The Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota will be on full display in 2024, with Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and Lake Francis Case all featuring at least one major tournament. All three fisheries are destinations for walleye anglers, which is what makes them enticing for these events.
Lake Francis Case, particularly in the Chamberlain area, is a favorite of walleye anglers from across the region in the spring. The 2024 season will kick off with the annual Cedar Shore Resort Walleye tournament, which is hosted by The Fishing Crew.
“April is always a fun time of year in the Chamberlain area, throughout the month anglers will encounter pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn conditions,” said Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “The variety of bites in the area makes these events both challenging and exciting.”
The end of April will feature the Masters Walleye Circuit’s second stop of the 2024 season, which will be April 26-27.
“This is the best time for a Chamberlain event,” said Mason Propst, Owner of Mason Propst Fishing. “You can find bites both 4 miles and 40 miles from the ramp. Strategy is a huge factor in deciding these tournaments.”
READ MORE: CHAMBERLAIN TO HOST MASTERS WALLEYE CIRCUIT APRIL 26-27
Following these events, the focal point of the season will transition up the Missouri River. This will start with the Sharpe Showdown, which launches out of Pierre April 27-28. This tournament is hosted by the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce and put on through The Fishing Crew.
“Lake Sharpe is our favorite fishery,” continued Propst. “There are a variety of different techniques that catch fish this time of year, and a lot of fish to be caught.”
READ MORE: SHARPE SHOWDOWN SET FOR APRIL 27-28
The crown jewel event of the season will be the 50th Annual South Dakota Governor’s Cup, which will take place on Lake Oahe July 20-21.
“This is going to be a big one,” stated Harrington. “We’re expecting a big turnaround, big payout, and big fish caught.”
The Governor’s Cup is hosted by The Fishing Crew. The tournament has a total of 200 spots available. The event launches out of Spring Creek Recreation Area north of Pierre.
READ MORE: 50TH SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR’S CUP SCHEDULED FOR 2024
“The fishing along the Missouri River is spectacular throughout the entire season,” concluded Harrington. “We’re very excited for everyone to be able to see for themselves this year.”
Registration for both The Fishing Crew and Masters Walleye Circuit events can be found on their respective websites.
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