Following a week of temperatures in the 80s and 90s it’s understandable to not have the feeling of fall! However, a cold front has swept through the region, the leaves are changing, and some are beginning to hit the ground….fall is finally upon us!! We highlight it in this week’s South Dakota Outdoors Report!
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report
First and foremost is this week’s fishing report, which features a bit better news than previously reported. The bite on Lake Sharpe still continues to be greatly impacted by the flooding event from the Bad River that took place several weeks ago, but things are beginning to clear up a bit, and the bite is slowly, slowly recovering.
One of the benefits was that all of the weeds and other debris have been swept through the system, meaning anglers don’t need to contend with the floating vegetation that had been problematic throughout the month of September prior to the flooding event. Other debris from the flood also appears to have moved through the system, leaving just the dirty water to deal with.
The bite continues to be a bit slow, but there are some fish to be caught for anglers who are persistent and cover water. Trolling crankbaits is an effective way to cover the most water, and is now possible due to the lack of vegetation floating in the column. Small baits like the #5 Berkley Flicker Shad are most effective.
Bottom bouncing is another good way to follow up these areas where fish are located, often coaxing more bites from more neutral and passive fish. Bottom bouncing with larger, #4, brightly colored Colorado blades are the best way to get bites in the dirty water. The combination of covering water and varying presentations is the best way to produce fish.
Fishing above Antelope Islands seems to have a bit clearer water, and areas where water is flowing are most effective. The areas that have reduced current seem to be a bit dirtier, and the bite is very dependent on when the water is flowing. Unfortunately, flows are pretty reduced as a whole, which is complicating the bite further.
Casting the Oahe Dam Tailrace continues to be a tough effort. There are some fish to be caught, but the bite itself is still pretty slow. The bulk of the fishing pressure continues to take place on the West Side, but there are a few fish to be caught on the East Side as well.
South Dakota Resident Only Pheasant Season October 10-12
The South Dakota Resident Only Pheasant Season takes place this upcoming weekend, October 10-12, and gives South Dakota residents the first opportunity to enjoy what is set to be a phenomenal season. Reports from the field are extremely promising, and the youth pheasant season has received positive feedback as well!
South Dakota Grouse Season Continues to be Successful
Another upland game season that is already underway is the South Dakota Grouse Season, which kicked off September 20. Reports from the field are very promising, and hunters are reporting very good numbers of birds. The cooler temperatures should make covering the prairie even more productive and easier too!
Highlighting Custer State Park’s Fishing Opportunities
This past week was dedicated to highlighting Custer State Park and the fishing opportunities that are available within it! Many know about the bison herd, the wildlife loop, and of course the hiking trails but fishing is something that flies under the radar!
Legion Lake
The first fishery highlighted was Legion Lake, which features an excellent multispecies bite. This is the best place in the park to enjoy a sunrise and wet a line, and it can produce some very good rainbow trout fishing too!
Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishery
The second fishery highlighted was Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishery, which is one of the most unique fishing opportunities in the state. Anglers can combine fishing and hiking, and enjoy the gorgeous scenes of the Black Hills and aggressive, hard-fighting trout!
Multiple Lessons from Mulitspecies Fishing
As walleye anglers, it’s easy to wonder how fishing for trout can help us improve our skills. However, anglers who fish for multiple species often learn multiple lessons and this was on full display enjoying these fisheries too!
Destination: Custer State Park
All of this leads to what makes Custer State Park such a fantastic destination for everyone to enjoy. Whether you love hiking, fishing, camping, or just enjoying the views there is something for everyone. Check it all out in the destination feature!
Planning for the 2026 Tournament Season
The coming of fall means the announcement of 2026 tournament schedules, and the top two national walleye tournament series have announced their 2026 schedules. Catch up on the National Walleye Tour and Masters Walleye Circuit schedules, and see what fisheries are going to be showcased.
Purchase Your South Dakota Preference Points
As a reminder, the open preference point purchase period for South Dakota limited draw season is available through December 15. Purchase your preference points now, to make sure you’re ready for the 2026 seasons!
Subscribe to YouTube for the Latest Reports
One of the best ways to stay up to date on the latest bites is by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This features bonus fishing reports, in-depth features of fisheries, and quick tips and tricks. Subscribe to make sure you’re caught up on all the action!
Follow Along on Instagram
Stay up to date on the latest bites, see behind the scenes, and all of the adventures by following Nick on Instagram at mrwalleyesd!
