Pierre Family Fishing: Walleye & Bass Morning
Private Trip
River Fishing
Familyfocused walleye and bass fishing on Lake Oahe watersFourhour morning trips include all gear and fish cleaningProfessional guide teaches fishing fundamentals to children
If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure on some of South Dakota's most productive waters, this morning charter with Gunnin Dakota Guide Service hits all the right spots. We're talking about four solid hours targeting walleye and smallmouth bass on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, right in Pierre's backyard. These aren't just any waters - they're consistently ranked among the top walleye destinations in the Midwest, and the smallmouth action will keep even the most restless kids engaged. Starting at 7:00 AM (though we can adjust that if your crew isn't exactly early risers), you'll cover prime fishing grounds within a 30-mile radius of Pierre, hitting structure and drop-offs that hold fish year-round.
This charter is built from the ground up for families, which means we take the time to teach proper technique without rushing anyone. Whether you've got a 7-year-old who's never held a rod or teenagers who think they know everything about fishing, our approach works. The Missouri River system here offers incredibly diverse fishing opportunities - one minute you're working a weed line for walleye, the next you're casting toward rocky shorelines where smallmouth bass ambush baitfish. Lake Oahe stretches for miles with deep structure and classic walleye habitat, while Lake Sharpe provides excellent shallow-water action that's perfect for kids to see their fish coming. The calm morning conditions make it comfortable for everyone, and there's something magical about watching the sunrise reflect off these massive reservoirs while you're waiting for that first bite of the day.
We'll have you rigged and ready before you even wet a line. For walleye, we typically start with slip-sinker rigs using leeches or nightcrawlers, adjusting weight based on current and depth. The key on these Missouri River impoundments is staying mobile - walleye school up tight, so when we find them, we work that area hard. For smallmouth bass, we'll switch to jigs tipped with plastics or live bait, working rocky points and submerged timber. All your gear is provided, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for detecting walleye bites to tackle boxes stocked with proven local patterns. We carry everything from 1/8-ounce jigs for shallow bass to bottom bouncers for deeper walleye structure. The boat comes equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus a livewell system to keep your catch fresh. Most importantly, we'll teach you how to feel the difference between a walleye's subtle tap and a smallmouth's aggressive strike - skills that'll serve you well on future fishing trips.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Pierre's fishing scene, and for good reason. These golden beauties average 14-18 inches in our waters, with plenty of 20+ inchers mixed in to keep things interesting. Peak feeding times are early morning and evening, which is why our 7:00 AM start puts you right in the sweet spot. Walleye have excellent eyesight in low light conditions, making them aggressive feeders during dawn hours. What makes catching walleye so addictive is their fight - they don't jump like bass, but they pull hard and steady, making long runs that'll test your drag system. The best part? They're absolutely delicious, and we'll clean and bag your limit so you can enjoy fresh walleye fillets at home.
Smallmouth bass in Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe are pound-for-pound some of the strongest freshwater fighters you'll encounter. These bronze-backed warriors typically run 12-16 inches but fight like fish twice their size. Unlike their largemouth cousins, smallmouth prefer rocky areas and current breaks, making them perfect targets along the numerous points and submerged structure in these reservoirs. They're incredibly aggressive in the morning, often hitting baits with explosive strikes that'll wake up anyone dozing in the boat. Smallmouth are also great teachers for young anglers because they bite hard and fight consistently - no guessing whether you've got a fish on. During summer months, they'll even jump clear out of the water, providing photo opportunities that kids will talk about for years.
This world-class fishing experience includes everything you need for a successful morning on the water - rods, reels, bait, tackle, snacks, ice water, and professional fish cleaning service. The trip accommodates up to three people in the base rate, with an option to add a fourth angler. Just remember to grab your South Dakota fishing licenses before meeting us at the dock. Pierre's walleye and smallmouth bass fishing stays strong throughout the open water season, but prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak summer months when families are planning their Dakota adventures. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or looking to put some fresh fillets in the freezer, this top-rated charter delivers the kind of customer-favorite experience that keeps families coming back year after year.
Our 2022 21' Ranger 621 cuts through the Missouri River waters with authority, powered by a Mercury 350 Verado that gets you to the hot walleye spots fast. This fishing machine handles Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe like a dream, with room for your family of three to spread out and work the best structure. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps us locked onto productive areas. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those productive morning bites. Built for serious anglers but comfortable enough for kids learning to fish, this boat puts you right where the walleye and smallmouth bass are feeding. The stable platform makes it easy to handle fish and teach the little ones proper technique while covering serious water in search of limits.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a workout on light tackle. Around Pierre, they average 12-16 inches and love our clear, rocky waters. You'll find them around structure - fallen trees, rock piles, and steep banks where they can ambush prey like crayfish and minnows. Spring and fall are peak times when they're active in shallower water during warm afternoons. Summer pushes them deeper, but early morning still produces well. What guests love most is their fight - pound for pound, they're one of the strongest freshwater fish you'll encounter. They also make good table fare with firm, mild fillets. Pro tip: when fishing rocky areas, let your jig sink and bounce it slowly along bottom. They often grab it on the fall.
Sander VitreusWalleye are what most folks come to Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe hoping to catch, and for good reason. These golden-colored fish with their distinctive glassy eyes typically run 15-20 inches here, though we see plenty of bigger ones. They love rocky bottoms and structure during the day, then move shallow to feed at dawn and dusk - which is perfect timing for our morning trips. What makes walleye special is they're both fun to catch and fantastic eating. Their mild, flaky white meat is hard to beat. Early morning is prime time when they're actively feeding in 8-15 feet of water along drop-offs. My tip: keep your jig moving just enough to feel bottom contact, but don't overwork it. Walleye often hit on the pause.
Pierre, SD