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!

Dynamics of South Dakota Yellow Perch

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.

Lake Oahe: A Trophy Walleye Factory

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.”

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!

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