SD Missouri River Fishing Report

The River is Heating Up!

June is finally here, and the fishing action is starting to heat up across the system. This weekend, eyes will be on Whetstone Bay as anglers gather for the 14th Annual Whetstone Bay Walleye Tournament (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570432786303) , kicking off what looks to be an exciting month on the water.

Reports from anglers over the past week have been encouraging, with the river showing more life as water temperatures continue to climb. Fish are becoming increasingly active, and catches are improving each day. If current conditions hold, it won’t be long before the entire river system is firing on all cylinders. Early summer patterns are beginning to take shape, and the best fishing of the season is just around the corner.
Weekend Outlook from the Oahe Dam: The weather outlook for the Pierre and Fort Pierre area of Lake Oahe is favorable heading into the weekend. Warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and generally manageable winds should provide good conditions for anglers and recreational boaters. Water temps will continue to rise, supporting active early-summer fishing patterns across the reservoir. As always, make sure to check weather conditions 48-72 hours before your trip to get the most accurate forecast.

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team

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https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/indian-creek-recreation-area/
STATE PARK SPOTLIGHT
Indian Creek Recreation Area (https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/indian-creek-recreation-area/)
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/indian-creek-recreation-area/
Located along the shores of Lake Oahe near Mobridge, Indian Creek Recreation Area (https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/indian-creek-recreation-area/) is a favorite destination for anglers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s rolling hills and scenic Missouri River views provide an ideal backdrop for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. With more than 2.5 miles of trails, excellent shoreline access, and convenient amenities including a marina and fish-cleaning station, Indian Creek offers visitors a perfect blend of recreation and relaxation in the heart of north-central South Dakota.
In Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/)  and Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) , the MoRest Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/morest-motel/)  shared that with warmer, more consistent weather, the bite has taken off this week! Limits of really nice fish have been fairly easy to come by. Anglers are pulling bouncers with spinners. Crawlers in 5-10 feet have been dynamite. Fishing should only get better with consistent weather patterns this upcoming week.

Winners for the Lake Oahe 2026 National Walleye Tour (https://nationalwalleyetour.com/stahl-and-darling-win-nwt-stop-2-at-lake-oahe/)
See NTW’s fishing results and numbers on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NationalWalleyeTour)
MOBRIDGE, SD: Jason Stahl won the Bass Pro Shops (https://www.basspro.com/home)  and Cabela’s (https://www.cabelas.com/home)  National Walleye Tour (https://nationalwalleyetour.com/)  at Lake Oahe with a two-day total of 46 pounds, 12 ounces, edging out Eric McQuoid by just over a pound after two days of chasing giant walleyes on the famed South Dakota fishery. The event drew an impressive field of 160 pros and 160 co-anglers, totaling 320 competitors for one of the strongest payouts in NWT history. Anglers took home over $450,000 in cash and prizes. READ MORE (https://nationalwalleyetour.com/stahl-and-darling-win-nwt-stop-2-at-lake-oahe/) .
Around Akaska, Chad Schilling with Oahe Wings & Walleyes (https://oahewings.com/)  reported the bite has really turned on this past week. Most anglers are finding limits pretty easily. Pulling bouncers with both minnow or crawlers seems to be the most effective. Using crank baits and jigs are getting good results too. The depth range has been shallow. Under 12 feet of water has the highest concentration of fish. Trophy-sized fish are scattered everywhere in the deeper water. Anglers are targeting them with crank baits and forward facing sonar.

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. Anglers who register by June 30 will receive a $200 AFTCO gear pack, getting the full value of their entry fee back!
https://sdwalleyeclassic.com/info.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawRu2CBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwd0wxUjVsTFdWMDNXRWVEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu28Pj0vYBDzTFWPsiagnu7TZD8GkyzCHxHhF86quyXYlSUY4iYo3eYmaAwM_aem_RM4nEMYPBjmULMnd6Qnq2Q
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)  and Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  shared things are starting to pick up. Most action has been north of the bridge and back in the bays, with some action to be had near the salmon spawning station at Whitlock Bay. Anglers are catching small mouth, bass, catfish, some nice walleye, and a few northern as well. Depth has been shallow (especially in the evenings), mainly between 10-17 feet. Anglers are using spinners, artificials, and jigs tipped with minnows and crawlers. Pitching jig close to shore and keeping depth shallow at about 10 feet has been best. Good weather this week should produce a solid weekend and the system is moving right on schedule so far.
On the southern end of Lake Oahe, the Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM1JLBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVc1dxazRES2NIRHFLOE51AR4c8S5vf9nKn7w6xpvUJkM-N3nCDejpTMGL1mvY40ncnt1GigED9etI5ffbcQ_aem_bW2PIlR1dnZIwBPS6OHxHQ)  shared that the bite has started. Scuba Mike has been seeing fish at about 6 feet; some are finding them even more shallow. Minnow and worm are both working. Water in the main lake has been warmer than even some of the bays. People are catching fish between 25-30 ft on the main lake.
Steve Meyer with walleye and fishing partner Marty Leberknight
Sponsored by Mercury Pro Staff, Liberty Powersports and USP Marine performance tuning.
Caught fish with Bomber 24a crank bait. Photo Courtesy of The Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/)
Salmon Update on Oahe
The Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)  reports there has been no consistent, strong bite yet. The approach of summer should yield better weather. Fish are preferring FF, though some can be caught on spoons. Greens and blues have worked better than other colors. The best depth has been 40-60ft.

Salmon in Cow Creek Area
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/
Lip Ripper Fishing (https://midwestliprippers.com/)  shared the fishing on Lake Sharpe (https://midwestliprippers.com/2026/02/08/the-complete-guide-to-fishing-on-lake-sharpe/)  is slower, but there are quality fish to be caught. Three areas to target are the Antelope Islands area, Hipple Lake (https://midwestliprippers.com/2026/02/10/the-complete-guide-to-fishing-on-hipple-lake/)  in Farm Island Recreation Area, and West Bend Recreation Area. Fishing between 6-12ft is productive; trolling crankbaits and bottom bouncing can produce fish. The bite as a whole is hit and miss, with some days producing very good fishing while other days are much tougher.

The best quality fish are being caught within Hipple Lake in Farm Island Recreation Area. Generally, trolling crankbaits is usually the most effective way to target fish in this area as it covers the most water and contacts the most active fish. However, bottom bouncing has been the most productive method in recent days.

In West Bend, the area is getting slower, but there are still an abundance of fish to be caught. The Gizzard shad spawn is slowing things down for the entire reservoir.

Whether you are trolling crankbaits, bottom bouncing, or casting jigs or other active presentations, the most important element is to get your bait in front of as many fish as possible. When they bite, they are quality fish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waTLMSrslls&t=1s
Lip Ripper Fishing
Missouri River Fishing Report May 31, 2026
https://www.anglersatlas.com/event/895/2026-south-dakota-walleye-challenge
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/)  has no new report. Refer to last week:
Fishing has remained the same. Running 15-25 ft at Crow Creek and 7-15 ft at White River. Presentation has been using bottom bouncers, spinner and crawler or minnow. Crank baits also are working. Anglers can catch a fair amount of shorts to find keepers.
Skipper Bros Guiding (https://www.skipperbrosguiding.com/)  on Lake Francis Case updated that fish are all over the place right now, but the bite is affected by boat pressure and is more inconsistent the further south you go. Angling between 5-15ft has been good and anglers are finding walleye as deep as 35ft. Presentation has been pulling bouncers with minnow and crawler. Still catching fish on jigs and minnow as well.
Joel Vasek with SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)  shared the Pease Creek area bite for small mouth bass is fire right now. Using top water and swim baits, all colors have been working good. Walleye are taking bottom bouncers, minnows and crawlers on slow death at 14-19ft. Some crank bait are working in the 22-24 ft range on the rocky shorelines.

Lake Francis Case is heating up a NICE bass bite!
Photo Courtesy of SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)
For the Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/category/cities-and-communities/bonesteel/)  area, Pavel’s Walleye Camp (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/)  has no new report. Refer to last week:
Most days, anglers can get their limits of walleye with smallmouth bass in the mix. Anglers are jigging or using bottom bouncers in 20 ft, baiting with minnow or nightcrawler.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570432786303&sk=photos
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 the fishing has been solid, with the spring bite now well established. Walleye are being caught throughout the system, especially on shallow flats, along the shore line, near channel bends, and tight to the bluffs where bait is holding.

Above Fort Randall Dam on Lake Francis Case, anglers are finding fish from shore out to roughly 20ft, with many fish being taken in 18ft or less. Pitching a jig and minnow toward the shoreline remains a good choice, especially along wind-blown banks, points, and bluff edges. Bottom bouncers with crawlers, leeches, or minnows are also producing, and pulling small crankbaits across shallow flats is a good way to cover water and locate active fish.

From Pease Creek down toward Fort Randall Dam, fishing has been good for this time of year. Minnows and crawlers remain the best bait choices, and anglers should be willing to change presentations during the day. Every day has been a little different, so it pays to keep moving until you find active fish.

Below Fort Randall Dam, focus on current seams, eddies, riprap, and slower water close to moving current. A jig tipped with a minnow is still a dependable setup. Shore anglers should work slowly and keep the bait near bottom without using more weight than necessary.
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 that fishing has been as hot as the weather and limits are coming easy to anglers!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdt7MhApmyg
Bashore Update From The Camper

https://gfp.sd.gov/
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

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!