There are a number of fisheries that can be relatively simple to pattern. Fish will likely be in one area in the spring, perhaps limited spawning structure, before transitioning through breaklines and weed edges and spending the summer on some main lake structure. These are likely smaller fisheries, are home to a relatively simple fish […]
After an extremely successful 2025, tagged fish will once again be available to catch in South Dakota State Parks for 2026! This season’s challenge will feature even bigger prizes! Individuals who are fortunate to catch a tagged fish are eligible to receive a specially branded South Dakota State Parks Mepps Spinner. These tagged fish have […]
When it comes to trolling crankbaits for walleye there’s a number of variables that go into a successful presentation – running depth, profile, action, size, color, and more all steal the show when it comes to putting together the presentation. While all of these factors are critical, anglers are often leaving bites on the water […]
First and foremost a very happy Mother’s Day, as summer continues to creep closer and closer! That’s the theme of this week’s fishing report, with South Dakota’s Open House Weekend on the horizon. Open House Weekend and the following Memorial Day Weekend kick off the summer, and this week’s fishing report previews all of that! […]
Angler’s Atlas, host of the Midwest Walleye Challenge, has released the total catch data from the first half of the 2026 event. Across five states, over 3,000 fish have been logged. The data is current April 1 to May 7, 2026. In South Dakota, 1,367 walleyes have been logged. The average length of these fish […]
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will celebrate the annual Open House Weekend May 15-17, 2026. No park entrance license is required to visit any South Dakota state park or recreation area throughout the weekend. Additionally, no fishing license is required to enjoy any waterbody across South Dakota. Camping fees, daily limits, and other […]
We are back!! After two weeks in New Zealand, which is absolutely gorgeous, we are back home on Lake Sharpe! Similar to the jet lag experienced from flying to the opposite end of the world, the walleyes are in a time of transition! All of that and more in this week’s report! Are Walleyes Done […]
The calendar has flipped to May, and that means the first month of the Midwest Walleye Challenge in South Dakota is complete! The 2026 event already has seen a record number of both participants and fish submitted, with some quality fish at the top of the leaderboard! In total, 151 anglers are registered for the […]
The second event for The Fishing Crew Team of the Year schedule will move up river, launching on Lake Sharpe out of Pierre. The Cedar Shore Resort tournament saw bite windows play a major role in the event, and anglers should expect bite windows to be just as pronounced for the Lake Sharpe event. An […]
The 2026 Stockman’s Livestock Fall Brawl is set for August 29 and 30. This event is hosted by The Fishing Crew and launches out of Spring Creek Recreation Area on Lake Oahe north of Pierre. “This is a great way to end the season,” said Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “The event has […]
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