Well if you’re a fan of wind this past week was for you! Wind was one of the biggest story lines for anglers this weekend, strong winds blew across the majority of the region. Luckily, anglers that did venture out were often rewarded, let’s talk about it!
Lake Oahe
The fishing on Oahe can be described as “hit or miss”, some anglers were pulling limits while others were struggling mightily. The most consistent fishing has been coming out of the Cheyenne River, with many anglers experiencing excellent fishing. Fishing out of Mobridge also has produced a strong bite as well. Anglers fishing the Gettysburg area and lower end near Spring Creek experienced various levels of success.
Lake Sharpe
The fishing on Sharpe has been spectacular for a lot of anglers. One of the hottest bites on the reservoir has been the Oahe Dam tailrace. Walleye, salmon and white bass are feeding on 3-4 inch shiners, which means baits emulating these are going to be key. Top options are going to be Rapala Husky Jerks, Original Floating Rapalas and similar hard stickbaits. Jigs and fluke style plastics are another top option.
The timing of the bite can vary depending on weather conditions and flow, but the water is turning off at roughly 10 p.m. which is providing an excellent bite window for both shore and boat anglers. Both shore and boat anglers are experiencing a bite window from roughly 8-11 p.m., with a peak right around that 10 p.m. time.
If you are going to be fishing out of a boat at this time, please remember your safety equipment. Make sure your bow and stern lights are both plugged in, turned on and functional. It is very, very difficult to see boats without light as darkness sets in. Also be sure you have adequate life jackets and be aware of eddys that develop as the water turns off.
As I mentioned above this is a multispecies bite, but the species drawing the most attention are of course walleye and the numerous salmon available. If catching a salmon is on your to-do list, this is one of the best options you will have!
One of the most enticing things about the tailrace bite is the quality of fish being caught. Many of the fish being caught are closer to the 20 inch mark as opposed to the 15 inch mark, which means anglers are often measuring fish to ensure they are not keeping more than their “overs” (20 inches) as opposed to hoping their fish are 15 inches (minimum size). Not only are the fish longer, they are thick as well! There is no doubt the fish are feeding well!
As expected this time of year, the West Bend area continues to produce excellent numbers fishing. Although not the quality of the fish being caught below the dam, anglers are enjoying action throughout the day and many are catching quality 15-17 inch fish to keep as well.
Lake Francis Case
Similar to the Oahe Dam tailrace, the Big Bend Dam tailrace has been producing some excellent fishing as well. It is important to note that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers launches at Big Bend Dam (Right Tailrace, Left Tailrace, Old Fort Thompson, Spillway Dike, Good Soldier and North Shore) have reopened to the public. Left Tailrace Campground is open as well.
If you are going to be fishing in the Fort Thompson area, please make a plan to purchase all bait, ice, drinks, snacks and other gear prior to arriving. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and Lower Brule Sioux Tribe are requesting these stops be made at your home locations and that visitors do not stop in their communities.
We mentioned it last week, but nothing seems to have changed. The Snake/Platte Creek area on Lake Francis Case continues to produce some of the best fishing on the system right now! Anglers are continuing to enjoy the excellent summer bite that develops this time of year.
News and Notes
As mentioned above, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers have reopened their launches in Fort Thompson to the public. Lake Sharpe launches include, North Shore and Good Soldier. Lake Francis Case launches include, Right Tailrace, Left Tailrace, Old Fort Thompson and Spillway Dike. Please make all supply stops at home, before arriving in the tribal communities.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks will be conducting watercraft inspection and decontamination stations this year to fight the spread of AIS species such as zebra mussels. You will see these inspection and decontamination stations at boat launches and on highways. If you see one of these stations and are towing your boat, you are required to stop for inspection.
The easiest way to get through these stations will be to ensure that all of your plugs are pulled and you are not transporting any lake/river water. This includes bait buckets, coolers and of course livewells. Decontamination will only take place if your boat has plants or zebra mussels present, standing water or your water cannot be completely drained.
It is a busy weekend for fishing tournaments across the state with events taking place on Bitter, Lake Francis Case, Lake Oahe, Angostura and Big Stone. Next week, June 26-27, the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) will be making a stop in Mobridge, but we’ll talk more on that in our next fishing report.
I still have some openings for trips this summer. Information regarding that can be found in my Book a Trip section.
I hope everyone has a great week. Stay safe and good fishing!
Nick
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Great reports Nick