First and foremost a very happy Mother’s Day, as summer continues to creep closer and closer! That’s the theme of this week’s fishing report, with South Dakota’s Open House Weekend on the horizon. Open House Weekend and the following Memorial Day Weekend kick off the summer, and this week’s fishing report previews all of that!
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report
The fishing on Lake Sharpe right now is very hit and miss. Fish are essentially completed with their spawning activities, and the shift is now entirely on finding food sources. This means fish are transitioning down the reservoir, as is normal with all reservoir walleye, and are constantly on the move throughout this time period.
The best reports from the fishery are near West Bend Recreation Area, and this aligns with this summer transition. It is generally early to mid May that the fishing in the West Bend area begins to pick up, and this is right in time with that post-spawn period.
There is good fishing to be had in the Pierre area, mostly between the Farm Island Recreation Area and De Grey Lakeside Use Area. Fish are using the large flats, as well as areas of submerged timber, to stop as they work their way down the reservoir.
Fishing is best between 8-12 feet, with that 9-10 feet holding the most fish. Trolling crankbaits allows anglers to cover water, and contact these active fish. The best baits right now are #5 Berkley Flicker Shads and #5 Rapala Shad Raps.
Open House Weekend May 15-17, 2026
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will host the annual Open House Weekend May 15-17, 2026. During this time period individuals can enjoy free entrance into all state parks and recreation areas as well as free fishing on any waterbody. Camping fees, daily limits, and other regulations do still apply.
Over 1,300 Fish Logged So Far in Midwest Walleye Challenge for South Dakota
Anglers Atlas, host of the Midwest Walleye Challenge, has released the first half results of the event and South Dakota accounts for nearly half of the walleyes submitted. Of the 3,000 walleyes submitted across five states, 1,367 have come from South Dakota. In addition to most fish submitted, South Dakota also has the largest average size among the participating states.
Video of the Week: Discussing Post-Spawn Walleye on Lake Sharpe
Our video of the week takes an in-depth look at the fishing right now on Lake Sharpe. We highlight the factors at play including traditional seasonal movements, a possible transition of forage options, and how this impacts anglers’ approach to the fishery this time of year.
