Wow, I’m not even sure what to describe the 2020 season like! Crazy? Unprecedented? What about awesome!? Yes, I said awesome! As the world battled a pandemic, social justice issues and a wild election year, people were taking to the water to enjoy some fishing in major numbers!
Fishing license sales were in record numbers across the entire country, with entry level equipment wiped out off the shelves of the local tackle shops. Individuals realized that there really is no better way to practice social distancing than to wet a line!
Even though more people were hitting the water, I wasn’t sure what to expect this season. The pandemic hit right as I was booking 2020 trips and ordering a new boat. Bookings came to screeching halt and my boat that was being built was put on hold. I had no idea when I was even going to have a boat, nonetheless welcome people into it.
Despite all these challenges, we found a way to overcome and make 2020 our of our best seasons yet! Let’s breakdown the entire 2020 season and see what’s on tap for the future!
Winter/Spring
We didn’t waste time getting into the action! We were fortunate that Lake Sharpe remained open and accessible for boats throughout the vast majority of winter and we didn’t let the opportunity go to waste! At the end of January, Mason Propst and I set out and put our first walleyes of 2020 in his Lund 1875 Pro Guide!
Wasting no time, we continued to enjoy an excellent winter bite and put more walleyes in the livewell in early February.
In March, everything changed! As businesses, schools and our normal way of life shutdown, much like everyone else we found relaxation in fishing. As Mason and I patiently waited for our new boats, we enjoyed shorefishing along Lake Sharpe, Lake Oahe and the Fort Pierre National Grasslands.
In April, Mason picked up his brand new Nitro VZ19 and let me tag along for an excellent spring time pitching bite! We enjoyed an excellent bite for quality fish all along Lake Sharpe out of Pierre.
Summer
In May, as we caught our first glimpse of normalcy I picked up my new 1875 Lund Pro Guide from Algona Marine and Sport. I can’t thank Chad and the rest of the folks back in Algona enough! The boat was exactly what I was looking for, rigged and ready for action and they maintained excellent communication with me throughout the whole process!
It was without a second to spare as the fishing was incredible! We were pulling limits out of Lake Sharpe in Pierre both bottom bouncing and trolling crankbaits. Wherever we fished and however we targeted them, fish found the boat!
After enjoying a couple weeks of spectacular fishing including a trip to Mobridge to get Chris Seylar out on Oahe and cheer on Bob and Mason Propst at the Masters Walleye Circuit, I was fortunate to welcome anglers into my boat as well! Around June, we saw more and more people eager to return to their normal lives or at least enjoy a break out on the river. The fish were eager to show up too!
In June, the fishing on the lower end of Lake Oahe fired up in a big way. The action was incredible with dozens of walleyes in the 12-15 inch variety and quality fish between 17-20 inches as well! In addition to the spectacular walleye fishing, we enjoyed some trophy caliber smallmouth bass, numbers of perch and plenty of catfish!
The excellent fishing on the lower end of Oahe continued into July and made for just outstanding fishing. Whether we were fishing as close as Okobojo and Cow Creek or making runs up to Sully Flats or Agency Creek, fishing out of Spring Creek was absolutely spectacular.
Fall
The summertime blues took hold in August, but fortunately they were short lived. As students returned to school and we reached the next stage of normalcy, September and October became crazy!
I enjoyed trips with old friends, new friends and was able to help out with Propst Professional Anglers and one of their large groups as well. Unseasonably warm weather kept fish scattered and delayed normal movements up the reservoir, but when we found them it was fun! There were excellent quality fish with an abundance of 16-19 inch fish and when they hit it they hit hard!!
In addition to an excellent bite downstream, the Oahe Dam tailrace produced an excellent bite as well. While fishing out of the boat was fun, enjoying an hour or two casting crankbaits from shore was the perfect way to end the day! The tailrace sure produced quality fish as well!
What’s Next?
One of the greatest things about Pierre for anglers like me is that open water opportunities exist for most of, if not the entire year. Weather permitting, I hope to still launch the boat and use the long rods a few more times this year!
For other anglers (and myself), ice fishing will be here before we know it. As always, we’ll be sharing plenty of tips, tricks and tactics to help make the 2020-2021 ice season your best season yet! Whether you’re looking to target trophy walleye, jumbo perch or monster bluegill and crappie we’ve got plenty to share!
As we look towards the 2021 open water and guide season, I have some exciting news! New this year, I will have Lip Ripper Guide Service gift cards available for purchase! If you’re searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the angler in your life, a silent auction/raffle prize or to reward an outstanding employee I’ve got you covered!
Last but not least, I want to thank everyone who booked a trip this past season. I was so happy to see many of you that fished with me in 2019 come back for more and I loved meeting all my new friends this season as well! Thank you everyone for the support, I very deeply appreciate it!
Until we hit the water again, stay safe, have fun and good fishing!
Nick
Great job Nick. It was a joy soaking up your knowledge this year. Thanks.