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? […]
The Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota are some of the most popular fisheries in the region, and this is for good reason! Each of these reservoirs can produce a limit of walleyes or a trophy for the wall, and other species such as smallmouth bass, salmon, and paddlefish can provide unique opportunities depending on […]
It’s not a secret I love targeting walleye in South Dakota. Whether it’s the Missouri River reservoirs or Glacial Lakes region, from the boat, shore, or through the ice, I’ve chased them, I’ve caught them, and I’ve been skunked by them. I love walleye fishing in South Dakota, but that’s actually not what I grew […]
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) today announced that the Lake Francis Case and Lewis and Clark Lake public fisheries meeting will take place virtually Tuesday, February 17 at 7 p.m. central time. GFP fisheries biologists out of the Chamberlain office will provide an update on both the Lake Francis Case and Lewis […]
Lake Sharpe is a classic Missouri River reservoir, flowing from Oahe Dam in Pierre to Big Bend Dam in Fort Thompson. Clear water, current, and classic reservoir fishing is what anglers can expect, as well as plenty of walleyes to be caught. However, connected to Lake Sharpe, is a fishery that is the complete opposite. […]
The Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota offer some of the best walleye fishing in the Midwest, and as spring begins the first open water opportunities of the season draws anglers from across the region to Chamberlain, South Dakota to fish on Lake Francis Case. While springtime in Chamberlain is a major draw to start […]
The Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota are complex and dynamic fisheries. While they share certain characteristics, there are many elements that make these fisheries unique as well. We highlighted the three main reservoirs: Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and Lake Francis Case in A Comprehensive Guide to Fishing on the Missouri River in South Dakota. […]
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