Pierre SD Walleye & Bass Afternoon Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Four-hour afternoon trips target walleye and smallmouth bass near Pierre.All equipment, transportation, snacks, and fish cleaning services included.Operates on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe with flexible departure times.
Looking for world-class walleye and smallmouth bass fishing without burning your whole day? This afternoon guided trip with Gunnin Dakota Guide Service puts you right in the heart of Missouri River country, where Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe deliver some of South Dakota's most consistent fishing. We're talking about waters that hold serious fish populations, and with our local knowledge, you'll be working the right spots when these fish are most active. The 1:00 PM start time hits that sweet afternoon window when walleye start moving shallow and smallmouth get aggressive around structure.
This four-hour trip operates within 30 miles of Pierre, giving us access to the best fishing holes on both Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. These aren't your typical small-town lakes – we're dealing with massive reservoirs created by the Missouri River dam system, creating perfect habitat for both walleye and smallmouth bass. The afternoon timing works in our favor because it avoids the morning boat traffic and hits those prime feeding windows. You'll spend your time working different structures, from rocky points to submerged timber, depending on what the fish are telling us that day. We keep groups small at three anglers max (with an option for a fourth), so everyone gets plenty of individual attention and rod time. The beauty of this setup is that beginners can learn alongside experienced anglers without anyone feeling rushed or overlooked.
We come equipped with everything you need – quality rods, reels, and a full spread of tackle that's proven on these waters. For walleye, we'll be working everything from jigs tipped with live bait to pulling spinner rigs, depending on their mood and the structure we're fishing. The smallmouth game is different – we're talking crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater when conditions are right. The guide reads the water and adjusts techniques throughout the trip, so you're always fishing the most productive methods. These Missouri River reservoirs have current breaks, wind-blown points, and varying depths that require different approaches, and that local knowledge makes all the difference between a decent day and a memorable one. We provide transportation to and from the launch, plus snacks and ice water to keep you comfortable throughout the afternoon. At the end of the day, we handle all the fish cleaning and bagging, so you head home with fillets ready for the pan.
Walleye are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe support incredible walleye populations that grow fat on the abundant forage base. These fish typically run 14 to 20 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and occasional trophies pushing 25 inches or better. Walleye here are classic structure fish – they relate to rocky points, submerged roadbeds, and current breaks created by the dam releases. Afternoon trips catch them as they start their evening feeding migration, moving from deeper daytime haunts toward shallower feeding areas. The fight might not be spectacular, but the eating quality is top-notch, and the consistent action keeps rods bent throughout the trip.
Smallmouth bass in these waters are a completely different animal. The rocky structure and clean, well-oxygenated water creates perfect smallmouth habitat, and these fish grow thick and aggressive. We're seeing fish in the 12 to 16-inch range regularly, with some real slabs pushing 18 inches and better. What makes smallmouth special is their attitude – they hit hard, jump high, and fight like fish twice their size. The afternoon timing works perfectly for smallmouth because they're ambush predators that get more active as light conditions change. They're positioned around rock piles, drop-offs, and wind-blown points where they can pin baitfish against structure. When you hook into a quality smallmouth on these waters, you'll understand why they're called pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish.
This customer favorite afternoon trip delivers consistent action on two of the Midwest's most sought-after species, all while giving you flexibility to enjoy your morning and still get home at a reasonable hour. The combination of expert guiding, quality waters, and prime timing makes this a top-rated choice for both locals and visiting anglers. Remember to grab your South Dakota fishing license before the trip – that's the only thing not included in this comprehensive fishing package. With flexible start times available and all gear provided, all you need to bring is your appetite for some serious fishing action. These afternoon slots book up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your spot on the water.
Hit the prime walleye waters of Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe aboard our 2022 21' Ranger 621. This fishing machine packs a 350 Mercury Verado that'll get you to the hot spots fast and smooth. Built for serious angling, she's loaded with GPS navigation and fish finder tech to put you right on top of the fish. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 3 anglers with room to work your lines without crowding. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those warm South Dakota afternoons. Whether you're targeting walleye in the deep channels or working smallmouth bass along the rocky breaks, this boat delivers the stability and performance you need for a productive day on the Missouri River system.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish you'll hook in these Missouri River reservoirs. Most run 12-16 inches, but the clear, rocky waters of Oahe and Sharpe grow some thick 3-4 pounders that'll test your drag. They love rocky points, boulder fields, and drop-offs where they can ambush crayfish and minnows. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're active in 8-15 feet of water. Summer pushes them deeper, but they're still catchable. What guests love most is the fight - these bronze bulldogs jump, dive, and pull like fish twice their size. The meat's firm and tasty too. Pro tip: work your lure slow around those submerged rock piles. Smallies like to sit tight to cover and won't chase far.
Sander VitreusWalleye are what many folks consider the best eating fish in these waters, and for good reason. These golden-sided beauties with the signature glassy eyes typically run 14-18 inches on Lake Oahe and Sharpe, with some nice 20+ inchers mixed in. They love rocky bottoms and drop-offs, usually hanging 15-25 feet deep during the day. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow to feed, especially in low light. What makes them special is that mild, flaky white meat - there's nothing quite like a fresh walleye dinner. They're also fun fighters once hooked. Local tip: focus on the rock piles and break lines where the lake bottom drops off quickly. That's where they ambush baitfish, and where you'll find the most consistent action.
Pierre, SD