Lake Francis Case is a popular walleye fishery and after a stretch of tough fishing, punctuated by a down year in 2024, the fishery has found itself in the spotlight. Fortunately, signs are pointing towards a rebound and the fishery remains a walleye factory. Lake Francis Case is the 11th largest reservoir in the United […]
Lewis and Clark Lake is a popular waterbody in southeast South Dakota and offers a variety of water recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking. Sitting along the border of South Dakota and Nebraska, Lewis and Clark Lake is located near Yankton and the close proximity to Sioux Falls, Sioux City, and Omaha makes […]
Lake Francis Case is one of the most popular walleye fisheries in the region, and as a walleye factory angler harvest plays a critical role in the recruitment, growth, and mortality of the walleye population within the reservoir. Of these three management elements, harvest is directly tied to mortality in terms of walleye populations. South […]
The Lake Francis Case walleye population has been a subject of discussion in recent years, as anglers have reported a bit tougher fishing on the reservoir. The toughest bite was in 2024, and the 2025 season showed signs of improvement. Heading into 2026, these signs continue to point towards an upswing in the walleye fishing […]
The 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Bass Cup will take place June 6-7. This event is hosted by The Fishing Crew and launches out of Spring Creek Recreation Area north of Pierre. “The smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Oahe is truly incredible,” said Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “When it comes to both quality […]
One of the most unique angling opportunities in South Dakota are the Gavins Point Dam Paddlefish seasons. There are two separate seasons available for anglers, Snagging and Archery, in the tailwaters below the Gavins Point Dam. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists gave an update on these seasons at a virtual public […]
Another year of lower than average runoff is setting up for another excellent year for the Lewis and Clark Lake walleye fishery. That’s according to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) biologists, who shared an update at a virtual public meeting February 17, 2026. Lewis and Clark Lake is the lowest of the Missouri […]
Gizzard shad are a critical component of the Missouri River reservoirs, and are an important forage base in Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake. Gizzard shad are incredibly productive, and grow walleyes quickly. It’s important to understand the importance of this forage base to these fisheries. Gizzard shad are […]
There is an abundance of fishing spots across South Dakota, and with so many spots and so little time how do you know where to focus your efforts? Whether it’s targeting walleye on the Missouri River, yellow perch or bluegill in the Glacial Lakes region, or rainbow trout in the Black Hills there is a […]
Walleyes get a lot of love. They are a favorite fish of anglers across the Midwest. There are multiple regional and national fishing tournaments dedicated to fishing for them. They’re even the state fish of South Dakota! Indeed, walleyes get plenty of love across South Dakota and the entire Midwest. But what about the sauger? […]
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