South Dakota has some special fisheries, and whether it is the trophy walleye fishery that is Lake Oahe or the Glacial Lakes region that supports tremendous yellow perch populations the diversity of fisheries is of much interest for many anglers. Find out what makes South Dakota’s fisheries so special and learn more about why these fisheries function as they do!
2026 Fisheries Outlooks and Forecasts
2026 Lake Oahe Fishing Forecast and Status Report
Fishing was fantastic on Lake Oahe in 2025, and all signs are pointing to an even stronger 2026! Walleye abundance continues to increase, walleye are growing at a quick rate, and the other fishing opportunities such as salmon and smallmouth bass are providing an excellent bite as well.
2026 Lake Sharpe Fishing Forecast and Status Report
Lake Sharpe is known as a walleye factory, and production was good in 2025. Lake Sharpe is an action fishery that consistently produces excellent numbers of walleye, and anglers should expect more of the same in 2026. In addition to walleye, special attention has been paid to the Lake Sharpe smallmouth bass population and fisheries biologists are attempting to create a paddlefish opportunity within the fishery.
2026 Lake Francis Case Fishing Forecast and Status Report
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.
2026 Lewis and Clark Lake Fishing Forecast and Status Report
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 it a popular waterbody.
Lake Oahe Fishery Information
Walleye Growth Rates Cause for Excitement on Lower Lake Oahe
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.
Stocking Efforts Paying Dividends for the Lake Oahe Walleye Fishery
Lake Oahe is a large, complex waterbody and in turn requires in-depth management efforts.
Upper Lake Oahe Shows Both a Rebound and Promising Future
The walleye fishery on the upper end of Lake Oahe is continuing to rebound, and more stocking help is on the way.
Hot Bite Sees More Anglers Fishing Lake Oahe
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.
Lower Lake Oahe Smallmouth Bass Population on the Rise
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.
2026 Lake Oahe Salmon Fishing and Stocking Report
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.
Lake Sharpe Fishery Information
Lake Sharpe Walleye Population Remaining Steady
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 and hooksets on the reservoir.
Lake Sharpe Smallmouth Bass Harvest Study Results
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.
Lake Sharpe Paddlefish Population Continues to Be Evaluated
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.
Lake Francis Case Fishery Information
Lake Francis Case Walleye Population Continues Positive Trend
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 on the 107-mile-long reservoir.
Angler Harvest Thoroughly Evaluated on Lake Francis Case
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.
Lewis and Clark Lake Fishery Information
2026 Continues Positive Trend for Lewis and Clark Walleye Fishery
Another year of lower than average runoff is setting up for another excellent year for the Lewis and Clark Lake walleye fishery.
2026 Gavins Point Dam Paddlefish Status Report
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 Species Showcase
Showing Some Love for the Sauger
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?
Forage Facts
Understanding the Dynamics of Gizzard Shad
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.
Understanding Forage Dynamics on the Missouri River
It is no secret that forage plays a critical role on the Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota, but exactly how that forage interacts both with itself and the fish is a complex issue. Gizzard shad, rainbow smelt, and ciscoe/lake herring all provide a forage base in the Missouri River reservoirs, but their presence within each individual and role they play within the fishery can vary dramatically.
Understanding Forage Dynamics in the Glacial Lakes Region
The Glacial Lakes region of northeast South Dakota is known for both excellent walleye and yellow perch fishing. Whether it is the larger fisheries such as Bitter Lake or Waubay Lake, or the smallest of sloughs, all of the best fisheries in eastern South Dakota have one thing in common: fast-growing, well-fed fish.
Multispecies Fishing
Bluegills of Northeast South Dakota
Northeast South Dakota, commonly referred to as the Glacial Lakes region, is known for its terrific walleye and yellow perch fishing. When thoughts of jumbo yellow perch and trophy caliber walleye are on the mind it’s easy to forget about other opportunities. As a certified walleye snob, consider me guilty of these as well! This means that there are excellent opportunities that fly under the radar, and perhaps the best example is the bluegills of northeast South Dakota.
Multiple Lessons from Multispecies Fishing
The more time we spend on the water, the more we have a favorite species to pursue. Many of us start fishing just hoping for a bite, often from small bluegill or other panfish, and continue to work our way up the species list until we find our favorite. It could be bass, muskie, or at least for myself, walleye. Being deemed a “walleye snob” is more of a compliment than an insult. However, it’s important to remember that while pursuing our favorite species becomes our goal, there are still many lessons that reside in multispecies fishing.
Understanding the Nature of Fisheries Management
Fisheries management comes down to three elements: recruitment, growth, and mortality.
South Dakota Fisheries Highlights and Breakdowns
The Midwest Walleye Challenge will be coming to South Dakota and in addition to being a fun and exciting way to compete with fellow anglers this event will provide valuable information to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists.
This winter the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) held public fisheries meetings in Pierre, Mobridge, and the first ever virtual fisheries meeting. There’s plenty of technical terms that have come out at these meetings, but the moral of the story is that fisheries management comes down to three elements: recruitment, growth, and mortality.
Similar to prospectors looking for gold, anglers targeting perch often follow many of the same patterns. Overall, the top perch fisheries can be classified as “boom or bust” and the best bite can vary widely from lake to lake, year to year, and even within the season. The variable nature of this fishing may make anglers think, “will the gold run out?” To answer this question, one must understand the dynamics of yellow perch in South Dakota.
When discussing the Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota, the term “walleye factory” is often brought up when speaking of Lake Francis Case and Lake Sharpe. Indeed, these fisheries can crank out incredible numbers of 15-20 inch fish and provide ample opportunities for anglers to fill a limit throughout the season. Sitting above these fisheries is another, one that is not a “walleye factory”, but rather a “trophy walleye factory.”
Gold has a rich history in South Dakota, and while many may think of the prospectors in the Black Hills, a different kind of gold continues to attract individuals to the state year after year. The gold we’re referencing, of course, is yellow perch. When it comes to targeting jumbo perch, true jumbos that are 12-15 inches plus, the Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota is one of the top destinations for prospectors.
Find the Latest Fishing Reports
Looking for the latest fishing reports? We’ve got you covered! Find the latest fishing reports and the best bites the boys are currently on by visiting our Fishing Reports page!
South Dakota Outdoors News, Reports, and Updates
The outdoors is our passion in South Dakota, and whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, or more we’ve got you covered on everything you need to know outside across the state! Find information on South Dakota’s fisheries, hunting seasons, and state parks on our South Dakota Outdoors News, Reports, and Updates page!
Fishing Tournament News
Looking to find information regarding walleye fishing tournaments across South Dakota, Nebraska, and the rest of the country? We’ve got you covered! Check out our Fishing Tournament News page to find the latest results, schedules, and updates across the walleye fishing tournament trails!
