Home to two world-class walleye fisheries, incredible smallmouth bass action, and one of the most unique fishing opportunities out on the prairie, Pierre is a bucket list destination for any angler. Centrally located on the Missouri River, Pierre is the capital of South Dakota and the capital of the state’s fishing as well. Sitting just below the Oahe Dam, anglers can enjoy the upper-end of Lake Sharpe or the lower-end of Lake Oahe, keeping anglers on fish 12 months out of the year.
Famous for walleye fishing, Pierre offers not one, but two famous walleye fisheries. Sitting above the Oahe Dam is Lake Oahe. Connecting two capitals, the expansive body of water stretches from Bismarck, North Dakota to Pierre, South Dakota. This coldwater fishery gives any angler who has a line in the water a chance at a fish of a lifetime. Fed by gizzard shad, rainbow smelt. and lake herring, Oahe walleyes grow to tremendous sizes with true giants surpassing 14 pounds present in the system.
Below the dam offers a completely different fishery in Lake Sharpe. Contrary to the lake features of Lake Oahe above the dam, the upper-end of Sharpe offers all the characteristics of a river. Known as a walleye factory, Sharpe consistently produces excellent populations of 15-18 inch walleyes. Feeding on gizzard shad, Sharpe walleyes experience fast growth rates reaching 15-18 inches quickly but are much less likely to grow to the size of the Oahe giants above. While larger fish are indeed present, anglers should expect an action-packed day of “eater” quality fish when dropping lines into Sharpe.
Pierre has received plenty of attention across the country as a walleye fishing destination, but it wasn’t until June 2018 that the quietly tremendous smallmouth bass fishing was put on the national stage. Launching out of Spring Creek Recreation Area on Lake Oahe, Mark Daniels Jr took home the trophy with a four-day weight of 69 lb 9 oz. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass on Oahe can expect numerous three to four pound fish with giants surpassing five pounds always a possibility.
Anglers fishing on Lake Sharpe also enjoy spectacular smallmouth fishing, with the area between West Bend Recreation Area and the Big Bend Dam a perennial favorite. Frequently a “bonus” species while walleye fishing, anglers seeking smallmouth bass can enjoy tremendous action targeting rocky points and shorelines. Offering a strong action fishery, Sharpe can also produce bass upwards of five pounds.
In addition to being an incredible walleye and smallmouth bass fishery, Lake Oahe offers the most unique fishery in South Dakota. Fueled by stocking efforts from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), Oahe is home to both chinook and atlantic salmon. While chinook salmon have been present in the reservoir for decades, atlantic salmon were just recently introduced into Oahe. Each fall, fish return to the Whitlock Bay Spawning Station near Gettysburg where GFP completes their annual spawning rituals and ensures the salmon fishing remains available on the lake for years to come.
While salmon are only stocked in Lake Oahe, fish can go through the dam and be found in the tailrace area on Lake Sharpe. While primary fishing efforts take place on Lake Oahe, anglers at times can enjoy salmon as a bonus species when fishing the fast water below the dam. This is often when there are increased releases coming through the dam.
While often overshadowed by the other opportunities in the Pierre area, Lake Sharpe can offer truly spectacular fishing for white bass. White bass finatics and anglers in search of an action-packed day alike will find dozens of hooksets and numerous fish in the 15-17 inch range with larger fish possible. Casting into the reeds near Pierre in May and June can offer some of the greatest white bass fishing an angler will ever encounter.
Just above the dam, anglers can encounter a similarly epic opportunity targeting northern pike in the bays of Lake Oahe. As open water opportunities become more available and the waters begin to warm, trophy pike move in and offer an incredible fishing opportunity to anglers within a cast’s reach of shore. The action in the early spring has rewarded many anglers with their personal best pike year after year. Pike can also be caught all season long across Lake Oahe.
One of the best kept secrets in Pierre is the catfishing that can be found on both Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe. In fact, it can be argued the catfish action on the entire Missouri River system is one of the most untapped angling opportunities there is in the state. Anglers taking advantage of this opportunity often enjoy action so fast they are unable to close their livewells after a day on the water.
Additional species anglers can encounter on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe include yellow perch, crappie, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, freshwater drum, goldeye and even burbot.
A short drive from Pierre, is a completely different fishing opportunity in the Fort Pierre National Grasslands. The grasslands are home to dozens of small dams, which hold largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and crappie. In fact, anglers willing to put in the effort and time to explore these dams are often rewarded with some truly incredible bluegill and largemouth bass action.
Whether you are a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Pierre has plenty of opportunities for you. Anglers looking to bring their own boats will be welcomed by excellent launches providing access all across the river, while anglers powered by their own two feet will find numerous shore fishing locations putting them well within reach of spectacular fishing. Pierre is also home to numerous guide services, providing a full service adventure to anglers looking for a stress-free day on the water.
Anglers can also expect to stay comfortable throughout their entire trip. Beautiful state parks including Spring Creek Recreation Area, Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, Farm Island Recreation Area and West Bend Recreation Area offer both campsites and modern lodging options such as various cabins and suites. Pierre is also home to numerous quality hotels and restaurants as well.
Whether you’re looking for a bucket list fishing trip, a relaxing day on the water or to experience the beauty of the Missouri River a fishing trip to Pierre, South Dakota is guaranteed to provide you with a livewell full of memories and relaxation from sun up to sun down!
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