We’re continuing to enjoy an early spring warm stretch along the Missouri River in South Dakota, and boats have been on the water from Pierre to Chamberlain. As it can be this time of year, the fishing has been a bit inconsistent, but when right the bite can be outstanding.
The two primary locations receiving the bulk of the angling attention are the same suspects each spring, Lake Francis Case in Chamberlain and Lake Sharpe in Pierre. The Chamberlain area always is a favorite in the springtime, and the bite overall has been significantly better in the Chamberlain area than in Pierre thus far this season.
On both reservoirs, the greatest factor as it traditionally would be the amount of current moving through the system. Current makes fish bite on the Missouri River reservoirs; this is true all year but especially true when water temperatures are still very cold like what we are experiencing with temperatures still in the mid-30s. On both systems when the current is reduced or nonexistent, the bite has been incredibly tough.
Additionally, water clarity is extremely clear currently. This is because of the minimal runoff that is present, with no snow present along the prairie or in the main watersheds of the primary tributaries that feed into the upper end of these reservoirs. This makes current even more critical to get these fish active and feeding.
The clear water and inconsistent current has also made very pronounced bite windows. The bite is often best right away in the morning up until about 10 or 11 a.m., anytime the current ticks up throughout the day, or at the very end of the day in the evenings.
Anglers are best focusing on break lines adjacent to shallow water sand flats or mud flats, as fish will move up onto these areas to feed and then stage in the slightly deeper water adjacent to them. Focusing on these breaklines and playing the numbers for where the most fish are is the best approach when current is minimal or fish are not actively up and feeding.
This has been the biggest pattern so far this year, and trying new ideas has been the best bet to trigger bites. Last week, trolling crankbaits along these flats was the best approach. This week, pitching jigs with larger plastics has been effective. A non-traditional bait, such as a 4” BFishN Moxi Ringtail in a bright chartreuse color may seem out of place on a clear Missouri River reservoir but this is what has made it produce strikes.
When the traditional jig and minnow, including numerous different jig strokes, has failed the super slow roll of the Moxi Ringtail or Rapala Shad Rap has been able to produce bites these last two weeks. Trying new and innovative ideas is both fun, and also very effective thus far this season!
As far as location, what often makes Chamberlain the better early season fishery is the presence of the large Crow Creek, as well as smaller creeks such as Kiowa and then further down to the White River. Pierre has the Bad River, but not quite the other larger inlets at least on the extreme upper end and thus why fishing has been mostly concentrated within the town area of Pierre up into the stilling basin.
One difference between the reservoirs is the Chamberlain area on Lake Francis Case generally does better dragging jigs, whereas the Pierre area features more pitching jigs. That said, both of these tactics can work on either reservoir but generally you see anglers using a ¼-⅜ oz jig below the boat in Chamberlain and Pierre anglers casting a ⅛-3/16 oz jig onto shallow sandbars.
Fortunately on both reservoirs, anglers are reporting extremely quality fish. There is an abundance of 17-19 inchers, as well as overs, coming out of both Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case and the fish are in overall excellent condition. This is an encouraging sign to see, as anglers on Lake Francis Case had experienced a rough 2024 and the fishery was primed for a bounce back performance in 2025 as we indicated in our 2025 Lake Francis Case Status and Forecast.
Learn More: 2025 South Dakota Missouri River Fishing Forecast
Again, as a whole the Chamberlain area when conditions are right could be quantified as extremely good fishing, whereas so far the Pierre area’s best days would fall into the fair to good category. This is not uncommon, as the Chamberlain area usually starts stronger than the Pierre area when it comes to early spring fishing.
Access Updates
Not much has changed by way of access since last week. In Pierre, the Fort Pierre boat ramp remains the best option, as the dock is currently in. Ramps at the Causeway and Polo Field in Farm Island are able to be launched but do not have a dock present. There is still substantial ice in Downs Marina and within the island, which should continue to be disappearing as warm weather and winds do their work.
On Lake Francis Case, the ramps are available in Fort Thompson and the docks are present. The American Creek Marina remains too low to provide access, but access is available at the American Creek Campground on the main river.
Anglers can also see the exact conditions at Platte Creek Recreation Area courtesy of a new dock and ramp status camera available on the GFP website.
Shore fishing is available along the rocks at both dams, as well as popular locations within town such as the Causeway in Pierre and the railroad bridge in Chamberlain.
The weather will bring both new challenges and changes over the next 7-10 days, and we’ll be back next week with another weekly fishing report! Good luck, stay safe, and good fishing!
