After a month off, we’re back with our weekly fishing reports! Fall fishing is in full swing on Lake Sharpe in Pierre and while other anglers are busy enjoying West River Deer season and great pheasant hunting the walleyes are biting and the river is vacant!
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report
While the calendar says mid-November, fall fishing patterns remain steady on Lake Sharpe. The water temperatures on the upper end of the reservoir near Pierre are between 53-54 degrees, which has fish still very active and eager to bite.
Water clarity continues to be a factor, with clear water found along the main channel near the bluffs and more turbid water found along the flats and off current areas.
Watercolor has not been a major factor in where fish are biting, with active fish able to be found in both areas.
One area that has produced fish is the sunken timber adjacent to the main channel at the end of the bluffs. Fish were holding close to the 20 feet hole in this area and moving up into 12-14 feet to feed. However, this is not a consistent bite, with here today and gone tomorrow a theme.
When the fish can’t be found here, moving across the main channel can be effective, with fish holding between 5-8 feet along the flats adjacent to the main channel below Farm Island Recreation Area.
Trolling crankbaits is the most effective way to cover water and contact active fish. The best baits have been #5 Rapala Shad Raps and Berkley Flicker Shads.
In the clear water, Purpledescent and Purple Tiger are the two top colors. In the dirty water, Firetail Chrome Candy and other brighter colors are best. Berkley Flicker Shads are more effective in the dirty water, and both Flicker Shads and Shad Raps are effective in the clear water.
The best bite begins around noon, as the current picks up. Early in the mornings when the air temperatures are cold and current is minimal the bite is very slow, but as the sun comes out, air temperatures warm up, and the current picks up the bite is the best of the day.
Further down river, there are a few fish adjacent to the Fort George Lakeside Use Area and same along with Stoney Point, however these are far from the best bites on the upper end of Lake Sharpe.
There is still plenty of time to get out on the water, the boat ramps are quiet, and the weather forecast is still promising for some opportunities to get out and fish!
Finding Late Fall Walleye on Lake Sharpe
Find out the exact details of where to find fall walleye on Lake Sharpe, as we discuss the best baits, best spots, and key considerations for targeting walleye in the late fall!
Weekly Fishing Report Courtesy of JB Design Custom Rods
JB Design Custom Rods are the favorite rod of Lip Ripper Fishing, and the new Light Bite Jig Stick is the best rod for pitching late fall walleye on the Missouri River, and everywhere else walleye swim!
