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> > Walleye > > Panfish
Walleye is king on the Missouri River. Bluegill, crappie and perch dominate
Anglers come to Pierre from across the dozens of small lakes and ponds
the and country to reel in these fish within a short drive of Pierre. Whether
that are prized for their taste. caught on a fly rod or bamboo pole,
these fish are remarkable for their
> > Northern Pike aggressive attacks on everything
from poppers to worms.
Both the deep, cold waters of Lake
Oahe and the shallow, warm water of
prairie ponds provide excellent year- > > Fly Fishing
round fishing for northern pike. These Pierre is a premier fly fishing destination.
fish often reach 20 pounds. The current Every fish swimming down the Missouri
record is a 36-pound pike pulled from is susceptible to the right fly. Our cold,
Oahe’s chilly depths. clear water makes Pierre ideal for fly
fishing adventures.
> > Bass
Found throughout the Missouri > > Fishing Tournaments
River system, white, smallmouth and Pierre hosts many tournaments,
largemouth bass are prevalent. Bass including the South Dakota Governor’s
are the second most commonly caught Cup and Winter Fishing Weekend. It
fish in this area. has also become a familiar stopping
point on professional walleye and bass
> > Salmon tours. Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe have
been recognized nationally as prized
From the face of the Oahe Dam bass destinations. Pierre hosted the
to Gettysburg, Lake Oahe offers Bassmaster Elite Tournament in 2018,
excellent fishing for Chinook salmon. bringing in professional anglers and
It is the only stretch in South Dakota ESPN national coverage. In 2023,
for salmon fishing.
Pierre will host the World Walleye
Championship.
> > Catfish
An easy catch from small craft or > > Boat Ramps
the shore, channel catfish are found More than three dozen boat ramps
at many depths in both Lake Sharpe dot the shores of Lake Oahe and Lake
and Lake Oahe. You could catch prize Sharpe. Access to Lake Oahe sites
specimens — perhaps over 30 pounds! depends on the reservoir’s water levels.
The best fishing time is spring through Updates on ramp closings can be found
fall, when warmer waters create peak at gfp.sd.gov. For more details, check
spawning conditions. out the map on page 30.
For information and insider tips on the best fishing holes, bait and lures,
visit pierre.org/your-community/fishing.
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