Fall in South Dakota just looks different. As the leaves begin to change, the fields turn to gold, and the crisp fall air takes hold, communities begin to roll out the orange carpet as they welcome pheasant hunters from across the world. Hunter orange can be seen in every direction, and all the signs are there that it is indeed the greatest time of year in the greatest state to pheasant hunt.
South Dakota draws over 140,000 pheasant hunters annually, and this is for good reason. Routinely harvesting over 1 million pheasants each season, more pheasants are harvested in two weeks of October than most of the neighboring states’ entire seasons. Add in a unique grouse hunting opportunity, and it’s fair to understand why the fields are the focus when the calendar flips to October.
As the cackles of pheasants and shouts of “ROOSTER” echo across the landscape, walleye anglers quietly relax on the water taking advantage of one of the best times of the year in their realm. As the temperatures cool, walleye will concentrate into tighter pods, move back into predictable locations, and focus on feeding as they prepare for a long winter. This sets up for one of the best bites of the year.
Anglers who have yet to put their boat away for the season, or at least don’t have it blocked by dog kennels, decoys, or tree stands are rewarded with an excellent bite all day on the water. Whether it’s pitching jigs, bottom bouncing, or trolling crankbaits there’s no shortage of bites to enjoy from the Missouri River to the Glacial Lakes region. However, it’s not just these anglers that can enjoy the terrific fall fishing.
Pheasant hunters who don’t bring a fishing rod on their trip are doing themselves a massive disservice. Fall walleye fishing takes very little gear, a fraction of the day, and is the perfect way to rest your legs after a day walking the field. A South Dakota pheasant hunt is a memorable experience, but turning your trip into a blast and cast is what takes your experience to the next level!
The biggest misconception is that this requires a whole bunch of extra gear and time. Neither of this is true. Fall walleye fishing is remarkably easy, and hunters can pack light to take advantage of this bite. A good spinning rod to cast, a box of shallow crankbaits or jigs and soft plastics, and some pliers and extra line is all you need!
A simple, medium or medium-light rod with a fast or extra-fast action is all you need. This doesn’t have to be the nicest rods either, in fact it’s better if they’re not, and makes it a bit easier to be packed away with the rest of your hunting gear. A rod cover or travel sleeve also goes a long way, not just for keeping your rod safe but also keeping your packing simple.
As far as bait, this is the angler’s preference. Anglers who enjoy casting and burning a shallow running crankbait can effectively cover water and trigger aggressive strikes. A box of Rapala Shallow Shad Raps, Rapala Husky Jerks, and Berkley Shallow Money Badgers will fulfill all of these requirements.
Anglers who enjoy feeling the thump of a walleye on a jig can target fish with a 1/16-3/16 oz jig and soft plastic. The best options are the Berkley Ripple Shad, BFishN Authentix Moxi Ringtail, and Berkley GULP! Minnow. The versatility of sizes, colors, and profiles makes this appeal to fish of all moods and waterbodies.
The best part of all of this is the simplicity. Fall walleye are extremely aggressive, which means that sensitivity is not critical when it comes to the rod selection. Any quality enough rod will do, and you don’t have to worry about breaking your favorite in your travels. Even more importantly there is no need to mess with livebait. No searching for minnows, no trying to keep your minnows alive, and the accessibility to pull up and start fishing anywhere that looks good.
The spots to target are just as simple. Fall walleye move back shallow within a cast of shore anglers, and anywhere there are rocky shorelines, submerged weeds, or other shallow structure adjacent to deep water is going to hold fish. The presence of culverts, submerged trees, or other structural elements just adds to an area’s appeal.
The primary walleye range also overlaps directly with the primary pheasant range. Hunters along the Missouri River can target the rocky shorelines along the dams, such as the Oahe Dam tailrace, Big Bend Dam tailrace, or Fort Randall Dam tailrace. Other rocky shorelines, such as along the highway in Chamberlain or the Causeway in Pierre can be effective. Other shore fishing spots could be the Fort George Lakeside Access Area, Elm Creek, or Boyer Lakeside Use Area.
In northeast South Dakota, any rocky grade along a roadway can be effective. The 81 Ponds are a perfect example of this, same as Stone Bridge on Lake Poinsett and the Oldham Grade on Lake Thompson. Miles upon miles of shoreline, much of which along waters that contain good walleye populations, are present everywhere from Brookings to Watertown and up into Webster.
The timing is just as simple. When it comes to shore fishing fall walleye, the golden hour is indeed….the golden hour. The highest percentage bite window is the half hour on both sides of sunset, as this is when walleye are most likely to be feeding and taking advantage of their low light abilities. This means hunters can hit the fields all day, and stop at a fishing spot for an hour of casting on their way back and know they’ve likely experienced the best bite of the day.
South Dakota has great pheasant hunting. South Dakota has great fall walleye fishing. The greatest trips are those that take advantage of both! Throw in a fishing rod, a box of crankbaits, and some jigs and plastics. Simplify your presentation and focus on the highest percentage areas at the highest percentage times. Making your trip a blast and cast is simply the best decision you’ll make this season. Good fishing!
Fall Walleye Shore Fishing Spots in Eastern South Dakota
- 81 Ponds
- Stone Bridge on Lake Poinsett
- Oldham Grade on Lake Thompson
- Grenville Grade on Waubay Lake
Fall Walleye Shore Fishing Spots on the Missouri River
- Oahe Dam Tailrace on Lake Sharpe
- Fort George Lakeside Use Area on Lake Sharpe
- Big Bend Dam Tailrace on Lake Francis Case
- Highway Grade Between Chamberlain and Oacoma
- Boyer Creek Lakeside Use Area on Lake Francis Case
- Fort Randall Dam Tailrace Near Pickstown
