Half Day Pierre Walleye & Bass Family Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Four-hour afternoon trips target walleye and smallmouth bassFamily-focused guide service operates on Lake Oahe watersAll gear, snacks, and fish cleaning services included
Looking for a fishing trip that gets the whole family hooked? This afternoon guided fishing adventure on Pierre's legendary waters delivers exactly what you need. Captain and crew at Gunnin Dakota Guide Service have crafted this four-hour experience specifically for families who want to chase walleye and smallmouth bass without the commitment of a full day on the water. Starting at 1:00 PM (or whenever works for your crew), you'll fish the productive stretches of Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe within 30 miles of Pierre. These aren't just any waters - they're some of South Dakota's most consistent fish factories, and your guide knows every productive ledge, drop-off, and structure that holds fish.
This trip takes the guesswork out of family fishing. Your guide provides everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so you can focus on having fun instead of rigging lines. The boat stays within reasonable distance of Pierre, meaning more time fishing and less time running to spots. Expect to work structure-rich areas where walleye stack up and rocky points where smallmouth bass love to ambush baitfish. The afternoon timing works perfectly for families since kids are fresh after lunch, and these target species often turn on as the day progresses. You'll get hands-on coaching for beginners while experienced anglers in the group can fine-tune their technique. The guide handles boat positioning, fish cleaning, and even provides snacks and ice water to keep everyone comfortable. Transportation to and from the launch is included, making this a true turn-key family fishing experience.
Your guide runs a well-equipped fishing machine designed for versatility on these Missouri River reservoir systems. Expect to use a mix of live bait presentations and artificial lures depending on conditions and fish behavior. Walleye fishing typically involves bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses, three-way rigs with minnows, or vertical jigging when fish are relating to specific structure. For smallmouth bass, you'll likely throw tube jigs, drop shots, or small crankbaits around rock piles and points. The guide reads electronics constantly, marking fish and bait schools to put you on active feeding zones. Rod selection varies by technique - medium-action spinning rods for finesse walleye work and medium-heavy baitcasters for bass fishing around cover. Line weights stay in the 8-12 pound range for optimal sensitivity and fish-fighting performance. The captain adjusts tactics based on weather, water conditions, and what the fish want that particular day.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Missouri River fishing, and Pierre sits right in the heart of prime walleye country. These golden-sided fish typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with occasional bonus fish pushing 24-26 inches. Walleye feed heavily during low-light periods, making afternoon trips productive as the sun angle decreases. They relate to bottom structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where they can ambush baitfish. What makes walleye special is their incredible table fare - they're widely considered one of the best eating freshwater fish. Kids love catching walleye because they fight hard initially but don't jump, making them easier to land successfully.
Smallmouth bass bring the excitement factor to this fishery. Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe smallies are scrappy, bronze-backed fighters that jump repeatedly and make screaming runs. These fish average 12-16 inches but 18-20 inch fish are common enough to keep things interesting. Smallmouth relate to rocky structure, points, and boulder fields where they feed aggressively on crawfish and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers excellent smallmouth action, with fish often feeding in shallow water where you can see the strikes happen. Unlike largemouth bass, smallies fight clean and rarely wrap you up in cover, making them perfect for less experienced anglers who want to feel that classic bass fight.
This top-rated family fishing trip delivers exactly what it promises - quality time on productive water with professional guidance and all the gear you need. The four-hour format keeps kids engaged without wearing them out, while the afternoon start time fits perfectly into family vacation schedules. With fish cleaning included, you'll head home with a cooler full of fillets ready for the dinner table. The captain's local knowledge and family-friendly approach make this a customer favorite for visitors and locals alike. Remember to grab your South Dakota fishing licenses before the trip - that's the only thing not included in this comprehensive package. Book now to secure your preferred date, especially during peak season when these world-class Pierre waters fish their best.
Hit the Missouri River aboard our 2022 21' Ranger 621, perfectly rigged for family walleye and bass adventures around Pierre. This tournament-grade boat runs a powerful 350 Mercury Verado that cuts through Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe's waters with ease, getting you to productive fishing spots fast. Built for comfort with space for three anglers, it features everything serious fishermen need: GPS to navigate the big water, fish finder to locate schools, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're teaching kids to fish or chasing that trophy walleye, this setup handles Pierre's premier fishing waters like a pro. The stable platform makes landing fish easy for all ages, while the smooth ride means more time fishing and less time bouncing around.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pure fun on the line - pound for pound, they're some of the scrappiest fish in our waters. These bronze-backed fighters average 12-16 inches around Pierre, with the bigger ones hitting 18+ and putting up battles you won't forget. They love rocky structure, from shallow boulder fields to deeper ledges, especially where the bottom transitions from rock to gravel. Spring and fall are peak times when they're active in shallow water, but summer mornings and evenings still produce solid action. What guests love most is the fight - they jump, dive, and never give up easy. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. The trick that works best here is downsizing your presentation. When the bite gets tough, drop to a smaller jig or go weightless with a plastic bait. Sometimes finesse beats power with these smart fish.
Sander VitreusWalleye are what most folks come to Pierre for, and for good reason. These golden-colored fish with those distinctive glassy eyes typically run 14-18 inches on Lake Oahe and Sharpe, with bigger ones pushing 20+ inches. They love rocky bottoms and drop-offs, staying deeper during the day then moving shallow to feed at dusk. That's when the magic happens - their excellent night vision makes them aggressive feeders in low light. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer evenings produce great action too. What makes them special? They fight smart, not just hard, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. My go-to tip: when you feel that subtle tick on your jig, don't set the hook right away. Count to two, then lift firm. Walleye often just mouth the bait first.
Pierre, SD