Spring is upon us, and the recent warm weather has open water fishing opportunities expanding by the day in South Dakota. This past week was a busy week along the Missouri River reservoirs, with docks going in along Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case. We recap some of the boat ramp and dock updates and also share where to find all the information pertain to public fishing access in South Dakota!
Lake Sharpe Boat Ramp and Dock Update
Warm weather, strong winds, and even some rain have combined to greatly increase the open water present on Lake Sharpe and hand in hand with this was the placement of docks across the upper end of the reservoir.
This past week, boat docks were placed at the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area boat ramp, Causeway/LaFramboise Island boat ramp, Polo Field launch within Farm Island Recreation Area, and Fort George Lakeside Use Area. These docks, combined with the already placed Fort Pierre city ramp dock, mean that all major access points on the upper end of Lake Sharpe now open and have a dock present with the exception of Downs Marina.
Downs Marina, which is located within LaFramboise Island, receives very minimal current and thus experiences both thicker ice conditions and also slower ice-off than the rest of the upper end of the reservoir. Much of the area is open, and it will be very shortly that the Downs Marina dock is placed and ready for boat traffic. Once this occurs, the entire upper end of Lake Sharpe will have full access and dock placement.
Further downriver, ice continues to linger at West Bend Recreation Area. One of the most popular boat ramps on Lake Sharpe, anglers who enjoy fishing the West Bend area can receive up to the minute dock and ramp updates courtesy of a camera placed providing updates of the West Bend Recreation Area boat ramp. This camera is available on the South Dakota Public Fishing Access Map and the West Bend Recreation Area website page and is valuable to see when the dock is placed and also the traffic present at the ramp throughout the busy summer months.
It is officially open water season on Lake Sharpe! The vast majority of ice is off the upper end, boat ramps are open, docks are placed, and the bite is ready to take-off!
Lake Francis Case Boat Ramp and Dock Update
Similarly to Lake Sharpe, it was a busy week as ice conditions continued to recede on Lake Francis Case. Access had already been available at the American Creek Campground, with dock installed, and at Fort Thompson. That access was further improved when the Left Tailrace boat docks were placed Friday morning. This gives a protected area for anglers to launch out of Fort Thompson just below Big Bend Dam.
Further downstream, ice continues to persist, but that didn’t slow boat dock placement in the Platte area! Boat docks were placed at West Bridge and Platte Creek Recreation Area. While there is still a good amount of ice within the main channel and bays, this ice should continue to deteriorate rapidly. Fortunately, it’s very positive to see docks ready for action when the reservoir opens up further!
Similarly to West Bend, a new boat ramp camera is available for anglers and boaters to enjoy at Platte Creek Recreation Area. This camera can be accessed on the South Dakota Public Fishing Access Map as well as the Platte Creek Recreation Area website page on the GFP website.
Access is still waiting to open up at the largest boat ramps in Chamberlain, Cedar Shore Resort and American Creek Marina, as the combination of ice and low water conditions have prevented these from being available for use just yet. As ice continues to recede and water levels rise, these ramps should be available relatively quickly.
Further downriver, the same story for Snake Creek Recreation Area and Dock 44 area. Again, as ice conditions give way to open water and water levels increase this access should be available shortly as well.
Statewide Open Water Updates and Public Fishing Access Map
It’s been referenced a couple times, and the South Dakota Public Fishing Access Map is the number one tool for staying up to date on ramp openings, dock placements, and other updates. This map is maintained and updated by South Dakota Game, Fish Parks (GFP) parks and fisheries staff, which makes it the best resource for South Dakota anglers.
This map includes boat dock updates, as well as several boat ramp cameras as referenced above, and also a feature that highlights both shorefishing and urban fisheries. However you like to get on the water, this map has something for you. Be sure to check it out as you’re making your plans for the season!
You can also follow on the Lip Ripper Fishing Facebook page, as we share updates as they become available from local parks, chambers, and other entities with boat dock information. This will also keep you up to date with all of the fishing reports throughout the entire year!
Open water season is here! Whether you’re looking to hit the water in Chamberlain, Pierre, Platte, or anywhere else along the Missouri River there are options to be had, and open water continues to expand across the entire state!
