One of the most special fisheries in the area, Lake Oahe is truly a spectacular reservoir. The expansive waterbody features both numbers and trophy caliber walleye, terrific smallmouth bass fishing and the only salmon fishery in the state. Indeed, Lake Oahe continues to maintain its reputation as one of the most unique bodies of water in the Midwest.
It’s going to be a big year on Lake Oahe, as the reservoir plays hosts to the National Team Championship and Masters Walleye Circuit in August. Over 250 of the top teams in the country will descend on this waterbody, eager to take part in the incredible bite the reservoir can produce. In addition to these major events, Lake Oahe offers the opportunity for anglers from across the area to enjoy spectacular fishing and have a chance at catching the biggest walleye of their life.
All signs are indicating another extremely low water year for 2022. While the 2021 season saw low water, weather and water patterns are pointing towards another year that will see even lower water. There is still great fishing to be had though and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Podcast and Blast took an in-depth look at what to expect on the 2022 season on Lake Oahe.
As mentioned above, Lake Oahe will be center stage this year again for the National Team Championship. Last year, the reservoir showed incredible fishing when the National Walleye Tour came to visit Mobridge. Check out the action and gigantic walleyes caught in last year’s event!
The 2021 Masters Walleye Circuit event set the tone, with incredible fishing taking place in June out of Mobridge as well. Check out the action from this event as well!
The 48th Annual South Dakota Governor’s Cup will also launch out of Spring Creek Recreation Area in July. This is one of the premiere events in South Dakota and will also be the final points paying event of The Fishing Crew series.
What about bass fishing? Lake Oahe has incredible smallmouth bass fishing that previously had quietly flown under the radar. After the Bassmaster Elite Series came in 2018, that wasn’t the case anymore! This year, will be the 1st Annual South Dakota Governor’s Bass Cup, again hosted by The Fishing Crew out of Spring Creek Recreation Area.
As mentioned above, the Bassmaster Elite Series arrived in June 2018 and showed how spectacular the smallmouth bass fishing can be on Lake Oahe. This year, they’ll be back again in August to fish out of the Mobridge area. Check out the fishing action from their first stop in 2018!
There will be more than just these major events, Lake Oahe plays host to numerous other events and tournaments throughout the summer months. If you are looking to fish a tournament, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved! Tournaments currently scheduled include:
- Rural Water Warriors
- Wolves on the Water
- Akaska Fishing Derby
- Warner Firemen Fishing Tournament
- SDREA Fishing Tournament
- Pollock Men’s Club Walleye Tournament
- Mobridge Couples Tournament
- Northville Fishing Derby
- Whitlock Walleye Tournament
- Ben Karst Memorial Tournament
- Tom and Matt Hill Memorial Tournament
- Fishing for Freedom Walleye Tournament
