Hunting & Fishing Reports

In the Pierre/Fort Pierre areas, please refer to last week's reporting: Propst Professional Anglers updated that things haven't really changed. Last week still had a lot of hot days. Lake Sharpe is fishable if the wind isn't blowing upstream. There isn't a lot of current right now, so when it's calm, the water produces. However, if the wind's blowing upstream, it stirs it all back up. Go to the deeper channel areas to catch fish. The fish are running very small in the 14 inch range, so you have to go through quite a few fish to get your keeper 15 inches and over.  Lip Ripper Fishing shared on the tough bite on Lake Sharpe: The bite on Lake Sharpe continues to be greatly impacted by the flooding event from the Bad River that took place several weeks ago, but things are beginning to clear up, and the bite is slowly recovering. The river has been cleared of debris and we are just dealing with dirty water. Above Antelope Islands seems to have clearer water, and areas where water is flowing. The bite is slow, but persistent anglers who vary their presentation and cover water can still catch fish. Trolling crankbaits is an effective way to cover the most water, and is now possible due to lack of vegetation floating in the column. Small baits like the #5 Berkley Flicker Shad are most effective. Bottom bouncing with larger, #4, brightly colored Colorado blades are the best way to get bites in the dirty water, and can coax more neutral fish to bite. Oahe Dam Tailrace has some fish, but the bite itself is slow. The bulk of the pressure is on the west side, with a few fish on the east side.

In Chamberlain, Allen's Missouri River Guide Service reported that fishing is starting to get a little better. Catching greater numbers of fish, but having to sort through them for keepers. Minnow bite is getting better by the day, Still using some crawlers and pulling lead core.

Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service shared that fishing has been good but somewhat slow this last week. Weather needs to cooperate, and active winds have stirred up mud in the river. Catching fish jigging and using bottom bouncing around 11-14ft. Pulling crankbaits has also been been a good presentation. 

Skipper Bros Guiding on Lake Francis Case reported that the lake had been producing keeper-sized walleyes for a month or so. The fish are mainly being caught on crank baits pulled in water shallower than 20ft. There is a hit-and-miss jig bite on points if you're in the right spot at the right time. Water temps are finally starting to cool down, which will kick the fall bite into full swing soon. The fish will start eating more to put on fat for the winter. Anticipating a good fall bite for walleye and bass.

SD Outfitters Unlimited updated that the fall fishing bite around the Pease Creek area has remained strong to steady. Lots of bigger fish in the 2-5lbs range. Presentation working the best has been trolling crank baits in 42-45ft. Jigs and jig raps are producing also. On the hunting end of things, it's looking to be an outstanding start to bird season for the area!

For the Bonesteel area, Pavel's Walleye Camp reported the fall bite is coming on jigs and crank baits in deeper water, and some are being caught on bottom bouncer in 20ft.

In the Lake Andes, Wagner, and Pickstown areas, Lake Andes Inn & RV Park shared, for fishing, not much has changed since last week - the weather’s still beautiful, and conditions are great for those willing to put in the effort. But the season is slowly winding down.