When thinking of the outdoor opportunities the Pierre area has to offer, many things may come to mind. These include walleye fishing on Lake Sharpe, salmon fishing on Lake Oahe, abundant pheasant hunting and deer hunting along the river. But what about ice fishing? Indeed, often overshadowed by the fishing on the Missouri River, dozens of hidden gem fisheries are dotted along the Fort Pierre National Grasslands.
These fisheries come in all shapes and sizes, but many of these dams are no bigger than a couple acres. Despite their small size in surface acres, many of the best fisheries may reach depths of 10-15 deep, with some even deeper. Depth and size can fluctuate based on water levels, but overall the number and quality of fisheries in this area would surprise many anglers.
Abundant Opportunities
If one word could describe the fishing options on the Fort Pierre National Grasslands, it would be “opportunity”. Indeed, these fisheries offer a wide variety of opportunities for all anglers. From the fish you can catch, to accessing the water and the timing in which ice fishing becomes available-there are opportunities for every ice angler.
Many grassland dams feature a mix of bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie and yellow perch. While some fisheries may feature strong numbers of smaller fish, others may be home to trophy bluegill and trophy largemouth bass. That’s right, don’t let the small size fool you-there are very big fish to be caught.
In fact, largemouth bass surpassing five pounds and bluegill greater than 10 inches are available on the landscape. Depending on the year and the individual fishery, anglers can find good success catching three to four pound largemouth bass and eight to nine inch bluegill. Large crappie and yellow perch are also possible, it simply depends on the dam!
Access is also what makes many of these individual fisheries unique. When looking at the grasslands as a whole, some fisheries are readily accessible for anglers with their vehicle. Anglers looking for convenient fishing with minimal walking can pull right up to the water’s edge and need only walk in some places less than 100 yards onto the water. While these are more of the “community” spots, anglers looking to fish off the beaten path can access fisheries few other anglers even consider. In many cases, these are the true hidden gems!
The other benefit of the abundance of fisheries is the ability to drive a couple miles down the road and find another option. In fact, many anglers can fish two, three or four waterbodies in one day. Whether you are looking to find a better bite or a less crowded waterbody, there are plenty of quality options to choose from.
Not only are there plenty of quality opportunities for anglers looking for convenient fishing or anglers looking to forge their own path, but these opportunities become far and away the earliest ice fishing opportunities in central South Dakota. While the Missouri River will remain open or with unsafe ice conditions for most of the year the grassland dams will be some of the first ice fishing opportunities for local anglers.
The small size, lack of flowing water and relatively shallow depths allow for rapid ice formation and overall a much safer experience for anglers than the Missouri River. While the river does offer some ice fishing opportunities, anglers need to always be aware of the ice conditions beneath them and how current and other factors can influence these. While ice safety should always be top of mind when hitting the water, the grassland dams are a much safer option for anglers looking to bring their families or new anglers to the sport.
Additional Outdoor Opportunities
Pierre is an outdoor lover’s paradise and the outdoor opportunities in the area are on full display in the winter months. While winter is often regarded as a time of year with little to do, this is not the case in the Pierre area. The Fort Pierre National Grasslands is right in the heart of that opportunity.
The Fort Pierre National Grasslands can offer excellent pheasant hunting opportunities and thanks to the GFP Commission, this opportunity can overlap with the ice fishing opportunities available. In 2020, the GFP Commission extended the traditional pheasant season to run through January 31. This additional month of the season gives hunters more time chasing ringnecks, but also allows them to add ice fishing into their South Dakota adventure.
Hunters can start their day by hitting the ice and targeting bluegill, bass, crappie and perch, then spend the rest of the afternoon chasing roosters. All while in the Fort Pierre National Grasslands!
Anglers looking to have the ultimate fishing experience can take advantage of the open water opportunities the river can provide. The upper end of Lake Sharpe is often open for anglers most of the winter and can produce an excellent walleye bite as well. Anglers can enjoy the open water fishing on the river, then spend the rest of the day chasing panfish and bass through ice on the grasslands.
The state parks in the Pierre area can also produce fun for the whole family. Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, located just outside of Pierre, becomes home to many bald eagles that will spend the winter taking advantage of the open water below the dam. The modern cabins in the park allow you to stay right on the river, with all the comforts of home.
Additionally, the hiking trails found in Farm Island Recreation Area and LaFramboise Island Recreation Area produce miles of exercise right along the Missouri River. Further north of Pierre, Spring Creek Recreation Area offers more modern lodging opportunities and the parks along the peninsula allow individuals to experience the vast Lake Oahe.
Whether you are looking to maximize your pheasant hunt, have the ultimate fishing experience or enjoy a family vacation be sure to keep the Fort Pierre National Grasslands in mind. The fishing opportunities, especially in the winter, can make your outdoor adventure in the Pierre area that much more enjoyable!
Learn More About the Pierre Area
Whether you are looking for walleye fishing on the Missouri River, trying your luck for salmon, pheasant hunting, deer hunting or exploring the Fort Pierre National Grasslands the Pierre area has something for you!
Learn More About Ice Fishing Small Ponds
The Fort Pierre National Grasslands offer the ultimate small pond fishing experience. Learn more about how you can have success on these waterbodies in Small Pond Strategies: Ice.
Learn More About Pheasant Hunting the Pierre Area
Are you interested in adding ice fishing to your late season pheasant hunt, or maybe vis versa? Learn more about the pheasant hunting in the Pierre are at HuntTheGreatest.com.
Follow Us for More
Stay up to date with all the fishing in the Pierre area by following Lip Ripper Fishing on Facebook and Nick Harrington and Mason Propst on Instagram! Stay up to date with the latest fishing reports, catches and tips and tricks to help you have more success out on the water!
