Spring fishing is upon us and that means we’re paying attention to what access areas are becoming available! It was a busy week along the Missouri River with many docks going into the water along the reservoirs. We’ve got a run-down of what docks are available for anglers looking to get in on the spring bite!
In the Pierre area on Lake Sharpe, docks were pushed in at Polo Fields in Farm Island Recreation Area, Fort George, and the LaFramboise Causeway. The dock has also been placed at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area marina. This means anglers looking to fish Lake Sharpe in Pierre can access at:
- Oahe Downstream
- Fort Pierre City Boat Ramp
- LaFramboise Causeway
- Polo Fields (Farm Island/Main Body of Sharpe)
- Fort George
Ice still needs to recede for docks to go in at Hipple Lake in Farm Island and West Bend Recreation Area.
Above the dam on Lake Oahe, docks were also pushed in at East Shore (Corp Bay) and West Shore.
In the Chamberlain area on Lake Francis Case, docks are in at Right Tailrace (Fort Thompson), American Creek, and Dude Ranch.
Further down river in the Platte area, docks have been pushed in at Snake Creek, Platte Creek, Buryanek, and West Bridge. This means at least one dock is in at all locations in the Platte area on Lake Francis Case.
This means anglers looking to fish Lake Francis Case can access at:
- Right Tailrace (Fort Thompson)
- American Creek (Chamberlain)
- Dude Ranch (Chamberlain)
- Snake Creek (Platte)
- Platte Creek (Platte)
- Buryanek (Platte)
- West Bridge (Platte)
Each spring the Chamberlain, Pierre, and Platte areas are favorites of anglers from across the region looking to take advantage of the year-round walleye season in South Dakota, early open water opportunities, and the hot bite these areas can produce. Winter has subsided and there are plenty of opportunities for anglers to get out on the water and enjoy the bite in these areas!
Find Complete Boat Ramp Information
Anglers looking to find the latest dock updates, a complete list of access locations across the state, and additional information about fishing in South Dakota can find all of this and more in the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Public Water Access map!
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.
Lip Ripper Fishing 2024 Schedule
The 2024 Lip Ripper Fishing Tournament Schedule is official and the boys are ready for the 2024 season! The 2024 schedule includes The Fishing Crew Ice Breaker, Cedar Shore Resort Walleye Tournament, Sharpe Showdown, Big Mac Shut Up and Fish, and South Dakota Governor’s Cup. The boys will also compete in the 10-week Tuesday Night Walleye Fishing League in Pierre.
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.
