Hunting & Fishing Reports

In the Pierre/Fort Pierre area, Prospt Professional Anglers say they are focused on Lake Sharpe as the bite has been heating up fast there. The river has been producing 15-17 inches, though you will need to sort through many to find keepers. An occasional 18-20 incher has been harder to come by. Walleye are using certain areas to migrate south coming back from the spawn. Overall, the year is shaping up to be incredible.

Lip Ripper Fishing shares the spawn is mostly complete on Lake Sharpe and the bite is starting to return! The trend from recent weeks is significant fish movement, moving from the northern end of the reservoir to the southern end, and going in and out of deep water. Male walleyes are still actively involved in spawning behavior when you catch them, but the bulk of the females have spawned and the bite should continue to pick up throughout this week. Fish are transitioning back towards their feeding areas; the large feeding flats between Farm Island Recreation Area and Fort George Recreation Area are top spots to target. The best bet is trolling crankbaits along the large flats, particularly adjacent to main current areas and deep waters. Fish are actively moving up and down the reservoir, so focus on these transitional areas. Keep moving; troll crankbaits and check new areas; switch up colors of bait to keep up with the wind changing the color of the water. 

In town, the jig and minnow bite is very good. Fishing along Marions Gardens, the causeway, and among the bridges are the best options, but the stilling basin can produce as well. The deep hole on the LaFramboise side of the causeway has also been popular, though very hit and miss.

Further downriver is a decent bite along the bluffs. Anglers are trolling and jigging. Flats between Stoney Point, Fort George, and the secondary flats in this area have all been productive. Targeting both the sandbar sides, but also the trees, can be productive. 

Overall, the key is covering water, targeting structural elements adjacent to deep water, and being cognizant of constant fish movement. There’s no secret baits or spots, the bite is generally excellent!

Around Bonesteel, Ed with Pavel's Walleye Camp says Lake Francis Case is seeing action with the settling weather. Walleye are caught with crank baits, jig and minnow, jig/nightcrawlers, and bottom bouncers. Fish are scattered between shallow and deep waters down to 40ft. Overall, fish are healthy and abundant, and the small mouth bite is awesome right now.