The 2023 open water season is upon us and it’s time to start making plans to hit the water in South Dakota! The walleye is the state fish of South Dakota and indeed, there is no shortage of spectacular walleye fisheries to be found. Beginning in the spring, continuing through summer, and finishing strong in the fall there are spectacular bites to be found across the state. We’ve got everything you need to make your trip a success!
Pierre Area
The capital of the state is also the capital of walleye fishing as well! Sitting on two major reservoirs, anglers fishing in the Pierre area can enjoy both Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe.
Lake Sharpe, known more as a numbers fishery, produces excellent numbers of eater-class walleye between 15-19 inches with plenty of shorts to keep anglers entertained all day long. Fishing in the upper end of Lake Sharpe near Pierre is best in the spring and fall, while the best summer fishing takes place in the West Bend to Fort Thompson area.
Lake Oahe, a true trophy fishery, is no doubt home to the next state record walleye as well as numerous other trophy caliber fish. An expansive reservoir, Lake Oahe connects Bismarck, North Dakota to Pierre, South Dakota and offers numerous areas for anglers to target.
In 2022, Lake Oahe produced numerous trophy caliber fish, but anglers struggled to locate the eater-class fish between 15-20 inches. Lake Oahe was the focus on several public meetings this winter and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has an aggressive stocking plan for 2023 to increase both walleye and forage numbers.
In addition to Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, Pierre is also home to the Fort Pierre National Grasslands, which feature excellent largemouth bass, bluegill, perch, and crappie fisheries. Anglers visiting the Pierre area will find plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and local bait shops and gas stations to stay stocked up on gear.
Chamberlain Area
The epicenter of walleye fishing in the springtime is Chamberlain, South Dakota. Anglers from across the region flock to take advantage of one of the first, and best, open water bites of the season. Anglers have the opportunity to catch a limit of eater-class walleyes, but also have the opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime as well.
Lake Francis Case, similar to Lake Sharpe, is a walleye factor producing numerous fish 15-20 inches with plenty of shorts to catch as well. Fed by gizzard shad, the best fishing takes place in the upper end of the reservoir with the best fishing taking place in the spring and fall in the Chamberlain area before transitioning to the Platte area as summer progresses.
Mobridge Area/Upper Lake Oahe
The Mobridge area is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Home to excellent walleye fishing, smallmouth bass fishing, and terrific pheasant hunting in the fall there is something for every outdoor lover in the Mobridge area.
The upper end of Lake Oahe experienced difficult fishing in 2022, particular for anglers targeting eater-class fish between 15-20 inches. A major component of this difficult fishing was the low water conditions, that forced rainbow smelt below the 212 bridge in Whitlock. South Dakota has experienced good snowfall over the winter and Missouri River basin snowpack conditions have hovered between 95-110% of average by week. Favorable spring snowpack and precipitation should help raise water levels throughout the reservoir.
Additionally, aggressive stocking efforts by GFP will be focused on the upper end of the reservoir and should provide both a strong year-class for walleye as well as an abundance of gizzard shad, which can both grow walleye quickly and keep fish shallow and more accessible to anglers throughout the summer months.
Brookings Area
The Brookings area offers a wide variety of fisheries in the Glacial Lakes region. Walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, white bass, and even crappie can all be found by anglers in the Brookings area with both eater-class fish and trophy caliber fish available for anglers.
Popular fisheries in the Brookings area include Lake Poinsett, Lake Thompson and Lake Whitewood while anglers can also enjoy more under the radar fisheries such as 81 Ponds, Lake Sinai, and Brush Lake.
Platte Area
Further downstream than Chamberlain, the Platte area is an often-overlooked destination on Lake Francis Case. Large tributaries such as Platte Creek and Snake Creek can hold walleyes year-round, and fishing often heats up after Memorial Day and can produce excellent fishing all summer long.
Glacial Lakes Area
The Glacial Lakes region of northeast South Dakota offers truly spectacular fisheries. Large waterbodies such as Bitter Lake, Waubay Lake, and Dry Lake #2 can attract anglers but the abundance of waterbodies in the areas allows anglers to find their own honey holes as well.
Anglers can expect to find spectacular walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, white bass, crappie, and even bluegill across northeast South Dakota. Whether fishing on the larger waterbodies or the smaller sloughs, there is an opportunity for all anglers in the Glacial Lakes region.
Free Fishing Opportunities and Park Entrance
Once again in 2023, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks will be offering free fishing and free park entry for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the traditional Open House Weekend. Camping fees and fishing regulations do still apply.
- May 14, Mother’s Day Free Fishing
- May 19-21, Open House Weekend-Free Fishing and State Park Entry
- June 18, Father’s Day Free Fishing and State Park Entry
Anglers looking to learn more about fishing and/or build their skills can also explore the GFP Outdoor Campuses. Located in both Sioux Falls and Rapid City, both locations offer free educational classes to help anglers get involved in fishing and build their skills.
Individuals looking to get into the sport of fishing can also explore the variety of resources in the Become an Angler section of the Lip Ripper Fishing website. Learn about basic fishing skills, gear, and what species and waterbodies to target to be confident and ready to hit the water.
Upcoming Events and Tournaments
Anglers looking to get involved in the sport of professional fishing or just enjoy friendly competition will find a variety of options in South Dakota. Once again, South Dakota will be a stop on the National Walleye Tour (NWT) trail as the NWT will head to the Platte/Wagner area to fish on the lower end of Lake Francis Case. The season will then conclude with the Masters Walleye Circuit World Walleye Championship being held on Lake Sharpe in October.
Pierre Area Tournaments and Events
- Lake Oahe Pikemaster Invitational Championship by The Fishing Crew
- Lake Sharpe Showdown Hosted by the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce
- Rural Water Warriors
- 2nd Annual South Dakota Governor’s Bass Cup by The Fishing Crew
- South Dakota Governor’s Cup by The Fishing Crew
- Masters Walleye Circuit-World Walleye Championship on Lake Sharpe
Chamberlain Area Tournaments and Events
- 22nd Annual Cedar Shore Resort Walleye Tournament by The Fishing Crew
- 24th Annual Lake Francis Case Walleye Tournament
- 3rd Annual Lake Francis Case Fall Walleye Tournament
- Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at American Creek Marina
Mobridge/Upper Lake Oahe Tournaments and Events
- Get Up and Get Outdoors Mobridge Mixed Couples Tournament
- Northville Fishing Derby at West Whitlock
- Tom and Matt Hill Memorial Walleye Fishing Tournament at West Whitlock
- Ben Karst Fishing Memorial at West Whitlock
Platte Area Tournaments and Events
- 27th Annual Platte Chamber of Commerce Walleye Tournament
- Terry Severson Memorial Fishing Tournament
- 11th Annual Whetstone Bay Walleye Tournament
- South Dakota Walleyes Unlimited at Platte Creek
- National Walleye Tour on Lake Francis Case at Pickstown
- Masters Walleye Circuit on Lake Francis Case at Wagner
Glacial Lakes Area Tournaments and Events
- Mega Bucks Walleye Tournament on Big Stone Lake
- Big Stone Open Border Waters
- Lake Traverse Walleye Master Tournament
- Lake Thompson Walleye Tournament
- Jacob Gonnerman Fishing Tournament on Lake Thompson
- Lake Area Walleye Club Open on Lake Poinsett
- Lake Poinsett Open
- Big Stone Fall Open
Individuals can find a complete list of tournaments and events on the GFP Event Calendar.
Gear Up for a Great Season
It’s not too late to gear up for a great season. If you’re looking to take your fishing to the next level, check out JB Designs-Custom Rods. Josh Bible of Pierre, South Dakota builds some of the finest rods available and they are sure to help you feel more bites and put more fish in the boat throughout the course of the season!
Anglers looking to customize their fishing can also check out Beech’N Baits. Hand painted by Carlee Fletcher in eastern South Dakota, anglers can customize their own colors or explore a complete lineup available. Check out these custom crankbaits to help turn a good day of fishing, into a great day!
Official Photographer for Lip Ripper Fishing
Allie Ellingson Photography + Design is the official branding partner and photographer of Lip Ripper Fishing. Allie specializes in photography and graphic design, creating logos and graphics, capturing photos on the water, and also offering family photo sessions as well. Allie is also an excellent angler herself!
