SD Missouri River Fishing Report

Lake & Public Hunting Land Access on the Mighty MO

Fall opens the gates to hunting in South Dakota, but it’s also the season when fishing reaches another peak. Now is the perfect time to do both, and this week’s sponsor The Outpost Lodge (https://outpostsd.com/)  can outfit you in the field and on the water. Located in Cow Creek Recreation Area north of Pierre on the southern end of Lake Oahe, the lodge affords a prime hunting spot with multiple nearby public land access points, game production areas, walk-in areas, and Lower Oahe Waterfowl Access areas, providing your choice of hunting grounds. Lower Lake Oahe, while well-known for its ever-popular walleye fishing, is also where you can find Chinook Salmon, unique to this area of the Missouri River. The Outpost Lodge offers full-service packages including food and lodging for your Cast n’ Blast trip, all within the sweeping setting of rolling hills and big water.

Take the time to take your time on the hunt for fowl and fish this season — Fall is fresh on the doorstep!
All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
Subscribe to the Missouri River Tourism Newsletter (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/newsletter-signup/)
Reports for the Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/)  and Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/)  areas are similar to last week, please refer to last week’s update:
Brent Kemnitz shared from MoRest Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/morest-motel/)  that fishing has been super tough. Guides in the area have been catching a few in 30-40ft pulling cranks.
Around Akaska, Chad Schilling with Oahe Wings & Walleyes (https://oahewings.com/)  reported that fishing continues to be tough. Anglers will have a good day every once in a while, but most are challenging. An over-abundance of bait makes the fish extremely hard to catch. Targeting big fish can produce a few deep in the trees, but it’s a grind. Trolling at around 30ft has been best.
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (http://cityofgettysburg.com/) , South Whitlock Resort (https://www.southwhitlock.com/)  shared the traditional fall bite is a couple weeks away but a few anglers are catching some walleye over trees in shallow and deep water, mainly using plugs and jig raps. The salmon run is starting to pick up now with presentation of crocodile spoons. Salmon are still quality, at an average weight between 12-15lbs, and a nice silver color; the spawn season hasn’t shifted them. They can be caught from shore. Smallmouth bass and catfish are still going. How individual days go are fairly dependent on the weather.
Bob’s Resort (https://www.bobsresort.com/)  reported that overall the area has been fairly slow, but anglers are catching some. Bigger walleye can be found in deep waters. Salmon is starting to show up in the area, but have not fully taken off. Catfish and smallmouth bass are great to target right now.
https://outpostsd.com/
Salmon Update on Oahe
Kevin Thibodeau with the Oahe Salmon Guide (https://www.oahesalmonguideservice.com/)  reported the bite is holding in spite of the weather! Cool temperatures and rainy overcast days have not affected things. It’s not a really hot bite, but it’s consistent. FF is still the best presentation. Spoons and plugs have picked up some this past week. Color choice remains all over the place. They will have a favorite, but it rarely carries to the next day. Productive depth range has remained 60 – 80ft.
Photo Courtesy of Oahe Salmon Guide Service (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577021757404)

During the fall of 2025, a total of 340 salmon returned through the fish ladder, while an additional 439 salmon were collected through boat electrofishing efforts. In total, South Dakota collected an estimated 1.2 million salmon eggs. North Dakota provided additional support to the regional stocking program by contributing approximately 740,000 salmon eggs.

It is important to note that not all collected eggs will ultimately result in stockable fish. On average, approximately one-third of the salmon eggs collected are expected to hatch and survive to the stocking stage.
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=HrvgaQgmdso
Late Summer Madness on Lake Oahe
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/
Reports for the Chamberlain (https://chamberlainsd.com/)  are similar to last week, please refer to last week’s update:
Allen’s Missouri River Guide Service (http://www.allenshillside.com/)  shared there is a lot of bait in the system which has produced very healthy fish. The bait, though good for the fish, aren’t always good for the fishermen. If you catch the bite windows, any angler can do pretty good. Same summer techniques: spinner/crawler or pulling cranks. Reminder that the size limit for Lake Francis Case and Sharpe starts September 1st.
Skipper Bros Guiding (https://www.skipperbrosguiding.com/)  on Lake Francis Case shared that although the bite has been tough, fish are making their fall run up to the dam and more fish are being caught in the upper third of the reservoir, specifically on the bottom end. With the northern migration, walleye will be eating more food, increasing the chance of biting on angler’s bait. Precision with your method, whether you are jigging, cranking, or pulling bouncers, will help you find those hungry bunches of walleye swimming upstream.
Joel Vasek with SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)  said the water temperature is dropping and the fish are getting active. Francis Case has been hot this last week. Large groups are catching their limits!

Back to back days Friday & Saturday – Photo courtesy SD Outfitters Unlimited (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/) , Geddes SD
From 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 fishing is starting to pick back up with the water cooling down. Presentation has been jig and minnow in shallow waters, jerk bait in deeper. It’s looking to be a good fall bite.
Lower Missouri River Fishing Report
Fort Randall / Lake Francis Case / Lewis & Clark / Gavins Point

From 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 that fishing over the past week has changed very little. Overall the lower Missouri River has been fair to good, but anglers are still having to work for their fish. There is a lot of bait in Lake Francis Case right now, which is good for growing healthy walleye but can make the bite tougher for fishermen. Bite windows have been best in the morning and evening.

Above Fort Randall Dam on Lake Francis Case, walleye are scattered from wind-blown shorelines, points, rocky banks, and coves out to deeper structure. Jigging, cranking, and pulling bottom bouncers can all work, but precision matters. Crankbaits have been one of the better options in the 25-45ft range, especially when fish are holding deeper.

Around Bonesteel and Whetstone Bay, fishing has been picking back up. A jig and minnow around 20 feet has been producing, and anglers are also catching fish on crankbaits in similar depths.

Below Fort Randall Dam, focus on current seams, riprap, eddies, and slower water close to moving current. A jig tipped with a minnow remains a dependable setup. Shore anglers should keep bait near bottom and work current breaks slowly.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

For the Yankton Area and Lewis & Clark Lake, Brian Bashore with The Walleye Guys (https://www.thewalleyeguys.com/) shared in his latest report that fall fishing is one of the best times of the year, producing cooler temps, less boat traffic, and a chance to get true trophy-sized walleye. Last fall, much of Midwest fishing didn’t take off as water temps didn’t drop until late November. But it looks like this fall will be different. Typically the bite tends to pick up mid-October as the reduction of daylights hours and changing temps trigger the walleye to put on the feed bag. Right now, temps are in the low 70s to upper 60s, and are expected to stay cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJPRBZS5tjk
The Walleye Guys | Things to Know

https://outpostsd.com/
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!