Hunting & Fishing Reports
Check Out The Latest South Dakota Fishing Reports & South Dakota Hunting Reports
Fishing Report: May 13, 2024
The MO is gearing up for Memorial Day Weekend - are you ready?
SD Game Fish & Parks Upcoming Events
Open House and Free Fishing Weekend is happening this weekend May 17-19. Enjoy free entrance into all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. A number of parks will be hosting special events. No fishing licenses are required. Camping fees, regulations and fishing limits still apply. As part of the Open House Weekend, National Kids to Parks Day takes place on May 18th to encourage kids to discover parks, history, nature, and to explore the great outdoors near them. No entrance fees are required to visit SD State Parks on National Kids to Parks Day.
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
Have some great photos from your time on the water? South Dakota Missouri River Tourism would love to share them as part of our weekly Fishing Report update on our social media. Send your Mighty MO river photos to info@sdmissouririver.com and we’ll be sure to give you a shout out!
Also, be sure to like us on Facebook for up to date information in the Missouri River Region!
Lake Oahe
Near Pollock and Mobridge, the bite really took off this last week, warmer waters producing lots of fish all the way up to the North Dakota state line. The catch is in a wide range, depths from 2-20 feet. What's working is using bouncers with Lindy's and minnows, and jigs and minnows.
In Akaska, things are picking up as anglers are seeing more consistent numbers. It isn't entirely easy to catch a limit, but it's possible. Main fishing is between 16 feet and shallower on the main lake - the Moreau area is seeing a big uptick, with more coming down river. Species are catfish, smallmouth bass, and white bass. Walleye are nice sizes and looking healthy, 16-18 inches: overall they are better quality this year. Best presentation is using jigs and minnow, bottom bouncers, plain hooks and snelled hooks.
In West Whitlock Recreation Area near Gettysburg, activity is stirring up. Anglers are catching a few here and there but not limiting out, walleye, smallmouth bass, and shore fishing for catfish. Bait has been a mixture of minnow and worm. Weather should warm up the bite soon. Try casting shallow or pitching jigs to shore.
In Spring Creek / Cow Creek, Okobojo is slowly turning on with the rising water temperatures; anglers are getting out into the action. Minnows are selling hot and worms are starting to pick up for down below.
Salmon Update on Oahe
With water warming up nicely over the week, anglers are expecting a decent jump in salmon activity. Surface temperatures have been anywhere from 48 to 55. Weekend depth was between 22 - 40 feet. You may end up covering some water to get them. Spoons are working the best. A normal fishing trip produces about 3 salmon. Sizes run between 6-8lbs.
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Oahe please contact:
Lake Sharpe
In the Pierre/Fort Pierre area, not too much has changed since last week's report. Fishing in town has been hit or miss, mostly depending on the current.
From Bad River to Oahe Dam, the bite has been light. Spawning has slowed things down too. Warmer, stable weather is needed to get this season really kicked off. Rain has caused muddy waters where the fish don't want to bite. There's been some clean water above the Fort Pierre fairgrounds just south of Bad River. A few spots are hot under the bridge and near the stilling basin.
West Bend Area has been picking up and seems to be producing the most for the area. Lots of shorts and keepers. The water is still pretty dirty from the Bad River to down below Fort George area. Walleye have been slow, but some bass are biting.
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Sharpe please contact:
Lake Francis Case
In Platte, the Platte Area Chamber of Commerce held their 28th Annual Fishing Tournament where 100 teams took to Lake Francis Case. Congratulations to winners! See more details.
In lower Lake Francis Case near Geddes, walleye continue to improve daily. Lots of walleye in the shallow water are biting on minnows with bottom bouncers at around 10-15 feet. Crank baits continue to produce at 20-25 feet. Smallmouth bass are biting all over, casting plastics and hard baits for them.
The area of Lake Andes, Wagner and Pickstown weather slowed the week down but Friday saw angler traffic return with success. Using jigs and plastics, as well as jig and minnow setups. Most depths have been ranging from 8-13 feet. Water levels on Lake Francis Case are high. Sunday fishing was deterred with rain and lightning.
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Francis Case please contact:
Lake Lewis and Clark
In Yankton, the report hasn't changed; refer to last week's update:
Early May is typically a bit early for Lewis & Clark Lake, but some walleye and saugers are being caught. Trolling cranks bait on lead core has been most effective in the river channel and on top of it when the conditions are right in 16-25 feet of water. Pulling bottom bouncers with slow-death rigs and Randy's rigs and crawlers is working as well. Lots of sauger are biting right now, but as the walleye migrate back from upstream the bite just gets better. Water temperatures are in the mid to low 50s, climbing quickly. Keep looking for fish to move shallower and really put the feed bag on. Pitching jigs shallow can yield you some better quality fish if you're willing to work at it. Around Weigand Marina and the Midway boat ramp are holding fish right now.
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Lewis and Clark please contact:
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing please contact:
Lake Oahe
- Kemnitz MoRest Motel in Mobridge at 605-845-3668
- Oahe Wings & Walleyes at 605-230-0280
- Bob’s Resort in Gettysburg at 605-765-2500
- South Whitlock Resort in Gettysburg at 605-765-9762
- The Outpost Lodge in Pierre at 605-264-5450
- Oahe Salmon Guide Service in Onida at 605-691-9020
Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe
- Dave Spaid Guiding in Pierre at 605-222-5009
- Lip Ripper Fishing in Fort Pierre at 402-689-9947
- Hutch’s Guide Service at 605-220-2844
- South Dakota Walleye Charters at 605-366-1875
Lake Francis Case
- Allen's South Dakota Fishing & Hunting in Chamberlain at 800-435-5591
- Platte Creek Lodge at 605-941-1679
- Missouri River Lodge in Geddes at 605-680-3877
- Pavel's Walleye Camp in Bonesteel at 402-340-0033
- Circle H Motel at 605-487-7652
Lake Lewis and Clark
- The Walleye Guys in Yankton 402-499-4936
Remember – this report is a snapshot in time and changes can occur quickly. We suggest you call one of our members listed above – they can be very helpful with what is happening along the river. That way you’ll be assured of a great trip!
Questions about boat ramp access? Check the SD Game, Fish & Parks interactive map. You’ll have to zoom in to the ramp you want to look at, and the information is regularly updated. It’s a great resource!
Help slow the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species! Check out the Game, Fish & Parks web site for detailed info on the regulations. They are very specific so you’ll want to be sure you’ve read the regulations. If you love to fish the Missouri River in South Dakota, please do your part to keep the reservoirs free of aquatic invasive species.
The Missouri River is a fishing and hunting paradise, filled to the brim with extraordinary opportunities to reel in or hunt your limit before the day is done. Come see why hunters and fishers alike cannot stop coming back to take in the sublime conditions along South Dakota’s Missouri River.
Hunting Fishing
