Summer is upon us and that means it is time for Lake Oahe to shine! After a tough 2022, the Lake Oahe walleye fishery appears to be in fantastic shape! We’ll cover all of this and more in this week’s fishing report!
Lake Oahe
The most important news to share is the excellent bite currently taking place on Lake Oahe! It’s no secret that in 2022, fishing was very difficult on the reservoir. The biggest challenge was finding the “slot” fish, or fish between 15-20 inches. While there is no minimum on Lake Oahe, those preferred eater-class fish were very difficult to locate and make bite.
Fortunately, that issue appears to be a thing of the past when it comes to fishing on Lake Oahe! Anglers are finding excellent numbers of 14-17 inch fish, with fish 17-18 inches being caught as well. Overall, the fish are in excellent body condition and very, very healthy!
Fishing is excellent across the reservoir, from the Mobridge area all the way down to the Pierre area. Fish are still relating to their spawning tributaries as they transition into summer patterns. Look for fish among these major tributaries, fish are relating primarily to points and the adjacent flats. Depending on weather and water conditions, fish may be as shallow as 3-6 feet or as deep as 16-24 feet. Vary your depths until you find the location that walleye are most prevalent.
Bottom bouncing with plain hooks, Mack’s Lure Smile Blades, or spinners is the best option. Nightcrawlers are the top option to tip these baits with. Fish mood will depend on what the top option for that day is, but overall any of these options can put fish in the boat.
As mentioned above, the most important news is that the fishing is absolutely fantastic on Lake Oahe. Whether you are fishing in the Mobridge, Gettysburg, or Pierre areas the bite is excellent, there is abundant walleyes to be caught, they are in great shape, and of course you always have a chance at a true trophy caliber fish every time you drop a line into Lake Oahe!
Lake Sharpe
The fishing on Lake Sharpe may be overshadowed by the excellent bite on Lake Oahe, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fish to be caught as well! Fishing on Lake Sharpe continues to be very good for anglers fishing from Pierre all the way down to West Bend.
The excellent bite in town continues to hold steady, with anglers fishing among the bridges reporting good fishing continuing. Casting jigs and minnows or plastics continues to be the top option for targeting these areas.
Further downriver, the hit and miss bite continues in Farm Island. While one day can be difficult to buy a bite, the next day the fish are absolutely snapping. After experiencing the previous last week for our Tuesday Night League in Pierre, we were fortunate to enjoy a terrific bite this past week. After filling a quick limit in 45 minutes, we spent the rest of the evening releasing 15-16 inch walleye looking for a bigger bite to put us over the top. Unfortunately that bite didn’t come, but we were still able to bring home a 6th place finish. (Yes, I forgot to take a picture until after some time!)
The fishing also continues to be very good down river in the West Bend area. Anglers are reporting significant numbers of fish with plenty of fish to keep as well! As summer patterns continue to play out, the West Bend to Iron Nation area is a perennial favorite each year!
News and Notes
South Dakota Firearm Deer Applications Due June 14
The South Dakota combined deer season first draw period will close Wednesday, June 14 at 8 a.m. CST. Individuals may submit up to two applications for the West River, East River, Black Hills, Refuge, Custer State Park, and Muzzleloader deer seasons. If you have not already applied for your deer license, be sure to get your application submitted by 8 a.m. CST June 14!
Free Fishing for Father’s Day
The final free fishing opportunity in South Dakota will take place this upcoming weekend, with free fishing and free park entrance available for Father’s Day, June 18. This is the final of five free days that individuals may enjoy fishing in South Dakota without a license. Regulations and length limits do still apply.
