Fall is here in South Dakota, and we are officially to the biggest week of the season-the South Dakota pheasant opener! There is no bigger week in the South Dakota outdoors, and we’ve got everything you need to know to prepare for a huge week across the state!
First and foremost is this week’s fishing report, and we’ve got updates from Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and the Oahe Dam Tailrace for this week.
Lake Oahe Fishing Report
Last year, October and November were when Lake Oahe took the walleye fishing world by storm, cracking the South Dakota state record walleye not once, but twice! Anglers have been focusing on the same areas this bite took place at last year, West Whitlock Recreation Area and Swan Creek Recreation Area, but so far, the bite has not taken off quite as it had previously.
Water temperatures have still been hovering in the low to mid 60s, and fish, particularly the larger fish, have been focusing primarily still on the deep trees. Anglers who are focusing on these areas, fishing within the submerged sticks and trees, have been most effective. Trolling the shorelines can also be productive as well.
Fish are still holding in depths greater than 30 feet, with fish coming from anywhere from 35-60 feet of water, and anglers are reminded by ethical when targeting fish in deep water. Fish caught from depths greater from 30 feet, particularly from even greater depths, will not likely survive. Regardless how fish are handled, or if they even appear to swim away on release, mortality is a likely outcome for that fish.
Targeting a trophy walleye for the wall, or eaters for the frying pan, is entirely understandable, but once a limit is caught or a trophy is in the livewell, anglers need to be aware and mindful that unless they move into shallower water, any additional fish caught will likely suffer mortality as well even if they are released.
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report
The cooler weather conditions have really put Lake Sharpe into its fall patterns, which means the pitching jig bite is really beginning to take shape. Cooler temperatures have concentrated pods of walleyes, and pitching jigs and minnows or jigs and crawlers has begun the top way to target these fish.
While deep water is still the focus on Lake Oahe, the opposite is true for Lake Sharpe. Walleyes are primarily in 10 feet of water or less, and this means anglers can ethically target these fish all day, and that includes catching a lot of fish! There is a good number of fish 14-15 inches, and anglers can find fish to keep and plenty to put back throughout the day!
Oahe Dam Shore Fishing Update
The Oahe Dam, which separates Lake Oahe from Lake Sharpe, is a popular option this time of year for anglers looking to target walleye from shore. The flowing water from the dam concentrates fish, bait, and makes fish highly accessible for anglers fishing from shore. This is also a popular shore fishing option to end the day for pheasant hunters, as the best bite is primarily at sunset.
The shore fishing on Oahe Dam has still yet to pick up for what can traditionally be expected for October, but the cooler temperatures do have fish moving up the reservoir. Cooler weather conditions should have more fish present in the fast water by the time the South Dakota pheasant season kicks off, and the bite should continue to improve towards the end of October and into November.
South Dakota Pheasant Season Outlook
The orange carpet is officially rolled out, and the South Dakota traditional pheasant season is upon us! There is a great deal of excitement for this year’s pheasant season, as bird numbers are extremely high for the coming season. A mild winter, ideal moisture conditions, and quality nesting and brood rearing habitat have set up for a tremendous pheasant season, and hunters should expect one of the best seasons in recent memory.
We have everything you need to know for the coming year in our pre-season primer, All Signs Pointing Toward an Excellent South Dakota Pheasant Season, and hope hunters have both a safe and successful season!
Hunters Need to Be Aware of Fire Danger Across South Dakota
While pheasant numbers are looking promising, hunters are reminded to make their season a memorable one for the right reasons. The past several weeks has been very dry across the state, primarily in central and western South Dakota, and hunters need to be mindful of increased fire danger as they take to the fields. Avoid parking or driving on dry vegetation, have a fire extinguisher or large jug of water on hand, and be aware of dragging chains or other potential spark creating activities.
Second Annual Casting for Recovery Retreat Held in South Dakota
The second annual Casting for Recovery retreat was held in Waubay, South Dakota, and the program continues to build success across both the state and the region. Participants and event organizers sang the praises of this retreat, and what this organization means to women with breast cancer, and support continues to build across the state. Find out more about this retreat, and what the future has in store, in Casting for Recovery-South Dakota Continuing to Build Success.
Lake Thompson and North Point Recreation Areas Seeing Ramp Improvements
There are two major boat ramp replacements taking place across the state this fall, both Lake Thompson and North Point Recreation Areas are seeing complete boat ramp replacements.
The main ramp at Lake Thompson Recreation Area is currently closed, and will be closed likely another 2-4 weeks, as work is completed on this ramp replacement.
The North Point Recreation Area boat ramp will be closed beginning October 21, and will be closed approximately 6-8 weeks, as work is completed on this ramp replacement.
2025 South Dakota Park Entrance License Available for Purchase
While there is much excitement for the rest of what 2024 has to offer, now is a great time to begin planning your trips for 2025 as well. The 2025 South Dakota State Park Entrance License is currently available for purchase, and these entrance licenses would be good until May 2026. This provides ample time for individuals to get out and enjoy South Dakota state parks and recreation areas!
This is indeed the greatest time of year to enjoy everything South Dakota has to offer. Whether you’re ready to take to the fields and chase roosters, pitch jigs on Lake Sharpe, cast cranks from the shore, target Lake Oahe giants, or just enjoy the fall colors and quiet campgrounds now is the time. Have fun, be safe, and share your stories using #SDintheField.
