It has been another extremely busy week in the Pierre area in terms of fishing, with both Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe experiencing two rapidly changing bites. We have all of that information in this week’s fishing report!
The theme this week was storms, and these storms have had a tremendous impact on the fishing. Both reservoirs have been impacted in different ways, water clarity deteriorating on Lake Sharpe and fish reacting negatively on Lake Oahe, but the take home message is the weather has had a major impact on the fishing.
Lake Sharpe
Starting on Lake Sharpe, as we shared last Sunday the fishing was overall very good particularly in 5-8 feet of water on the flats below Farm Island Recreation Area. While fish were still present in these areas, coaxing them to bite was a much more difficult task.
The midweek rains led to dingy conditions by Thursday, with both off color water and a significant amount of weeds and small pieces of timber floating in the column. Following an additional round of storms Friday night, the reservoir had turned into complete mud by Saturday.
While fish were still present in these areas, making them bite was a highly difficult task. Large, bright Colorado blades could coax bites, but fish mood was still overall very negative. Following these weather events, it would be safe to advise against fishing along the main waterbody of Lake Sharpe on the flats below the Pierre area until the weather patterns stabilize and water color is able to clear up and return to normal.
Fortunately there is still a viable bite in the Pierre area, as there is still an abundance of walleyes within Hipple Lake in Farm Island Recreation Area. A great majority of these fish are below 15 inches, but there are strong numbers of 15-17 inch fish present too. Target these fish, which are also in relatively negative moods due to the storms, by fishing a plain slow death hook with a nightcrawler.
There is still a strong portion of anglers heading to the West Bend area, and it can be expected that additional boat traffic will take place throughout the 4th of July holiday. Anglers should be prepared for this additional boat traffic and will likely find the best bite fishing slightly away from the crowds.
Lake Oahe
The bite on Lake Oahe has also been impacted by the various storm systems that have moved through the area. While Lake Sharpe is impacted in terms of water clarity, Lake Oahe walleye are often turned off by major storm systems that hit the lake. These changing conditions, followed by calm conditions, can both reposition fish and put them in a neutral to negative mood.
Anglers are finding fish all along the reservoir, with fish on the move as they transition into their traditional mid-summer patterns. The most common areas discussed by anglers are the Cheyenne River, Snake Creek, and Okobojo Creek. Additional areas that are brought up in conversation include Agency Creek, Deep Creek, Sully Flats, and Red Woman Creek/Combine.
Bottom bouncing #3 and #4 Colorado blades with a ¾ crawler has continued to be the best option. When the wind is blowing, look for fish in 8-12 feet of water. Once a storm has blown through and high sun meets calm conditions, slide out to 12-18 feet. Color has not mattered, as bright colors like orange and pink have matched fish with silvers, gold, and white.
Fortunately, when the fish are active they feed very aggressively. There continues to be excellent numbers of 15-17 inch fish, with fish 18-20 inches being caught as well. Regardless of the size, the fish are in remarkable condition and very well fed.
As we head into the 4th of July weekend, please make sure you are staying safe on the water. Have a sober driver, both on the boat and on the road, have and wear life jackets, utilize kill switches, and pay attention for heat and sun related illness as well.
Wherever and however you’re enjoying the water this weekend good luck, stay safe, and have fun. Good fishing!
