Pierre SD Walleye & Bass Afternoon Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fourhour afternoon walleye and smallmouth bass fishing tripAll equipment, transportation, snacks and fish cleaning includedOperates on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe near Pierre
There's something special about hitting the water in the afternoon when the sun starts its descent and the fish begin their evening feed. This four-hour guided fishing adventure puts you right in the sweet spot on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, two of South Dakota's premier walleye and smallmouth bass fisheries. Starting at 1:00 PM (though we can work with your schedule), you'll spend quality time on the water with everything provided – from top-notch tackle to cold drinks and snacks. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is built for everyone to succeed.
Your afternoon starts with a brief meet-up where we'll load up the boat and head out to the productive waters within 30 miles of Pierre. Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe offer completely different fishing experiences, and we'll choose our spots based on current conditions, season, and what the fish are telling us. The Missouri River system creates incredible structure and current breaks that walleye and smallmouth bass can't resist. You'll fish from a well-equipped boat with comfortable seating, and we'll move between spots to keep the action consistent. Don't worry about bringing anything except your South Dakota fishing license – we've got the rest covered, including professional fish cleaning and bagging at the end of your trip.
We'll match our approach to what's working best that day, but expect to use a mix of techniques that really produce on these waters. Jigging with live bait is incredibly effective for walleye, especially around the deeper structure where they like to hang out during the day. For smallmouth bass, we'll often work rocky areas and current breaks with soft plastics, crankbaits, or live minnows. The beauty of these lakes is the variety – one minute you might be bouncing a jig along a submerged point, the next you're casting to visible structure in shallower water. All rods, reels, bait, and tackle are included, and we'll walk you through each technique so you feel confident working the water. The gear is quality stuff that's perfectly suited for these species and conditions.
Walleye are the crown jewel of South Dakota fishing, and for good reason. These golden beauties typically run 14 to 20 inches in these waters, with plenty of bigger fish to keep things interesting. They're most active during low-light periods, which makes afternoon trips perfect as we fish right into the evening bite. Walleye have excellent eyesight and can see well in murky water, making them perfectly adapted to the Missouri River system. What anglers love most about walleye is their predictable behavior – once you find them, you can usually count on consistent action. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Smallmouth bass bring a completely different energy to your fishing day. These bronze fighters are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with, known for their aerial displays and bulldogging runs. In Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, smallmouth typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with some real bruisers pushing over 20. They love rocky structure, current breaks, and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for the varied terrain these lakes offer. Spring through fall offers excellent smallmouth action, but they're particularly aggressive during the warmer months when they're actively feeding. What keeps anglers coming back for smallmouth is their fighting spirit – they simply don't give up easily.
This afternoon fishing trip delivers exactly what serious anglers and casual fishermen alike are looking for – productive water, expert guidance, and a hassle-free experience that lets you focus on what matters most: catching fish. With all gear, snacks, drinks, and fish cleaning included, plus the flexibility to accommodate different skill levels, it's easy to see why this has become a customer favorite. The afternoon timing is perfect for working around other commitments while still getting quality time on some of South Dakota's best walleye and bass water. Remember to grab your South Dakota fishing license before we meet up, and get ready to experience why Pierre is considered a top-rated destination for Missouri River fishing.
Get ready to hit the Missouri River waters in our 2022 21' Ranger 621, built specifically for serious walleye and bass fishing on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. This fishing machine comes powered by a 350 Mercury Verado that'll get you to those productive spots fast and smooth. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the water without getting in each other's way. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful afternoon on the water - GPS to navigate these big lakes, fish finder to locate those walleye schools, and an icebox to keep your drinks cold while you're working the rods. Whether you're targeting walleye in the deeper channels or chasing smallmouth along the rocky shorelines, this Ranger handles it all with ease.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass in our Missouri River reservoirs are absolute scrappy fighters that'll test your drag and your patience. Most of our smallmouth run 12-16 inches, but we see plenty of chunky 3-4 pounders that'll surprise you with their power. These bronze-backed battlers love rocky areas, bluff walls, and timber structure in 8-25 feet of water. They're most active during spring and fall when water temps are comfortable, but summer can be great if you fish early morning or evening hours. What guests love most is the fight - pound for pound, nothing matches a smallmouth's determination to throw your hook. They'll jump, dive, and make runs that keep you guessing. The meat is firm and tasty too, with a clean flavor that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: when you find one smallmouth around rocks, slow down and work that area thoroughly. They school up, and where there's one, there's usually several more waiting nearby.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most sought-after fish in our Missouri River system, and for good reason. These golden-sided beauties typically run 14-20 inches here on Oahe and Sharpe, with plenty of keeper-sized fish in that 15-17 inch range. What makes them special is those silvery eyes that help them hunt in low light - they're built for feeding at dawn, dusk, and cloudy days. You'll find them hanging around rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges in 10-20 feet of water during the day, then moving shallow to feed. Spring and fall are prime time, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. The fight is steady rather than flashy, but the real payoff is on the dinner table - walleye fillets are absolutely top-notch eating. My local tip: when the wind picks up and creates a chop, that's when walleye really turn on. The murky water gives them confidence to feed more aggressively.
Pierre, SD