Hunting & Fishing Reports
Check Out The Latest South Dakota Fishing Reports & South Dakota Hunting Reports
Fishing Report: October 31, 2023
Cold Weather Rolls In
Thank you readers for following us through the season, and we will see you in the winter!
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
In Pollock and Mobridge, the weather has made it tough to get on the water. Good quality fish are still found at depths of 15 - 20 ft. Same presentations are working; jigs, minnow, small spinners behind bouncers, and trolling crank baits. Once you're able to brave the wind and cold, the bite is really good.
In Akaska, the area has nothing new to report. Please refer to last week's report:
The area has had a parade of boats and anglers. Overall it's been good this fall and fish numbers are okay. Currently there is a trolling bite pulling flicker shads and minnow, and crank baits between 30-40 feet. Landing large walleye 12-14lbs is possible. If you're fishing shallow between 15-20 feet, there is a morning and evening bite.
Near Gettysburg in the West Whitlock Recreation Area, salmon anglers have had a tough time catching salmon. The cold weather and the high winds have made fishing on the open water a struggle. Some experienced anglers have been catching some fish successfully, but many have caught few over the week. Overall, the number of anglers out on the water have been low. The area is looking forward to ice-fishing!
In Spring Creek / Cow Creek, please refer to their last fishing report:
Some success is happening around the Cow Creek boat ramp. Anglers are finding some 17-19 inch walleye, and are limiting out quickly.
Salmon Update on Oahe
The last salmon report:
The regular season for deep water salmon is winding down. Salmon are traveling up the system to the Whitlock Bay area. Crocodile spoons and pulling plugs have been working. In Whitlock, an angler caught a salmon at 17lbs! Overall the fishing is fairly slow, though everyone is still catching. Ladders are out.
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Oahe please contact:
Lake Sharpe
In Pierre/Fort Pierre, the cold weather and wind is also affecting the area. Casting jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics has been the top option lately, particularly in shallow water.
For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Sharpe please contact:
Lake Francis Case
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For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing at Lake Francis Case please contact:
Lake Lewis and Clark
In Yankton, please refer to their last report.
Fishing is slower as water is still rather warm in the low 70s. Days need to get shorter and the water cooler for the fall bite to start. Walleye are feeding on young shad and drum, so crankbaits are working best along the old river channels and on the SD beaches in 20-30 feet. Flicker shads, Rumble shads, and Salmos #5 are all working well trolled behind leadcore. There is still a lot of fish in the chutes in 3-8 feet. Dragging jigs and rigs with crawlers is putting numbers in the boat. Filter through the little fish and you can get your limit most days. Big fish are more likely to be found in the channel moving east.
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
- 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
