Historically one of the top walleye fishing destinations in the country, Lake Oahe can produce spectacular fishing, but can also be very daunting for anglers as well. The reservoir features hundreds of creeks and tributaries, thousands of points, submerged islands, large flats, and an abundance of deep-water structure that can leave anglers overwhelmed looking at the map. Fortunately, there is likely no easier time to fish Lake Oahe than in the early summer months.
Finding Early Summer Walleyes on Lake Oahe
In the early summer months, start searching for walleyes in the major tributaries and creeks. The three largest tributaries: the Grand River, Moreau River, and Cheyenne River, are the highest percentage areas as these are where the bulk of the spawning activities take place. Once spawning is complete, walleye will begin moving toward the main lake and will stop and feed along the way. This sets up some of the best bites of the season along these areas.
While the bulk of the walleyes will be in one of these three major tributaries, walleyes can still be found along the reservoir relating to the other creeks and tributaries. The larger the creek, the more walleyes are often present. Creeks in close proximity to larger tributaries are also good locations to target as well.
Earlier in the season, look for walleyes in the further backs of these creeks. As summer progresses, the walleye will progress toward the main lake as well. Transition your search from the backs of these creeks to near the mouths or directly outside of them. Your depth will follow a similar pattern, look for walleyes as shallow as 4-8 feet earlier in the season, before slipping out to 8-14 feet. Once those depths prove unproductive, it’s time to slide out to 15-22 feet.
The time of day and wind conditions can also play an important role in the depth walleye will be sitting at. Right away in the mornings, look for walleyes relatively shallow, particularly in less than 14 feet. As the day progresses and the sun gets higher, this is when fish may slip out to 14-22 feet, or possibly even deeper depending on the weather pattern. Wind will be your friend, and areas that are receiving wave action from the wind will often hold walleyes shallower throughout the day.
Once you’ve identified your general area and depth you plan to target, it’s time to focus on specific areas. The expansive nature and abundance of structure means you can’t run across the lake and hit multiple areas, your best bet is to select your general location (usually a creek or two) and keep your search to this area.
Look for points that have long flats leading off of them. The longer the point is, the more likely walleyes are to be on or adjacent to them. Points that lead back into a shoreline that resembles a cup, are the highest percentage areas. Identify pieces of structure that look like these areas prior to hitting the water. This is a component of identifying your general area you plan to fish. Before fishing these areas, drive over them and scan with your electronics. There is too much water and too much structure to fish blind, you want to see fish on your screen before you ever wet a line. This also gives you the opportunity to slide between multiple depths and find where those particular fish are holding at that time.
It sounds cliche, but finding the fish is the biggest challenge this time of year on Lake Oahe. There’s really no other way to put it because once you have contacted fish, coaxing them to bite is generally quite easy. This time of year, the best way to target fish is pulling bottom bouncers and spinners. The time of day and the weather will tell you the best way to present.
Fishing Aggressively for Early Summer Walleye
Right away in the morning, look for fish shallow and aggressively pull #3 or #4 Colorado blades. This time of day, fish are often their most aggressive and looking to feed. The larger blade creates an abundance of flash and vibration in the water and can trigger aggressive strikes. The higher speeds also allow you to cover more water and contact more active fish.
The best colors at this time are blues, purples, or even brighter colors like pink or orange. Fish are often most spread out across the points and flats this time of day as well, which makes going faster and covering more water that much more important. You really can’t fish too aggressively this time of day.
As the sun gets higher and day goes on, this is when it is time to tone down your presentation. The first adjustment to make is switching to more natural colors, once the sun is high the best options are going to be plain white, silver, or gold. The next adjustment is downsize down to #2 or #3 Colorado blades, some days #1 may even be the best size.
You will also want to slow down your presentation just a bit. While you might have been pulling 1.2-1.5 mph in the morning, tone it down to 1.0-1.2 mph. You still want your blade to be turning, but you’re not going to be able to generate as aggressive strikes as you did in the morning. Fortunately, walleyes tend to concentrate more along the tips of points as days go on, which means there is less need to cover water to contact scattered fish.
If you’re marking fish but struggling to get bites, it’s time to downsize even further. This is when a .8” Mack’s Lure Smile Blade reigns supreme. Pull this bait slowly, .5-.8 mph, and bring it right across their noses. Walleyes have a hard time resisting a crawler and Smile Blade that’s hanging right in their face.
It is tough to beat the early summer walleye fishing that takes place on Lake Oahe. During the early summer months, walleyes are shallow, accessible, and eager to bite. Take advantage of this time period to get out and enjoy some of the best fishing of the year on Lake Oahe. Good fishing!
Plan Your Trip to Lake Oahe
There is no better time to fish Lake Oahe than in the early summer months! We have everything you need to plan your trip! Learn more about Lake Oahe in our Lake Oahe Profile, find where to stay in the Pierre or Mobridge areas, and find more tips and tricks to put more fish in the boat all season long!
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