This week features one of the most in-depth fishing reports we’ve had in quite some time, covering both major fisheries in the Pierre area. It’s been a busy (and successful) week of fishing on both Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, and we have all the details in this week’s report!
Lake Sharpe
While the fishing on Lake Oahe is stealing the spotlight for many, Lake Sharpe quietly continues to offer a very solid bite too! There are several areas that are producing on Lake Sharpe, some better than others, and we’ve got them covered!
While Hipple Lake in Farm Island Recreation Area is a favorite on Lake Sharpe, particularly this time of year, anglers are better off focusing on the main channel of the reservoir. There is a strong number of fish in Hipple Lake, but many are under 15 inches and the bite remains hit and miss. When the wind is bad, or you only have a couple hours Hipple Lake remains a great option, but for more consistent fishing the main body of the fishery is certainly the best bet right now.
On the main body, the bulk of the angling pressure remains focused on predictable locations. The top of list this is of course West Bend Recreation Area. By all accounts, fishing in the West Bend area has been on par with the traditional summer bite we’ve grown accustomed to seeing each year. There is, however, good fishing to be had closer to Pierre too.
In the Pierre area, the bulk of the angling pressure is focused at the very start of the reservoir. The stilling basin continues to produce a steady bite, with good fish being reported as well. The tailrace of Oahe Dam is similarly good, particularly for anglers casting from shore in the evening and nighttime hours.
A bit further downriver, and much quieter, a good bite exists on the flats adjacent to Antelope Island and below the Polo Field boat ramp in Farm Island Recreation Area. The best bite remains shallow, less than 8 feet, with 5-7 feet being the ideal depth range.
Bottom bouncing with spinners and crawlers is the best way to target these fish. There is some sporadic weeds floating through the column, with severity depending on the flows and wind for that day, and bottom bouncing is a good way to keep your baits infront of fish and minimize fouling due to these weeds.
Color and blade size has not seemed to matter, with the Pink Lemonade and orange being top colors for #4 Colorado blades. A Mack’s Lure Smile Blade can be just as effective too. The most important factor has been depth, so make sure you’re focusing on those shallow areas and ensure your bait is on top of the fish!
Lake Oahe
Next, we head to Lake Oahe! The bite on Lake Oahe is very good right now, and the fishing near the Pierre area is really starting to pick up.
Fish are in predictable locations, staging along points and drop offs on major creeks and tributaries. Good options to start in the Pierre area include Agency Creek, Snake Creek, Okobojo Creek, and Deep Creek. Don’t be afraid to check Sully Flats as well, as fish transitioning up and down the reservoir will often use this as a stopping point on their journey. Peoria Flats, another strong mid-summer location, should be beginning to pick up as well!
For depths, many fish are still holding in less than 20 feet. Top depths range from 8-15 feet, particularly in the 10–12-foot range. Windy conditions can push fish shallower on these windblown points and shorelines, where sunny and calm days can see them slide out deeper.
The top option for baits are bottom bouncers with spinners and crawlers. The personal favorite this week has been a #4 Colorado blade, particularly in bright colors to create added flash and attraction to stand out among the rest of the bait in the water. Pink Lemonade and orange have been the best bets, though silver and gold blades can work very well in clear and calm conditions. Approximately 3/4 crawler is the best option for tipping these presentations.
This week we have an even deeper dive on Lake Oahe, with two new videos posted to YouTube regarding the fishing on the reservoir. To start, break down the top options for locating fish on the expansive waterbody. Then learn more about the shallow early season bottom bouncing bite we’ve been focusing on! Hopefully you’re enjoying these YouTube videos, and don’t hesitate to drop a comment on your thoughts too!
Locating Early Summer Lake Oahe Walleye
The first video from this week takes a look at Lake Oahe, specifically where to start targeting fish in the early summer. This was Nick’s first day on Lake Oahe this season so take a glimpse into his thought process on locating fish. Fortunately, throughout the early summer Lake Oahe walleye are often in predictable locations, and Nick discusses what these spots look like and how he targets them!
Bottom Bouncing Aggressively for Early Summer Walleyes on Lake Oahe
The second video from this week takes a deep dive into bottom bouncing for early summer walleyes. As discussed above, this time of year walleye are often in predictable locations and one of the top ways to target them is aggressively pulling spinners and crawlers in relatively shallow areas. Nick discusses everything from blade color, size, depths, and speed when it comes to bottom bouncing early summer walleye on Lake Oahe!
Check out JB Designs Depth Strike Bottom Bouncing Rods
The JB Designs Depth Strike Bottom Bouncing rods were the star of the last video, and these are available for purchase at both Lynn’s Dakotamart and Lured In located in Pierre and Ogallala respectively. Check out a bit more about these rods, and why they’ve quickly become the new favorite option when it comes to bottom bouncing!
