYp1vHJXg_aem_Hb8X78kEvNlB0YoQo-zgwg)  also reported that Lake Sharpe is producing fish as well. The stilling basin up at the dam has a good bite going and so do the bluffs right by town. There a lot of little fish in the system right now so you have to go through quite a few to get keepers, but there’s a lot of action going on. Depth has been 8-10ft which seems to be the best bite out on the river itself. In the basin you can find good fish in the 20-25ft range.

Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/)  shared there continues to be a strong class of fish 14-16 inches, with an even stronger group 11-13 inches coming up behind them. Fish can be found throughout Lake Sharpe, and while the West Bend area is a favorite for mid-summer, there is a good amount of fish in the stilling basin as well. These fish are chasing very large clouds of bait; the key is triggering fish to bite when they are well fed. Cover a lot of water to get your baits in front of as many fish as possible. Trolling crankbaits, both #5 and #7 Rapala Shad Raps and Berkley Flicker Shads, are a top option. Purple, blue, and white are all producing fish. When fish are actively feeding, they can be caught suspended. When they are more neutral, the fish are caught closer to the bottom. There is also a decent bite pitching jigs in the early mornings along the sand bars between the bridges. These fish are the same size class, and the bite is best right when the sun rises and
currents begin to flow. It may be July-hot, but the bite on Lake Sharpe continues to produce. Check out Nick’s YouTube video Blue vs Purple, Does Color Matter for Trolling Crankbaits? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLLm6GTPgu8)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8reCkHeROnc
Lip Ripper Fishing
Pierre Area Fishing Report on Lake Sharpe | July 27

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 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.

Guided Fishing Trips on Lake Francis Case
Photo Courtesy of Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service (https://www.plattecreek.com/)
From the Geddes area, SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)  shared fishing stayed the same. Early morning hours have really catchable fish between 40-55ft. Later in the day, depths drop to 70-90ft. Fort Randall is 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 it’s about the same for the area. Refer to last week’s report:
Boats are catching some really nice fish! Depth for walleye has been 20-40ft using crawlers. Lots of smallmouth bass in the area.
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 weather was a letdown for most anglers; with scorching heat and warm water temps, fishing was a bit of a challenge. 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 last week’s 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.
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!