It’s time to start planning fishing trips for the 2024 open water season and the number one destination that should be on your list is Pierre, South Dakota. Sitting on two fantastic walleye fisheries, the Pierre area offers a bite throughout the entire season and gives anglers the opportunity to catch both limits of walleyes and the potential at a state record as well!
Right outside of town, Oahe Dam separates the expansive Lake Oahe reservoir from the smaller, river-like Lake Sharpe. Lake Oahe is known for producing massive walleye, with two state records coming out of the lake during the fall of 2023 and numerous other 10-14 pound fish caught as well. Lake Sharpe is known as a walleye factory, with an abundance of 15-20 inch fish in the system.
Learn More: Lake Oahe: A Trophy Walleye Factory
The season begins on Lake Sharpe, where an excellent bite pitching jigs will pile fish into the boat quickly. Alongside this bite will coincide a strong trolling bite as well, focusing on deeper staging areas along the bluffs trolling and pitching jigs onto the sandbars and rocky shorelines.
Learn More: Springtime Missouri River Walleye Basics
In the late spring and early summer, the trolling bite picks up even stronger as fish will utilize the expansive flats as they move back down river following spawn. A good pitching bite often persists throughout this period as well. Bottom bouncing the same expansive flats can also be productive as well.
Learn More: Searching for Spring Walleye
By the end of May and into the first part of June, the fishing has transitioned up onto Lake Oahe. At this time, fish are transitioning out of the spawning tributaries and towards the lower end of the reservoir. A terrific bottom bouncing bite will then take place throughout the entire month of June and into the first part of July.
Learn More: Early Summer Walleyes on Lake Oahe
As mid-summer takes hold of the reservoir, fish will transition to deeper water and a strong trolling bite begins to take over. Fishing vertically with active jigging presentations is another popular strategy. Focusing on depths of 20-30 feet will produce both eaters and larger fish as well.
Learn More: Mid-Summer Walleyes on Lake Oahe
In the late summer, the best bite begins to return down to Lake Sharpe. At this time, fish are transitioning back up the reservoir from their summer locations on the lower end of the reservoir and feeding on the large flats. This bite will continue to get better and better as August gives way to September and ultimately October. Bottom bouncing is a key aspect of finding success this time of year amongst the clouds of gizzard shad.
Learn More: Bouncing Around Early Fall Walleyes
Around the opening of pheasant season, the bite transitions to pitching jigs again. Cooling temperatures concentrate fish that had previously been scattered in the warmer conditions. This pitching bite will continue to get better throughout the month of November and as long into December as weather allows.
Whether you’re looking to get in on the spring bite, target your personal best walleye, or make your hunting trip a blast and cast adventure throughout the fast fishing in the fall the Pierre area always has something to offer.
Win a Free Fishing Trip to Pierre
Lip Ripper Fishing, in partnership with the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, is proud to offer a free one-day fishing trip, two-night stay at Ramkota Hotel, and $200 Pierre Pride Dollars. Fishing will take place on Lake Sharpe or Lake Oahe depending on the time of year out of Pierre.
Individuals can enter to win through the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce by March 15, 2024. Individuals must be 18 years or older and may submit one entry per household.
Check Out the Sharpe Showdown
The 2nd Annual Sharpe Showdown is set for April 27-28, 2024. This tournament is hosted by the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The Fishing Crew and launches onto Lake Sharpe out of Downs Marina in Pierre. Weigh-ins take place at the Steamboat Park Amphitheater after each day.
Book a Trip with Lip Ripper Fishing
If you’re looking to get in on some of the best fishing be sure to book a trip with Lip Ripper Fishing to experience everything the Pierre area has to offer! Make plans to start a new tradition for 2024 and book a trip on the Missouri River with Lip Ripper Fishing!
