The month of May is behind us, which means we’re nearing mid-summer patterns. An up and down weather pattern changed the plans a bit for this week, but it was an opportunity to showcase some unique fishing opportunities. Check it out in this week’s report!
Lake Sharpe Fishing Report
The fishing on Lake Sharpe continues to trend a bit more on the slower side, but there are quality fish to be caught. Essentially, there are three main areas to target: Antelope Islands area, Hipple Lake in Farm Island Recreation Area, and West Bend Recreation Area.
The best bite on the main reservoir near Pierre continues to be in the Antelope Islands and Farm Island Flats area, which is below Polo Fields boat ramp. Fishing between 6-12 feet is productive, and both trolling crankbaits and bottom bouncing can produce fish. The bite as a whole is hit and miss, with some days producing very good fishing and other days much tougher.
The best quality fish are being caught within Hipple Lake in Farm Island Recreation Area. Generally speaking, trolling crankbaits is the most effective way to target fish within Hipple Lake as this covers the most water and contacts the most active fish. However, bottom bouncing has been the most productive method in recent days.
Reports from the West Bend area are that fishing is slowing down, however there is still an abundance of fish to be caught. Gizzard shad are actively spawning, and producing forage for the fishery, which points towards a slowing bite throughout the reservoir.
The most important message is to get your bait directly in front of the fish. Whether you are trolling crankbaits, bottom bouncing, or casting jigs or other active presentations, the most important element is to get your bait in front of as many fish as possible because when they bite they are quality fish.
Fort Pierre National Grasslands Fishing Report
The high winds and scattered storms made fishing Lake Oahe a poor choice, and when the weather is tricky the Fort Pierre National Grasslands offer the perfect opportunity to wet a line and catch some fish! Anglers can expect good bluegill and largemouth bass fishing, with a variety of opportunities dotted across the grasslands.
For bluegill, Richland Dam proved to be the most effective with a number of fish present. Casting slipbobbers with crawlers was most effective, targeting the weed edges for the highest number of fish.
For bass, Richland Dam and Cookstove Dam both produced quality fish. A combination of submerged and emergent vegetation sets up perfectly for a topwater frog bite, which can produce some extremely quality fish!
Fundraising Underway for Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery
This week, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) announced that fundraising for much needed improvements at Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery has begun. The fundraising efforts began with a stocking and kids fishing event in Watertown, where Governor Larry Rhoden joined GFP fisheries staff to kick off the fundraising efforts.
Video of the Week: Multispecies Fishing in Pierre – Fort Pierre National Grasslands
The Fort Pierre National Grasslands quietly offers fantastic bluegill and largemouth bass fishing. While Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe steal most of the attention, the dozens of dams dotted across the landscape south and west of Pierre can be quite productive!
