Check out the latest fishing reports for across the Midwest! We discuss the fishing on the Missouri River reservoirs including Lake Francis Case, Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe.
Current Fishing Report:
This upcoming weekend is Open House Weekend, which is hosted by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. This means there is free entrance into all South Dakota State Parks, and no fishing license is required from May 16-18. This is the unofficial kick off to summer, and it certainly feels like summer out there right now as well! All of this and more in this week’s fishing report!
Recent Fishing Reports:
It was a busy couple weeks on Lake Sharpe, with the National Walleye Tour and Sharpe Showdown events both taking place last week in Pierre. Now, we’re back on to our normal fishing reports, and the news is very good!
It is tournament week here in Pierre, South Dakota! Lake Sharpe is going to take center stage this week, with two major tournaments set to take place. The first event is the National Walleye Tour, which will be Thursday and Friday. The second event is Sharpe Showdown, which will be Saturday and Sunday. Because of the tournaments this week, this week’s fishing report will look a bit different, and showcase everything going on along Lake Sharpe!
Tournament season is officially here! Spring weather is finally here, the first tournament of the season is this upcoming weekend, and the Midwest Walleye Challenge is underway!
Boat docks have been placed, the spring rains and snow have hit, and it’s officially open water season in South Dakota! We detail everything in this week’s fishing report!
2025 Fisheries Outlooks
It has been a busy spring on Lake Sharpe, with both National Walleye Tour and Sharpe Showdown headlining a major month of April on the fishery. In addition to these events, the Tuesday Night Walleye Fishing League has been going strong. As the spawn concludes, and summer patterns begin to take hold, let’s take a moment to check back on our forecast and the status of the reservoir.
The largest waterbody in South Dakota, Lake Oahe, often finds itself in the spotlight. The expansive reservoir, which stretches from Bismarck, North Dakota to Pierre, South Dakota, is one of the most dynamic fisheries in the country. While this “boom and bust” fishery has gone through many cycles, anglers should be hopeful 2025 is a year that features ample “boom!”
The spotlight is going to be on Lake Sharpe in 2025 and all signs point to the popular fishery being ready to have one of its best years in recent memory. Known for being a walleye factory, Lake Sharpe has produced an excellent supply of walleyes in recent years and is ready to meet the anglers’ demand for the coming season.
The 2024 season saw tough fishing on Lake Francis Case, but all indicators report there is an ample number of highly quality walleye in the system. Anglers are hopeful 2025 is a different story, and the lake survey numbers indicate there is much to be excited about for this year on Lake Francis Case!
Lewis and Clark Lake often does not receive the same attention the reservoirs further up the system do but offers a complex and interesting fishery for anglers along the South Dakota and Nebraska border. Anglers should be excited about what 2025 has in store for Lewis and Clark Lake!
The 2025 Nebraska Fishing Forecast is available, and this is an excellent resource for anglers across the Cornhusker state. Daryl Bauer, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission fisheries outreach program manager, provides a write up on major species and all 2024 sampling charts are included. Our favorite fish, the walleye, is the species we’re going to highlight.
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South Dakota Outdoors News, Reports, and Updates
The outdoors is our passion in South Dakota, and whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, or more we’ve got you covered on everything you need to know outside across the state! Find information on South Dakota’s fisheries, hunting seasons, and state parks on our South Dakota Outdoors News, Reports, and Updates page!
Fishing Tournament News
Looking to find information regarding walleye fishing tournaments across South Dakota, Nebraska, and the rest of the country? We’ve got you covered! Check out our Fishing Tournament News page to find the latest results, schedules, and updates across the walleye fishing tournament trails!
South Dakota Fisheries Focus
Looking to learn more about what makes the fisheries in South Dakota so special? Check out our South Dakota Fisheries Focus page, which showcases the dynamics of what makes these fisheries unique!
Fishing Industry News
Find out everything going on across the fishing industry whether it’s a new product release, new company, or anything else that could impact your tackle shopping on our Fishing Industry News page!
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The Official Rod of Lip Ripper Fishing
While you’re getting caught up on the latest bites, be sure to check out some of the latest gear as well! JB Designs Custom Rods are the official rod of Lip Ripper Fishing and are a favorite of Nick, Mason, Chris, and the rest of the Propst Professional Anglers! Check out JB Designs Custom Rods to take your fishing to the next level!
