Spring continues to track in a similar direction on the Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota. A strong numbers bite continues in the Chamberlain area while mud and low flows make fishing difficult in the Pierre area. Cooler temperatures, wind, and some rain will continue to impact the bite across the region, but there is good news to be had on access areas as well!
Pierre Area
Fishing continues to be tough in the Pierre area. The Bad River continues to pump very muddy water in the reservoir and the lack of flows from the dam has prevented this muddy water from being cleaned up at all. Anywhere below the Bad River is extremely dirty, which is focusing the fishing efforts into town where the lack of current has impacted the bite. The best fishing has been in the stilling basin, where fishing is hit and miss depending on the day.
Chamberlain Area
The Cedar Shore Resort Tournament, hosted by The Fishing Crew, was this past weekend and two-day weights were lighter, but there were big fish caught as well. The reason the weights were lighter were simply because there were that many fish. Anglers reported numerous 14-16 inch fish with smaller fish as well, keeping them busy. This is good news for anglers who are seeking to fill a limit.
Ron and Brian Dahl cemented the victory with an 8.24 pounder for a two-day total of 21.59 pounds. Justin Cole and Melissa Daughtery were close behind with 19.41 pounds and trailed by Josh Schipper and Derek Falor with 18.99 pounds. The hottest angler in the sport right now, Duane Hjelm, with his partner Chris Haines rounded out the Top 4 with 17.83 pounds.
Access and Ice Updates
It was a busy week for access updates across the Missouri River and western South Dakota. Access updates include:
Pierre Area:
- Downs Marina-Main dock placed in the water and fish cleaning station turned on.
- Fort George-Dock placed in the water.
- West Farm Island-Dock placed in the water.
- LaFramboise-Dock placed in the water.
- West Bend and Joe Creek-Ice was still present this past week and docks should be put in this week or next week.
- Fort Pierre Ramp-No change, dock has been in and ready for boats.
- Oahe Downstream-No change, dock has been in and ready for boats.
Chamberlain Area:
- Cedar Shore Resort-Marina clear of ice and docks installed.
- American Creek Marina-No change, dock has been in and ready for boats.
- American Creek Campground-No change, dock has been in and ready for boats.
West River:
- Shep’s Canyon Main Ramp-Dock in
- She’s Canyon South Ramp-Dock in
- Angostura North Ramp-Dock in
- Angostura Main Marina-Dock in
Ice conditions are deteriorating on Lake Oahe and pike fishing opportunities are continuing to become more and more available. Likewise, shorelines along eastern South Dakota are continuing to open up particularly south of Highway 14.
Stay up to date on ramp conditions by checking out the Fishing Access Map as well!
News and Notes
Check out the latest GFP Podcast and Blast where Dave Lucchesi, Southeast South Dakota Area Fisheries Supervisor, joins the podcast to discuss everything going on in southeast South Dakota fisheries including open water conditions, winterkill situations, bait shortages, and spawning and stocking efforts. Find everything on these topics and more on the latest podcast!
If you’re looking for more information on fisheries across South Dakota, check out the GFP Podcast and Blast’s fisheries roundtable. Fisheries biologist from across the state join the show to discuss everything going on with South Dakota’s fisheries!
Missouri River Basin snowpack levels continue to track positively. Mid-April is generally the peak of mountain snowpack conditions. Currently, conditions above Fort Peck are 112% of average and Fort Peck to Garrison sits at 104% of average.
Image Courtesy US Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Basin Snowpack report.
Next Cast
The season kicks off for Nick Harrington and Mason Propst this week. Tuesday, April 18 begins the first week of Pierre’s Tuesday Night Walleye Fishing League. A tough bite should make the first few weeks interesting and individuals who are able to successfully grind out fish will put themselves in the driver’s seat for Team of the Year.
This weekend is the Nebraska Walleye Trail’s first event on Sherman Reservoir. The boys will be looking to kick off the season right as they face a new waterbody, as neither have any experience on Sherman Reservoir. Learning a new waterbody and putting together a bite is going to be key as they approach with a blank slate.
Overall, the 2023 season is underway and the boys are excited to kick things off with a strong start for their Team of the Year hopes!
