We are back!! After two weeks in New Zealand, which is absolutely gorgeous, we are back home on Lake Sharpe! Similar to the jet lag experienced from flying to the opposite end of the world, the walleyes are in a time of transition! All of that and more in this week’s report!
Are Walleyes Done Spawning?
This is the top question right now, and the short answer is…mostly! Walleye, whether in the same reservoir or across the state, all will spawn at different times. Some fish may still be in pre-spawn conditions, while others are actively spawning, and others are in a post-spawn situation.
This was the theme of the week specifically for Lake Sharpe. Of the fish that entered the boat, there were three 17 inch female walleyes that were in post-spawn condition, one 17 inch female sauger that was post-spawn, and up river about 6 miles was a 17 inch female that was actively dropping eggs as it was in the boat. This is a great example of fish being in different stages of spawn progression very near each other.
For the most part, it appears to be the very tail end of spawning time on Lake Sharpe. Water temperatures are still between 44-49 degrees, though there are warmer pockets that can be found as well. While there still may be some fish spawning on the reservoir, anglers can expect to see that classic post-spawn fishing begin to take off.
As far as across the state, for the most part the same will be true with spawning activities wrapping up across many of the major walleye fisheries. While eastern South Dakota lakes had a greater duration of ice coverage, these systems generally move quicker and warm up faster than the Missouri River reservoirs.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries staff spent early April conducting spawning across eastern South Dakota including Lake Alice, Lynn Lake ,Brush Lake, Bluedog Lake, Drywood Lake, Clear Lake, and Twin Lakes. This is a good example of how quickly walleye can be ready to spawn following ice-out, and indicates we’re getting closer to those early summer patterns!
What’s This Mean for the Fishing?
This means that we’re in a time of transition! While male walleyes will remain active generally throughout this entire time, and will likely still be producing milt when caught by anglers, female walleyes will be recuperating for about a week or two. This means that fishing can be a bit more hit and miss, but fish will now begin focusing their efforts on finding food and comfort.
This means that fish are on the move, especially in the Missouri River reservoirs. Walleye that may have been in the upper third of the reservoir for spawning are now working their way downriver, using the large flats and other mainlake areas as a resting area to try to grab an easy meal and relax on their journey.
This means that fishing these areas, for example the large flats between Fort George and De Grey on Lake Sharpe or the White River and Elm Creek on Lake Francis Case can all be productive. Fish will be scattered across these areas and specifically on Lake Sharpe this is the case.
This means that covering water is critical, and trolling crankbaits is an effective way to cover these large stretches and contact active fish. Water conditions are still a bit dingy, which has made #5 Berkley Flicker Shads a top choice. Purple Tiger has been the top producing color, but a Scheels specific Wonderbread, as well as similarly colored custom baits, have all produced the best.
Along with this transition is fish being here today and gone tomorrow. Areas that produced one day may not produce the next day, and that’s also been specific news on Lake Sharpe! However, this also means that fish that may have had a couple fish on them one day are loaded the next. The biggest take home message is to continue to cover water, and don’t count on (or out!) any specific spots.
What’s the Best Fishing Right Now?
It’s tough to say, because right now nothing is going to be a perfect answer. Specifically on Lake Sharpe, fish can be caught in the stilling basin or within town pitching jigs and minnows similarly to how they had been throughout much of April. However, there’s also a bite on the flats down river trolling crankbaits.
Some of the most recent reports have indicated that the West Bend area is really picking up, which is likely due to the influx of fish moving in from upstream. As discussed above, fish that have completed their spawning activities are on their way to find food and comfort, and for many fish in Lake Sharpe that area is West Bend!
The best fishing report right now is to have an open mind, try a variety of areas, and bring a variety of techniques. Trolling crankbaits is a great way to find fish, and pitching jigs is a great way to catch them quickly. Right now there’s a lot of ways to catch fish, so be sure to pick your favorite and keeping trying new areas and spots until you find fish looking to bite!
Learn More About Seasonal Movements of Reservoir Walleye
We’ve highlighted a lot about the transitional period right now, and the most recent article in our Fishing Out Facts series took a deep dive into this! Learn the specifics about how the characteristics of reservoirs can impact fish movement, and what to expect throughout each time of the year!
Midwest Walleye Challenge First Month Concludes
The first month of the Midwest Walleye Challenge has concluded, and there are some quality fish at the top of the leaderboard! Day County, which appears to be every angler in Day County, has a commanding lead of the field but fortunately there is still plenty of time and most fish for both May and June are still up for grabs! Of course, a big walleye at any time can jump the leaderboard!
Thanks for the Support, More Posts and Videos to Come!
Already this year the Lip Ripper Fishing Facebook page has seen over 1 million views, thank you very much for the support! You can expect to see even more on the page, including a five-part reels series coming this week about the stages of spawn in walleye, how water color impacts crankbait selection, and determining where the fish you catch may be moving from the reservoir. Hopefully you all enjoy!
