Last weekend, Tom’s nephew Kevin joined five of his buddies for a fishing trip on the Missouri River in South Dakota. Here are details about the Missouri River in that location.
We were in awe when we saw the above photo, which reminded us of our time living in Minnesota on a lake and frequently fishing from the dock at our property, never catching many walleye, as Kevin and his friends did. If we caught one walleye while out for the day, we’d have been thrilled.
A catch like this appears to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Still, devoted fishing aficionados might disagree, having been fortunate and skilled enough to have a few days like these.
Fishing on the Missouri River in South Dakota is a beloved tradition for locals and a bucket-list destination for anglers across the U.S. With its long stretch of scenic water, four major reservoirs (Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake), and an abundance of fish species, it offers something for every level of fisherman—from beginners to seasoned pros.
Popular Fish Species
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Walleye – The top draw. South Dakota is known for some of the best walleye fishing in the country, especially in Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe.
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Northern Pike – Aggressive and fun to catch, found especially in weedy shallows.
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Smallmouth Bass – Especially strong populations in Lake Sharpe and Francis Case.
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Catfish – Channel catfish are plentiful, with some flathead catfish as well.
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Chinook Salmon – Unusual for a Midwestern river, but Lake Oahe is one of the few inland reservoirs stocked with them.
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White Bass and Crappie – Seasonal favorites for light-tackle anglers.
Where to Fish
Lake Oahe (Pierre to North Dakota border)
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Best for: Walleye, salmon
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Features: Deep, cold water, ideal for trolling and boat fishing
Lake Sharpe (just below Oahe Dam)
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Best for: Smallmouth bass, walleye
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Known for: Clearer water and structure-rich fishing conditions
Lake Francis Case (from Fort Randall Dam to Big Bend)
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Best for: Walleye, catfish
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Often warmer, great for summer fishing from shore or boat
Lewis and Clark Lake (near Yankton)
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Best for: White bass, crappie, and panfish
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Family-friendly access and less wind exposure
Tips and Techniques
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Spring and Fall are ideal for walleye—use jigs and minnows early in the year; transition to spinners and bottom bouncers in summer.
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Trolling is popular on the big reservoirs, especially for covering water to locate schools of fish.
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Shore fishing is possible near dams and boat ramps, especially productive in spring.
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Ice fishing is common in winter, particularly for perch and walleye.
Licenses and Regulations
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A South Dakota fishing license is required for residents and non-residents (daily and seasonal options available).
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Special regulations may apply to certain areas and species—check South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for updates.
Camping and Lodging
Most major fishing areas have nearby:
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Campgrounds (some with electric/water hookups)
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Fishing lodges or cabins
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Boat ramps and cleaning stations
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Guided fishing services
Whether you’re fly fishing near a dam, trolling for salmon in the deep waters of Oahe, or pulling in walleye at dawn from a quiet cove, the Missouri River system in South Dakota offers a memorable experience. Many who fish here return year after year—it’s that good.
We are excited for Kevin, who had this extraordinary experience while visiting family in Minnesota with his dear wife Kristi. They spend time with family and friends in the summer in Minnesota. A few years ago, they built a lovely home in Florida for the remainder of the year. We always enjoy spending time with them when they visit.
Kristi has a successful organic bakery company, One More Bite Organic Desserts, which can be found at this link. They ship anywhere in the US. Their treats are stupendous!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 9, 2015:
