Last week, we discussed fishing across South Dakota in our Summer Fishing Special. This week, we take a deep dive into Lake Oahe! Find out all the information we have to share on Lake Oahe!
Lake Oahe Fishing Report
Where is the Best Fishing on Lake Oahe?
After Tyson Keller and Chris Haines brought a 12.08 pound big fish to anchor a total bag of 28.77 pounds to win the Denny Palmer Memorial in Mobridge this past weekend, it can be safe to assume the big fish bite is on across Lake Oahe!
Considering they won the event by less than one pound, and still didn’t have big fish of the tournament, this further proves there are plenty of big walleyes to be caught in the Mobridge area! The second place team, Dorris/Herman, brought 28.13 pounds anchored by a 9.55 pound big fish. The team of Heupel/Heupel won big fish, with a 12.13 pound walleye. Two 10 pound walleyes were big fish for their respective bags for both 3rd and 4th place as well.
2026 Denny Palmer Memorial Top Ten Results:
- 1st: Keller/Haines 28.77 pounds
- 2nd: Dorris/Herman 28.13 pounds
- 3rd: Hanson/Madison 27.94 pounds
- 4th: Schied/Sprecher 27.58 pounds
- 5th: Neddo/Neddo 25.27 pounds
- 6th: Nehls/Nehls 20.27 pounds
- 7th: Heupel/Heupel 18.39 pounds
- 8th: Stoner/Stoner 18.35 pounds
- 9th: Obritsch/Olson 16.43 pounds
- 10th: Bailey/Bailey 16.19 pounds
The combination of big fish and big weights highlighted the excellent fishing on the upper end of Lake Oahe right now. When it comes to the best fishing on Lake Oahe right now, it’s tough to beat the Mobridge area!
Where is the Best Bite on Lake Oahe Near Pierre?
The best bite on Lake Oahe in the Pierre area is absolutely the Cheyenne River. Whether fishing out of Little Bend, Minneconjou, or Bushes Landing, or running up from Spring Creek or Cow Creek, the highest pressure and best consistent success is coming out of the Cheyenne area.
In addition to the main stem of the Cheyenne River, there can be very good fishing on both the north and south sides of the main lake points coming directly out of the Cheyenne River.
That said, there is still good fishing to be had closer to Pierre. The two most consistent areas beyond the Cheyenne River are Snake Creek and Okobojo Creek. Agency Creek and Mission Creek can also be productive.
What are the Most Effective Techniques?
The three main techniques that can be successful on Lake Oahe – trolling crankbaits, bottom bouncing, and livescoping are all being productive. Each of these can produce, and can provide different types of bites too.
Bottom bouncing is the best bet for a numbers bite, and catching quality fish between 15-20 inches. While best for the “eater” caliber fish, bottom bouncing can produce “overs” too. Anglers bottom bouncing should target 10-15 feet of water, focusing on points and cups adjacent to deeper water.
Trolling crankbaits is the best bet for an “overs” bite, and catching fish between 19-24 inches. Similarly, larger walleyes are always possible too. Anglers trolling crankbaits should target 18-30 feet of water, focusing on larger flats and longer shorelines.
Livescoping is the best technique for targeting the larger caliber walleyes, with the best chance to produce a trophy caliber fish. Anglers can find fish anywhere between 20-40 feet, and the largest walleyes are keying on giant schools of forage.
What are the Best Baits for Trolling Crankbaits?
Larger minnow profile baits are the top option when trolling crankbaits on Lake Oahe. The most productive baits are Berkley Hit Sticks, Bandit Lures Walleye Deep, and Berkley Flicker Minnows. The larger the size, the more effective the baits have been. Brighter colors have been most effective.
What are the Best Baits for Bottom Bouncing?
The best options for bottom bouncing have been #3 to #4 Colorado blades, with top colors being white, blue, and pink. Tipping these baits with nightcrawlers has been most effective.
Where Else Can You Find Fish on Lake Oahe?
Fishing has been good throughout the upper end of the reservoir. Everywhere between the Mobridge area and Cheyenne River area, including the Akasa and Gettysburg areas. Anglers can truly find fish anywhere between 10-50 feet of water, and anywhere between the Grand River to Cheyenne River.
Video of the Week: Selecting Crankbaits for Lake Oahe with Tom Tom’s Guide Service
Our video of the week is actually a three-part series highlighting fishing Lake Oahe with Tom Tom’s Guide Service. Take a deep dive into both trolling crankbaits and bottom bouncing on Lake Oahe, and let us know what you think of this style series!
Highlight of the Week: Tom Tom’s Guide Service
This week we were fishing with Tom Sieburg of Tom Tom’s Guide Service. Tom has two weeks in Pierre for a number of guide trips, and we took advantage of the opportunity to jump in the boat and showcase how he targets Lake Oahe.
