Pierre, South Dakota is home to not one, but two fantastic walleye fisheries. Running directly through town and dividing Pierre and Fort Pierre is Lake Sharpe, a terrific numbers fishery featuring an abundance of 13-18 inch walleye. Above the dam sits the expansive Lake Oahe, which stretches all the way to Bismarck, North Dakota and is truly a world-class trophy walleye fishery. One location provides the closest proximity to both of these fisheries, and that’s Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
Located directly below Oahe Dam, Oahe Downstream Recreation Area sits on the shores of Lake Sharpe, providing anglers the opportunity to literally walk out to the fishery. The park features a quality two-lane boat ramp and marina, providing easy access to the upper end of Lake Sharpe including the Oahe Dam tailrace, stilling basin, and plenty of room to run downriver.
A quick 5 minute drive to the north provides access to West Shore Lakeside Use Area, which sits directly above Oahe Dam and is the furthest south boat ramp on massive Lake Oahe. About another 15 minute drive is Spring Creek Recreation Area, which features a four-lane boat ramp, large parking lot, and marina for easy launching on Lake Oahe in any weather.
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area itself sits about 10 minutes north of Fort Pierre, providing anglers gas, bait, tackle, food, and ice in just a quick trip. While close enough to town for convenience, the park sits far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet. The park’s only long-term residents are bald eagles, which will roost in the large trees within the park and forage in the fast flowing water that remains open throughout the entire year below Oahe Dam.
The park itself offers something for everyone, with three campgrounds, four modern cabins, group lodge for meetings and events, a highly regarded disc golf course, off-road course, shooting range, and expansive hiking trails. When not on the water, there is plenty for visitors to do and enjoy making it a fantastic family vacation destination.
Know Before You Go:
Campers need to be aware that October 1-April 30 water systems will likely be shut off, campers are advised to contact the park directly for current statuses.
Lake Sharpe is the definition of an action fishery, with no shortage of fish to be caught! Consistent year-classes of walleye, which are supported by a gizzard shad driven forage base, means anglers can expect to catch 13-18 inch walleye throughout the day. Larger fish are present, but as a whole Lake Sharpe is a terrific fishery to fill a limit, enjoy a fish fry, and reel in fish all day long.
Lake Oahe is a true trophy fishery, with walleyes surpassing 30 inches not uncommon, and plenty of 18-25 inch fish to provide anglers a larger size-class to target than Lake Sharpe, while not in the numbers as the reservoir below. Lake Oahe also does have the ability to produce strong numbers of 15-18 inch fish, and a good fish fry as well!
In addition to walleye, Lake Oahe features a unique salmon fishery with the bulk of the focus taking place at the face of Oahe Dam. This means anglers staying at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area can drive 5 minutes and launch into the best salmon fishing area on the lake.
While under the radar, Lake Oahe offers a fantastic smallmouth bass fishing opportunity as well as a trophy caliber northern pike fishery too. White bass, catfish, yellow perch, and crappie can all be caught in the right location too.
Know Before You Go:
There is a 15 inch minimum on Lake Sharpe year-round, with the exception of July and August. There is one walleye allowed over 20 inches per angler statewide, which would apply to both Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe.
Zebra mussels are present in both Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, which means it is critical for anglers to clean, drain, and dry every time to do their part to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species across South Dakota.
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area itself is an ideal location for camping, with three large campgrounds ready to host visitors. For visitors that are just looking to tow a boat or take advantage of the upland game hunting opportunities in the area, the four modern cabins offer an ideal location to accommodate both small and large groups.
Cabins A and B are the two larger cabins, and feature a complete kitchen, living room, bathroom, and two separate bedrooms. Cabins C and D, offer the same style of accommodations, though in a smaller size. All four cabins feature running water year-round, central air conditioning, heating, and wireless internet.
Each cabin features a patio that comes equipped with a grill and picnic table, allowing for easy outdoor cooking and meals when the weather allows. Each cabin also has its own fireplace ring, and plenty of room to park vehicles, boats, and spread out along the lawn. All four cabins are located directly adjacent to the boat ramp making for easy launching and loading.
Know Before You Go:
Bed linens and towels are not provided. Guests need to bring their own bedding, bath towels, and bathroom products. Guests also need to bring their own groceries and food products.
While conveniently located near the boat ramp, the cabins sit in a quiet corner of the park away from all the three campgrounds. The fish cleaning station sits on the opposite end of the boat ramping parking lot, and a large picnic shelter is just beyond that, but the only nearby guests are all within the four cabins. This means that visitors are able to enjoy the boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and their accommodations all in one quiet location.
The individual fire rings make for a perfect way to end a day on the water or in the field. Sitting outside of town and away from light pollution, the night sky views combined with the lit-up Lake Oahe dam make for spectacular waterfront views. This combination is a view that truly is unmatched anywhere else in the country, right out the back porch.
Whether you’re planning a weekend fishing trip, family vacation, or fall pheasant hunting adventure to the Pierre area there is no better option than Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. Whether you’re towing a camper or taking advantage of the modern cabins, you’ll enjoy a quiet place to rest and relax right in the heart of the best hunting and fishing opportunities in the state.
Learn More About Lake Sharpe
Lake Sharpe begins at Oahe Dam in Pierre and runs to Big Bend Dam in Fort Thompson. A relatively small reservoir for the Missouri River system, the fishery features faster current, sandbars, flats, submerged trees, and plenty of walleye to be caught! Learn everything you need to know about Lake Sharpe in our lake profile!
Learn More About Lake Oahe
Lake Oahe begins in Bismarck, North Dakota and runs to Oahe Dam in Pierre. A large and expansive reservoir, the fishery features depths surpassing 100 feet routinely, submerged trees, flats, three major tributaries, and no shortage of trophy caliber walleye. Learn everything you need to know about Lake Oahe in our lake profile!
Learn More About Pierre
The Pierre area offers one of the best outdoor opportunities in all of the Midwest, with terrific walleye fishing, outstanding pheasant and grouse hunting, and the largest waterbody in the state with plenty of room to boat. Learn about the host city and find everything you need to make your stay comfortable!
