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 […]
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 […]
One of the most unique fishing opportunities in South Dakota could soon be expanding to Lake Sharpe, or at least this is the goal for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries staff. This update was shared at the public meeting held in January 2026 at the AmericInn in Fort Pierre. Paddlefish were a […]
Lake Oahe is a large, complex waterbody and in turn requires in-depth management efforts. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologist Dylan Gravenholf provided an update on these management efforts at the January meeting of the GFP Commission. Spanning from Pierre, South Dakota to Bismarck, North Dakota, Lake Oahe covers two states, and […]
The walleye on the lower end of Lake Oahe are experiencing incredible growth rates according to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists. Dylan Gravenhof, Missouri River Fisheries Biologist, shared this update at the January GFP Commission meeting in Pierre. Lake Oahe is an expansive waterbody, spanning across both North Dakota and South […]
As anglers it’s very easy to get wrapped up in the color of our crankbaits as we constantly search for the “hot color” or “secret bait.” The question is, does color actually matter when it comes to trolling crankbaits for walleye? In this mini study, we put blue and purple against each other on a […]
Summer is a critical moment when it comes to slowing the spread of aquatic invasive species. Summer sees increased boat traffic, with both anglers and recreational boaters taking to the water and is the time of year that invasive species such as zebra mussels and curly leaf pondweed can be easily transported. Veligers, which are […]
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