Fall is a special time of year in South Dakota, pheasant season is in full swing, and the fall bite is rounding into form! A gorgeous weekend saw many hunters hitting the field and anglers hitting the water.
Pheasant Hunting Report
Two weeks into the season, pheasant hunters are painting a pretty good picture of what to expect through the season and the news is very encouraging! Hunters are reporting excellent bird numbers across the state with many hunters and landowners reporting bird numbers significantly higher than previous years.
Crop harvest continues across the primary pheasant range and as harvest progresses hunting conditions will continue to improve. Hunters targeting areas adjacent to standing crop fields in the evening hours are reporting some of the best hunting conditions as are those who are targeting areas where harvest has already been completed.
Walleye Fishing Report
The fall bite continues to be excellent on the Missouri River. Lake Sharpe is a walleye factory and this fall is no different! The bite has transitioned from a trolling crankbait bite to a pitching jig bite as fish move up shallower and begin staging on flats and sandbars. A simple jig and minnow rig is rounding into form and becoming the best offering for this time of year.
On Lake Oahe, the big fish are really showing up! Anglers are reporting excellent fishing for true trophy walleyes as fish 9-14 pounds are being caught! Targeting points, humps, and other main lake structure with Jigging Raps and other glide baits has been the most successful tactic.
This time of year is one of the best times to tie jigs to a JB Designs Custom Rod as the bite can be very light, especially right away in the mornings. These lightweight and extremely sensitive rods can feel those light bites and produce a firm hookset as they transition into a solid backbone. A JB Designs Custom Rod will certainly put more fish in the boat this time of year!
Enjoy the Gorgeous Fall Landscapes
Fall is a beautiful time to be in the South Dakota outdoors! The fall colors make the already gorgeous landscapes across the state even more spectacular! South Dakota state parks and recreation areas remain open year-round for you to enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and of course fishing as well!
Another way to capture those beautiful landscapes is by booking a fall photo shoot! Allie Ellingson Photography + Design is the official photographer of Lip Ripper Fishing and is available to help capture your favorite moments!
