SD Missouri River Fishing Report (2024)

The MO is cooling down – and the fall bite is just around the corner!

The Fall Brawl fishing tournament is happening in Spring Creek Recreation Area September 7th & 8th. At the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, the Lewis & Clark Catfish Classic is happening September 14 & 15th. Visit South Dakota Game Fish and Parks events calendar to see other fishing tournaments and outdoor events across the state.

Next Monday is Labor Day and the South Dakota Missouri River Tourism offices will be closed in observance of the holiday
The weekly fishing report will be published Tuesday, September 3rd

All our best,
The SD Missouri River Tourism Team
Subscribe to the Missouri River Tourism Newsletter (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/newsletter-signup/)
The water levels on Lake Oahe are high and full, even with Oahe Dam water releases. Check with USACE (https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Oahe/) for release times and also with SD Game Fish & Parks (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/fa1e6cd335d8425183944b9f1a03e01e/page/Ramps/) for boat ramp information.

Near Pollock (http://www.pollocksouthdakota.com/) and Mobridge (https://mobridge.org/) , the report has not changed, please refer to last week’s report:
The bite has definitely slowed considerably. Catching fish still, but working hard and putting in long days to get limits. Most are using bouncer with spinners and crawlers. Trolling cranks are doing decent. 20-25 feet have been the best depths.

Around Akaska (https://oahewings.com/?y_source=1_OTk3NzA2Ny03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D) , the bite continues to be slower. Anglers can definitely catch a few fish, but limits are hard to come by. The bouncer bite is still the best option to catch eater size fish. Jig raps are the way to target trophy fish, but that bite is a grind. Trophy fish have been deep, 30ft and more. The bouncer bite is all over, starting shallow working out to 35ft deep. There is just no consistency.
https://www.southwhitlock.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE5vLdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeuiuMLkSAf9UQ6Pt-V16uscLEV6pTlmNVQX1SNeDwPbb1h9o4kqNt5IXQ_aem_33xm30OCvr0CubX8e0FY9A
In the Whitlock Bay area near Gettysburg (https://www.cityofgettysburgsd.com/) , not much has changed from last week. Overall fishing is still good and about 80% of anglers are getting limits. Anglers who typically fish the northern locations have been moving a little further down the system, mostly fishing South Whitlock area bays and up north to Dodge Draw on the west side of the river. Depth has been shallow between 10-15ft using live bait, and some areas 40ft with jigging raps. Using crawlers and the occasional minnow.
Around the Cheyenne River, Spring Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/spring-creek-recreation-area/) & Cow Creek (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/cow-creek-recereation-area/) area, salmon is a go, and going big! Walleye are deep. Right now it’s good to fish the obvious spots, you don’t have to go further.
Last week’s update:
Fishing is deep 30-40ft. Using red beads seems to help with presentation. Some hot locations have been between Agency Creek and down in the main channel.
Salmon Update on Oahe
Believe it or not but the report remains pretty much the same yet again. The biggest difference is the water has finally stabilized! It’s been holding good temp around 80-85ft for almost the whole week. The bite remains primarily 70-85ft. Green has been the best color and still mostly FF. Started pulling a few fish on spoons this week. Plugs have also been productive some days. Hearing good reports from other areas as well. The plug bite sounds like it’s a bit better in those areas. Depth has been 75-90ft.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-sharpe/
For the Pierre (https://pierre.org/) /Fort Pierre (https://www.visitfortpierre.com/) area, the bite is notably picking up on lake Sharpe, the upper end faring a bit better. The incoming storms may impact the water clarity. Depth has varied from 6-10ft. Like Oahe, water levels are up. Average walleye size has been between 15-17in with smaller fish mixed in. Focus predominately on the larger flats as fish transition back up the reservoir.

West Bend (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/west-bend-recreation-area/) has been fairly slow and hasn’t had as many anglers out on the water. Experienced guides are doing alright but this is definitely the time of year to put your electronics to use.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lake-francis-case/
For Chamberlain (https://www.chamberlainsd.com/) , catfish is doing good. The walleye bite for lesser experienced anglers coming in has been hit and miss, but seasoned guides are doing well. One day fish are in 11ft, and the next in 35ft. Fish are chasing bait around in the system. Use bottom bouncers and crawlers, or pull crank baits.
Family fishing in Chamberlain, SD
Photo curtesy of Allen’s Fishing Guide Service & Hillside Motel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/allens-missouri-river-guide-hillside-motel/)

In lower Lake Francis Case near Geddes (http://www.geddessd.org/) , the report for the area has not changed. Please see last week’s update:
Fish have moved a lot deeper. When using crank baits, 48 – 60ft seems to be the best for nice walleye 18-22 inches. Live bait has slowed a lot. Fort Randall Dam area has been good with lots of fish biting!

Guided Trips from Geddes, SD
Photos curtesy of SD Outfitters Unlimited & Missouri River Lodge (https://www.sdoutfittersunlimited.com/)
Around Bonesteel (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/pavels-walleye-camp/) , fishing was good over the past week. Same presentation over the trees and in a mud line. Nice healthy fish in the area. Using jig and worm combos, worm jig raps, or spinners and night crawlers. Fishing in about 8-25ft.
In the areas of Lake Andes (https://lakeandesinn.com/) , Wagner (https://www.cityofwagner.org/) , and Pickstown (https://www.pickstown-sd.net/) , it was a quiet week at Fort Randall Dam (https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/fort-randall-dam-visitor-center/) , with only a few anglers around, but those who ventured out had a productive time. The warm weather kept the walleye deeper, between 42-60ft. Anglers landed some nice-sized walleye, though no limits were caught. Catfish, trout, and drum remained active near the dam and rocky shores. While live bait action was slow, crankbaits, grasshoppers, and shrimp still managed to bring in catches. Overall, it was a solid week for those who braved the heat.
https://sdmissouririver.com/follow-the-river/the-four-lakes-and-dams/lewis-and-clark-lake/

No new report for the Yankton (https://www.visityanktonsd.com/) area from our angler contacts, but please be aware there has been major flooding in the southeast part of South Dakota. Check the SD Game, Fish & Parks Facebook for the latest updates.

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

· Lip Ripper Fishing in 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 at 800-435-5591

· Platte Creek Lodge at 605-941-1679

· Missouri River Lodge in Geddes at 605-680-3877

· Lake Andes Inn Motel & RV Park at 605-418-9888

Lake Lewis and Clark

· The Walleye Guys in Yankton 402-499-4936
Please note – 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 (https://sdgfp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=79c3f941ae6c4abbbc6ac4b6987a06f5) 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 (https://gfp.sd.gov/) 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.

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 toinfo@sdmissouririver.comand 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.
Thanks for reading our Fishing Report!