Increasing abundance, quality sized fish, and an overall hot bite brought more anglers to Lake Oahe in 2025, returning back to angling pressure seen during the “Covid Boom” of 2020. That’s according to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists who shared an update at a public meeting January 2026 at the AmericInn […]
The Lake Oahe smallmouth bass population continues to increase on the lower end of the reservoir, with the highest abundance on Lower Oahe since 2018. That’s according to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists, who shared an update at a public meeting in January 2026 at the AmericInn in Fort Pierre. Smallmouth […]
The walleye fishery on the upper end of Lake Oahe is continuing to rebound, and more stocking help is on the way. That’s according to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists who provided this update at a public meeting in January 2026 at the AmericInn in Fort Pierre. GFP fisheries biologists split […]
The Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) will visit Bitter Lake near Webster, South Dakota on August 21-22, 2026. “Mid-summer walleye fishing in the Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota doesn’t really slow down,” said Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “The bite remains good throughout the summer months, and there’s a variety of ways to […]
The Pierre area features not one, but two fantastic walleye fisheries in Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe. Anglers from across the region come to enjoy these fisheries at all times of the year, and the June timeframe is one of the best times to come to the area. It’s at this time both fisheries are […]
The 30th Annual Platte Area Chamber of Commerce Fishing Tournament will take place Saturday, May 2, 2026. This milestone event launches out of Platte Creek Recreation Area fishing on Lake Francis Case. The weekend will begin Friday, May 1 at the Platte Community Building for a rules meeting, dinner, and Calcutta. Check in begins at […]
Being efficient on the water requires having quality tools within reach, and having a pair of split ring pliers in the boat can greatly increase efficiency and success on the water. Fish It Like Nick “Split ring pliers are a must have tool on the water,” says Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “Whether […]
Lake Sharpe is commonly referred to as a walleye factory, and rightfully so, each year the fishery produces a constant supply of walleyes. Known as an action fishery, Lake Sharpe has a steady population of fish between 10-20 inches, with a 15 inch minimum length limit. In 2026, anglers should expect another year of bites […]
One of the most unique fishing opportunities in South Dakota is the salmon fishery within Lake Oahe. The deep, cold reservoir provides one of the best salmon fishing opportunities in the Midwest. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists provided an update on this fishery at a public meeting in January 2026 at […]
The Lake Sharpe smallmouth bass fishery has been receiving a significant amount of attention from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists, and changes could be coming for the reservoir. An update regarding recent studies related to smallmouth bass on the reservoir was presented at a public meeting in January 2026 at the […]
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