Though the temperatures were in the high 80s and lower 90s this weekend, I swear fall fishing is still underway!! It was a great weekend to get out and enjoy the warm weather on the water for many folks, let’s talk about the different bites across the state!
Missouri River Reservoirs
Lake Sharpe
Lake Sharpe continues to produce some strong walleye fishing! The Propst Professional Anglers have continued to enjoy some great days on the water. Fishing has been best near the Pierre area and water temperatures are in the high 60s in the area.
The best bites have been found relatively shallow, but anywhere between 6-12ft seems to hold fish. Minnows and crawlers are both producing fish, but crawlers seem to be doing the best, especially on the warmer days.
The water has been dirty as of late and blades have really been excelling. Mack’s Lure Smile Blades have been producing the best, but silver and gold Colorado blades have also been producing some fish as well. Vary your presentations until you can find what the fish are favoring that day.
The evening bite along shore is also starting to pick up as well. The Oahe tailrace is filled with bait and while there are walleye present, making them bite has been the challenge. Fish are present, but the amount of forage has made fishing very difficult.
While fishing the tailrace has proved difficult, the fishing along the rocky shorelines closer to town is really beginning to produce fish. Casting crankbaits along the rocks has proved effective for picking up some pretty quality fish!
Lake Oahe
The fishing on the lower end of Lake Oahe continues to be out deep. While fish can be caught, the fish are deep and can be difficult to pin point. Many anglers are using ripping style baits still out in 30-40ft or deeper.
Lake Francis Case
Anglers fishing from shore on Lake Francis Case near Big Bend tailrace are beginning to enjoy some strong fishing as well. Once again casting crankbaits and jerkbaits along the rocky shorelines near the dam have been producing some decent fishing.
Glacial Lakes Region
Fall fishing is kicking in on the eastern side of the state as well. Southeast South Dakota has been dealing with some tremendous weather events. Sioux Falls has experienced a severe tornado and flooding in the Madison and Mitchell area has been extreme. I urge anyone traveling through the area to exercise patience and extreme care.
Lake Poinsett
Poinsett has been kicking out some terrific multispecies fishing. Anglers are finding walleye, perch, white bass and even crappie at the end of their lines. There are also some very quality fish of all species coming out of the lake.
Walleye are being caught in the 20 inch plus class, perch in the 12-13 inch range and even some 18 inch plus white bass are being caught as well! Whether you’re from shore or the boat, Poinsett is certainly a place to hit.
Lake Albert
Right across the road from Poinsett, Lake Albert is getting involved in the bite too! The perch fishing is strong across the highway from Poinsett and there is always the chance at a big walleye too!
Lake Campbell
Yes, you read that right! Lake Campbell has been producing some pretty good multispecies fishing as well! Often a lake that flies under the radar, anglers are enjoying some pretty good fishing over that way!
Goose Lake by Watertown
Goose Lake by Watertown has been producing some strong fishing as well. Anglers looking to have a good day of walleye fishing have been leaving Goose pretty satisfied!
Lake Hendricks
A little love for our Minnesota friends! Lake Hendricks, a border water between South Dakota and Minnesota, has been producing some strong perch fishing. This also presents a great opportunity for me to say GO BIG RED!
News and Notes
AIS Meetings
There are two South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks public meetings taking place regarding aquatic invasive species/zebra mussels this week. The first will take place Wednesday night at Arrowwood/Cedar Shore Resort at 7 p.m. The second will take place Thursday night in Pierre at the Ramkota, also at 7 p.m. Both meetings will go from 7-9 p.m.
Walleye Warrior October Challenge
We are two weeks away from the October Challenge with Walleye Warrior! To sweeten the pot, I’m going to be featuring another side challenge. Whoever guesses the closest to the weight I bring in October will receive a prize package of the top 5 lures I used all month.
For those concerned, no they will not the chewed up ones I physically use-I promise to provide brand new and not mangled baits!
Place your guess on this post on my Facebook page Lip Ripper Guide Service to be entered! The event will take place from October 1-31 and I can bring 4 fish each day. Because this is a catch-photograph-release tournament (though you can keep if you wish and it is of legal size) there is no one over 20 rule. This means that if I catch 4 25s on the day, I can legally enter all 4 of those 25s.
I’m very excited for this event because as stated above, someone could easily propel themselves up the leaderboard with a 20, 25 or even 30lb plus day! This challenge could turn in a second so I’m excited to see what this roller coaster will bring!
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