The open water season is officially here in South Dakota! The Missouri River is open, ice conditions are receding, and boats are taking to the water!
Boat Ramp Updates
This time of year, access is always the most important factor for getting on the water. Once ice conditions have subsided, boat docks are placed, and it has been a busy week on this front!
This week, boat docks were placed at:
- West Shore Lakeside Use Area (Lake Oahe)
- Polo Field Boat Ramp in Farm Island Recreation Area (Lake Sharpe)
- Fort George Lakeside Use Area (Lake Sharpe)
- Big Bend Dam Left Tailrace Ramp (Lake Francis Case)
- North Wheeler Recreation Area (Lake Francis Case)
- Star Valley (South Scalp Creek) Lakeside Use Area (Lake Francis Case)
- Shep’s Canyon Recreation Area (Angostura Lake)
Additional boat ramps that docks have been placed previously include:
- Fort Pierre City Boat Ramp (Lake Sharpe)
- Big Bend Dam Right Tailrace Boat Ramp (Lake Francis Case)
- American Creek Campground Boat Ramp (Lake Francis Case)
- Whetstone Bay Lakeside Use Area (Lake Francis Case)
- Fort Randall Dam Spillway Lakeside Use Area (Lewis and Clark Lake)
Complete information regarding boat ramp statuses can be found on the Public Fishing Water Access Map, which is maintained by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
Spring Fish Stockings
Fish stockings have also begun this spring, which are primarily rainbow trout stockings this time of year. Stockings include:
- Fort Randall Tailrace – Rainbow Trout
- Canyon Lake and Ponds – Rainbow Trout
- Allen Dam – Rainbow Trout
- Cedar Creek Dam #1 and #2 – Rainbow Trout
All fish stockings within the past 14 days can be found on the GFP website’s Weekly Stocking Report.
Midwest Walleye Challenge Returns to South Dakota
The Midwest Walleye Challenge will return to South Dakota in 2026, and this is a fantastic way to get involved in fisheries management! Anglers can log their trips, submit their catches, and win prizes! Be sure to join Team Lip Ripper Fishing for this season!
Missouri River Reservoir Status Reports
This past winter we highlighted all four Missouri River fisheries: Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake.
Lake Oahe
The Lake Oahe fishery is looking fantastic. Fish are in excellent condition, growing at incredible rates, and abundance continues to increase. The entire Lake Oahe fishery should produce another fantastic year.
Lake Sharpe
The Lake Sharpe fishery continues to be a walleye factory. Anglers can expect another strong year of action and limits to come from the fishery.
Lake Francis Case
Walleye abundance continues to increase on Lake Francis Case, and fish are in excellent condition. Walleyes are growing quickly, in excellent shape, and Francis Case continues to put out year classes. The major factor for the bite this season will be gizzard shad over winter survival.
Lewis and Clark Lake
Low runoff years are good news on Lewis and Clark Lake when it comes to walleye abundance, and business is good on the reservoir. Natural production has been above double the average in recent years, and this is leading to a lot of 15-20 inch walleye and sauger to be caught.
Follow Along This Season
It’s shaping up to be a very good year of fishing, and there are plenty of ways to follow along this season!
Subscribe to YouTube
A major priority for this season is going to be showcasing all the bites we’re on this season, and the best place to find these in-depth features is by subscribing to our YouTube page!
Follow on Instagram
The best place to find the latest catches, behind the scenes, and off the water content is by following Nick on Instagram at mrwalleyesd!
Follow on Facebook
Find the latest fishing reports, catches, and other updates by following the Lip Ripper Fishing Facebook page!
