Hunting & Fishing Reports
Check Out The Latest South Dakota Fishing Reports & South Dakota Hunting Reports
Fishing Report: May 18th, 2026
Spring Season Events and a New Program for Anglers
As we roll into our second fishing report of the 2026 season and gear up for Memorial Day Weekend, we’re excited to partner with the Midwest Walleye Challenge hosted by Angler's Atlas to bring you the latest news from the river. For anglers looking to add a little competition to their time on the water, this is a great chance to fish South Dakota’s lakes and rivers, represent your county, and compete for prizes while contributing valuable data to our fisheries. Running now to June 28th, the Midwest Walleye Challenge offers awards ranging from longest catch to tough luck stories, making it fun for anglers of all ages and skill levels. With just a $25 entry through the MyCatch app, it’s an easy way to turn your fishing trips into competition, community, conservation, and a stronger future for South Dakota fisheries. We’re proud to have Angler's Atlas supporting the 2026 fishing season as we head into one of the favorite weekends of the year.
Weather Report: Memorial Day weekend is trending warmer and more stable across Central South Dakota. Fishing conditions are expected to improve. After a cool, unsettled Friday, anglers should see favorable weather for boating as temperatures rebound into the 70s and 80s. Wind will be the biggest wildcard for the weekend, so just keep your weather apps in hand to spot any systems coming across the plains.
There will not be a fishing report on Monday, May 25th in observation of Memorial 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
We're looking forward to seeing the 2026 National Walleye Tour (NTW) take place this week May 20-21 on Lake Oahe in Mobridge. Keep up-to-date on fishing results and numbers on Facebook.
Around Akaska, Chad Schilling with Oahe Wings & Walleyes reported the bite is really tough. Most people are concentrating north of Swan Creek. Depth has been all over. 15-30 ft seems to have a higher concentration of fish. Some fish have been seen in very shallow water. Jigs with minnows or plastics seems to produce the best. Some people are pulling bouncers and getting a few with crawlers.
The 2026 AFTCO Walleye Throwdown returns to Akaska for its second year in partnership with the South Dakota Walleye Classic, bringing even bigger prizes and an expanded tournament-style format. Anglers who register by June 30 will receive a $200 AFTCO gear pack, getting the full value of their entry fee back!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Oahe please contact:
Lake Sharpe
|
Lip Ripper Fishing shared Lake Sharpe is puzzling many anglers right now. A lot is going on in the reservoir; forage, water temperature, and current have all been contributing to a tough fishing environment. An abundance of smelt are currently present, keeping walleye full and less prone to bite. The gizzard shad spawn will start soon on Lake Sharpe, which will provide another source of forage. Water temps range from 50 to 65 degrees, with cooler temperatures keeping close to the main channel, and warmer temperatures hanging around shallow water in Hipple Lake and the Farm Island area. Further downriver, Joe Creek, Counselor Creek, and Cedar Creek are other primary gizzard shad producers. The water temperatures are generally cooler on the upper end of the reservoir because of the water coming from Lake Oahe, and all of this plays a role in fish movements as they seek both warmer water and food sources. |
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Sharpe please contact:
Lake Francis Case
Skipper Bros Guiding on Lake Francis Case has no new report. Refer to last week:
Fishing has been good so far this year with eater-sized walleye and really nice bass. Skipper Bros are headed to Mobridge for a couple of weeks and plan to dig a little more into the the northern bite of the system. Overall, the season is starting well!
Joel Vasek with SD Outfitters Unlimited shared the Lake Francis Case walleye bite has been excellent up and down the lake. Presentation has been bottom bouncers with crawlers, which is working great, and using minnows on colder days. Depth has been 17-24 ft. Trolling is doing well between 18-24 ft using flicker shads
For the Bonesteel area, Pavel's Walleye Camp reported most days anglers can get their limits of walleye with smallmouth bass in the mix. Anglers are jigging or using bottom bouncers in 20 ft, baiting with minnow or nightcrawler.
In the Lake Andes, Wagner, and Pickstown areas, Mark Schofield with Lake Andes Inn & RV Park shared fishing above and below Fort Randall Dam is starting to shape up, with anglers working above and below the dam. The walleye bite has been variable, but anglers are staying mobile and working the shore line, points, and protected cove areas.
Above the dam on Lake Francis Case, jig-and-minnow presentations remain a solid choice, especially in shallower water and along wind-blown banks. Pitching a jig tipped with a minnow close to shore has been producing some walleye, with the better bite often coming in 18ft or less. Crawlers and minnows are both worth having in the boat. Recent regional reports also note good eater-sized walleye and bass on Lake Francis Case, with the lower end of the reservoir improving as the spring bite progresses.
Below Fort Randall Dam, current, seams, and slower pockets should be watched closely. Shore anglers can do well by working jigs, minnows, and other bait near current breaks, riprap, and eddies. When the water is moving, keep the presentation near bottom but avoid over-weighting the jig. A natural drift usually beats dragging dead weight.
Crappie and panfish are also worth targeting in protected coves and backwater areas. A small crappie jig worked slowly around brush, rock, or quiet water can pick up black crappie and bluegill. Keep the tackle light and do not overlook small pockets close to shore.
Best bets right now: jig and minnow for walleye, minnows or crawlers for bait, pitching jigs along the shore line, and small crappie jigs in protected coves. As water temperatures climb, expect the walleye bite around Lake Francis Case and the Fort Randall area to improve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Francis Case please contact:
Lake Lewis and Clark
The Walleye Guys in the Yankton area have no new reports. Refer to last week:
Reports about Lower Francis Case Lake and Lewis & Clark Lake: the spring bite is picking up on the lower end of Lake Francis case. There are still several fish around the Chamberlain area but that will soon begin to dwindle as many of these fish migrate south for the summer. Fishing from Platte to the dam is a great place to catch some very healthy and possible trophy-sized walleye. Hard to beat trolling cranks on the flats and pitching jigs to the shore line for the month of May before these fish move to deeper water. Don't be afraid to use plastics such as ripple shad, jerk shad and many others as this is an efficient way to put walleye in the boat. Small cranks like a #7 Flicker minnow or Flicker Shad are deadly when trolling. Use your side scan to find pods of fish on shallow flats adjacent to deeper breaks.
On Lewis & Clark the lake bite is starting to pick up with water temp warming slowly. The fish are done spawning in the lake but there are still a few stragglers upriver. The numbers and health of fish looks excellent, so expecting good things this spring. The walleye are staged near their typical spring locations and are going to be on fire any day. Shorelines, flats, and humps are the ticket for these spring walleye until the water temps get into the 70s. Trolling cranks such as Mondy Badgers, Salmo Hornets and Flicker Shads are the ticket. Pitching jigs to the shoreline can produce epic days when the weather is cooperating.
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
- Lip Ripper Fishing in Fort Pierre at 402-689-9947
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 & SD Outfitters Unlimited at 605-680-3877
- Pavel's Walleye Camp in Bonesteel at 402-340-0033
- Lake Andes Inn & RV Park at 605-418-9888
- Skipper Bros Guiding at 605-892-7777
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
