The unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day Weekend, is upon us but it doesn’t quite feel like it! Changing weather conditions feels like we’re still in “April showers” instead of “May flowers” and have added yet another complexity to the bite on the Missouri River. Between abundant forage, variable water temperatures, and post-spawn fish anglers have been trying to find the best bite!
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report
The fishing on Lake Sharpe right now is puzzling for many anglers. Fortunately, we’ve been working hard to put all these pieces together and figure out what’s going on within the reservoir. Forage, water temperature, and current have all been the biggest factors for what many are finding tough fishing.
Forage
The biggest factor for the tougher fishing conditions has been an abundance of forage. Earlier this spring, we noted there was an abundance of smelt that had flushed through the Oahe Dam. Based on reading the graph in the stilling basin, the lack of bites, and studying the stomach contents of the lone walleye that did bite it can be safely assumed these smelt are still present and have fish full.
To further complicate the forage factors on the fishery, the traditional forage of Lake Sharpe, gizzard shad, will soon be entering the system. Water temperatures are indicating gizzard shad are spawning or will be spawning very shortly, which will provide yet another food source for walleye throughout the system.
Water Temperatures
Now let’s talk about those water temperatures. On the upper end of the reservoir, water temperatures are between 51-53 degrees. This is from the bluffs to the stilling basin. However, Hipple Lake is over 10 degrees warmer with water temperatures 63-65 degrees. The cooler temperatures are closer to the main channel, with the warmer temperatures near the campground in the back.
As discussed above, it’s worth noting that Hipple Lake is a key producer of gizzard shad for the Lake Sharpe fishery. Gizzard shad begin to spawn at about 55 degrees, so with this area approximately 10 degrees above that, it can be assumed that shad will start presenting as a forage option shortly.
Further downriver, Joe Creek, Counselor Creek, and Cedar Creek are other primary gizzard shad producers. The water temperatures are generally cooler on the upper end of the reservoir because of the water coming from Lake Oahe, and all of this is playing a role in fish movements as they seek both warmer water and food sources.
Current
Current is the ultimate factor on Lake Sharpe, particularly in the upper end of the reservoir, and the current has also been highly variable. Throughout the week, and early in the evenings, current is generally fairly strong. However, on Sundays the current has been nonexistent. Additionally, the reduced current in the morning hours has anglers finding the best success into the afternoon and evenings.
Putting it All Together
Putting this all together, the fishing on the upper end of the reservoir is certainly the toughest. While fish are in excellent condition, the stilling basin, bridges, and bluffs are not very productive. Additionally, fishing within LaFramboise Island is very difficult due to the weed growth, and is predominantly white bass.
Hipple Lake within Farm Island Recreation Area is still yet to take off. There is a good number of crappie and white bass present, and while there are walleye presenting themselves from time to time overall this bite is fair at best and nonexistent at worst.
Fishing the larger flats east of Farm Island on the main body are the best fishing on the upper end of the reservoir. Fish are holding anywhere between 6-12 feet of water depending on the current, water clarity, and time of day. Fishing adjacent to submerged trees or on the large flats is most effective.
Trolling crankbaits is effective, but bottom bouncing is producing fish too. There is a significant amount of weeds and debris floating through the system when the current is flowing, which can make trolling crankbaits a bit more difficult as they are getting fouled fairly frequently.
Further downriver, the best fishing on the reservoir right now is West Bend Recreation Area. Boat trailers are abundant on the highway, and the best reports continue to come from this area further down the reservoir.
The bite is tougher, but when you factor in the forage, water temperature, and current the reason for this bite begins to make sense and helps anglers maximize their time on the water.
National Walleye Tour Visits Lake Oahe May 20-21
This week the National Walleye Tour will launch out of Mobridge and fish Lake Oahe. Anglers pre-fishing the event, while staying mostly quiet, are encountering quality fish. However, as has been the trend on Lake Oahe the last several years the fish are extremely well fed and making them bite is a challenge!
Tagged Fish Available in South Dakota State Parks
Once again for 2026, tagged fish are available in seven South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. New for this year, anglers who are fortunate to catch one of these fish will receive a special South Dakota State Parks Mepps spinner!
Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week
This week is the annual Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. Anglers and boaters are reminded to CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY every time they are on the water to do their part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species!
Article of the Week: Patterning the Unpatternable – Mapping Fish on the Missouri River
This week’s article details one way to maximize the use of your waypoints and map to follow patterns throughout every year as different water levels, current flow, water turbidity, and other factors can impact where fish may be holding on a year-to-year basis.
Video of the Week: Fishing the Notebook for Post Spawn Walleye
This week’s video takes a similar tone, attempting to replicate a highly successful pattern from 2023 targeting post-spawn trophy caliber walleyes in the stilling basin on Lake Sharpe.
