Father’s Day weekend is here, but it doesn’t necessarily feel like summer just yet! While cooler temperatures and rain have been prevalent across the state, the bite has been red hot! This week’s fishing report takes a look at all the bites across the state!
Lake Oahe Fishing Report
Lake Oahe has certainly heated up in recent weeks, and the massive reservoir is producing an excellent bite for both eater caliber walleyes as well as “overs”, or those greater than 20 inches.
Good fishing can be found throughout the reservoir, but the best fishing right now is likely between the Indian Creek Recreation Area in Mobridge and Cheyenne River area north of Pierre. The fishing in the Cheyenne River right now is particularly very good.
Anglers can also find good fishing in the West Whitlock area, as well as fishing out of Sutton Bay Lakeside Use Area. This stretch of the reservoir has been particularly good, in addition to the bite within the Cheyenne too.
Trolling crankbaits, bottom bouncing, and livescoping are all effective and anglers are able to pick their favorite way to fish and have a reasonable chance at success.
Trolling crankbaits is most effective between 18-30 feet of water. Berkley Money Badgers and Bandit Walleye Divers are most effective, but Berkley Flicker Shads and Flicker Minnows can also be productive. Bright colors are best when the sun is out and conditions are calm, dark colors are best in cloudy conditions and when the wind is blowing.
Bottom bouncing is most productive in 10-15 feet of water, transitioning out towards 15-20 feet by mid-day on calm, clear days. Nightcrawlers are most effective, and generally speaking this is one of the best numbers bites.
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report
The up and down fishing on Lake Sharpe continues. Overall, fishing has been tough. When the bite is good, anglers are catching good numbers of 12-14 inch fish as they work to get their keepers.
The fishing on Hipple Lake has greatly slowed down, and while quality fish can still be caught, it’s very tough fishing with fish coming back to back or in small pods when they are caught. Beyond these times, there is not a consistent bite.
West Bend continues to produce fish, but the bite is much slower and there are many shorts to be caught to catch keepers.
Lake Francis Case Fishing Report
The bite on Lake Francis Case, particularly in the Platte area, has been very good. In fact, anglers are reporting one of the best years in recent memory. There are also fish being caught in the Pickstown area too.
Focusing on the lower 2/3s of the reservoir is the best bet, and both bottom bouncing and trolling crankbaits can be effective depending on the area. The smallmouth bass fishing has also been very good.
Glacial Lakes Region Fishing Report
Overall, fishing is very good across eastern South Dakota. One of the best bites in the northeast corner of the state continues to be North and South Rush Lakes. These lakes have seen a significant amount of attention, and for good reason the bite has been very good.
One of the largest lakes in the area, Waubay Lake, is also seeing a significant amount of angling traffic. Anglers are finding good success for walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and white bass.
The fishing is yet to fully pick up on Bitter Lake, which is expected. Bitter Lake is generally one that takes some time for fishing to pick up, and makes for a very good mid-summer fishery. Anglers will find plenty of walleye to be caught, and as temperatures pick up the fishing should as well.
Roy Lake is producing a good panfish and bass bite. Anglers can expect to have good success for bass, bluegill, and crappie. Walleye and northern pike are always a strong possibility as well.
Anglers seeking other good panfish and bass bites should check out Enemy Swim Lake, Clear Lake, and Big Stone Lake. There is also good panfish fishing on South Buffalo Lake, and Horse Shoe Lake is producing good bass fishing.
The smaller lakes and sloughs are also dotted across northeast South Dakota, and anglers looking to go off the beaten path have a chance at striking gold. Anglers that are trying some of these smaller, lesser known waterbodies, are catching fish in many of them.
Further south, some of the best fishing in the Brookings area remains Lake Thompson and Lake Whitewood. Lake Whitewood is producing excellent walleye fishing, as well as bonus northern pike. Lake Thompson is a similar story, with bonus crappie.
Closer to Watertown, two other nearby lakes are producing good bites. There is good walleye fishing taking place on both Lake Albert and Lake Poinsett. Large northern pike are also being caught on Lake Albert.
Heading back south toward Brookings, West Oakwood Lake’s return continues with good fishing for walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike. A bit further east, Lake Hendricks is also producing fantastic walleye fishing.
Honorable mentions for both Brant Lake and Swan Lake by Viborg are also producing both walleye and crappie
Trolling Crankbaits on Lake Oahe Video Series
Over the last couple weeks we’ve taken a deep dive into trolling crankbaits on Lake Oahe. We’ve discussed both Tom Sieburg, of Tom Tom’s Guide Service, and Nick Harrington’s approaches to trolling. Additionally, we’ve done a thorough evaluation of the best baits, and how they can vary by the day and conditions.
You can find all of these videos on YouTube, and if you haven’t already check them out!
South Dakota Deer Applications Due June 23
If you haven’t already, now is the time to get your South Dakota deer applications submitted! Applications for the six major firearm deer seasons are due at 8 a.m. central time Tuesday, June 23. Don’t forget to get your apps submitted!
Thank You for the Support
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