It has been a very busy week in the South Dakota outdoors. The fishing on Lake Sharpe continues to be fantastic, the reports from the field indicate pheasant season continues to get better and better, and there were several major announcements shared throughout the past week that we’ll highlight as well. We’ve got it all in this week’s report.
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report
The fishing on Lake Sharpe continues to be excellent. Pitching jigs with minnows has been the best option, but there has been a twist. The fish are liking when the jig is simply long lined out the back of the boat-pumping, lifting, or dropping will not trigger bites. Simply casting behind the boat and leaving the jig on a semi-tight line has been the best option.
Utilizing the lightest jigs possible has been key. While traditionally a 3/16 oz is preferred in this scenario, a 1/8 oz jig has been even more productive as this allows the jig to float a bit more in the current and allows fish to suck the jig in more effectively and increases the hook up percentage. Tipping these offerings with a minnow has been the best choice by far.
Fish are scattered throughout the reservoir, and many spots are currently producing fish. The key is focusing on areas with shallow elements, such as sandbars or points, adjacent to deeper water. The fish are not full of shad as we previously see this time of year, which is likely contributing even more to the excellent bite.
The size also does appear to be increasing as well, with fish 16-17 inches becoming more common, whereas fish being caught were primarily right at 15 inches in previous weeks. This is likely an indicator fish are continuing to move up the system and means larger fish could be close behind as well.
South Dakota Pheasant Season Update
The opening weeks of the South Dakota pheasant season are behind us, and that means the best hunting is just beginning. While the reports from the opening weeks have been terrific, several factors are pointing toward the hunting continuing to get better and better.
The most important of these is the crop harvest completing across the state. The vast majority of harvest is complete, which means that crop fields birds may have been hiding out in at the start of the season are now gone and these birds are positioning in grasslands in predictable areas. Corn and sorghum harvest is essentially complete, and the majority of sunflower harvest has concluded as well.
The second critical factor is the cool conditions. The cooler weather makes it easier for dogs to catch a scent and makes it easier for hunters to work their dogs harder. This goes hand in hand with the crop harvest concluding too, as pheasants will continue to focus more on deeper cover.
The third factor is reduced pressure. Opening weekend is tradition for many, but as the calendar flips to November many hunters will begin to focus on deer, ducks, fish, and other fall activities. This means that there are more areas for hunters to find less pressure, which also coincides with the increased public hunting opportunities for the 2024 season too.
The final factor is of course the excellent bird numbers. One thing that has been consistently reported across the state is the fantastic bird numbers hunters and landowners are seeing. There is still a ton of birds out on the landscape, and now there are even fewer places for them to hide.
If you’re looking for more information on the 2024 South Dakota pheasant season, check out our comprehensive report, Excellent Bird Numbers Reported Across South Dakota as Peak Pheasant Hunting Begins, we put together regarding testimonials coming in from the field.
Quick Bites
It’s been a very busy week in the South Dakota outdoors, and we have several updates regarding tournaments, programs, and events across South Dakota.
Custer to Host Casting for Recovery-South Dakota Retreat September 12-14, 2025
After two highly successful years, the third annual Casting for Recovery-South Dakota retreat is officially on the schedule. This retreat will take place September 12-14, 2025 at Outlaw Ranch in Custer. This event is open for any woman who has been impacted by breast cancer and has not yet participated in a retreat.
Ladies, Let’s Fish Making Waves in South Dakota
A new program has found success in eastern South Dakota and is encouraging and empowering women to hit the water. Ladies, Let’s Fish was started by Cassy Behnke, and became an instant success among participants who have learned everything regarding hitting the water including buying a license, basic and advanced fishing skills, trailer backing and boat operation, as well as species specific techniques. This earned Cassy the 2024 Program Innovation Award through South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
Pierre to Host National Walleye Tour April 24-25, 2025
The National Walleye Tour this week announced the opening event of the 2025 has been moved from Bismarck, North Dakota to Pierre, South Dakota. The event was supposed to be held on Lake Oahe in North Dakota, but issues with permitting in North Dakota has resulted in the event moving to Lake Sharpe in Pierre. The dates will still be April 24-25, 2025.
New Brown Trout Bowfishing Record Set from Lake Oahe
An unlikely state record was set from Lake Oahe, with the new brown trout bowfishing record coming from the lower end of reservoir. The record was set by Ty Smith, who harvested a 6-pound 12-ounce brown trout to set the first record in the bowfishing category.
It’s been a busy week across the state. Whether you’re out on the water, in the fields, or in the parks this is the time to enjoy everything the South Dakota outdoors have to offer!
