Full Day Advanced Walleye, Catfish And Bass Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour advanced charter targeting walleye, catfish, and bassProfessional techniques on Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and local creeksSmall group experience with Captain Scott for serious anglers
When you're ready to take your fishing game to the next level, Captain Scott Van Liere's 8-hour advanced charter in Pierre, SD is exactly what you're looking for. This isn't your average day on the water—we're talking about a serious angling adventure targeting three of Pierre's most sought-after species across Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and the productive Spring Creek–Cow Creek stretches. If you've got the basics down and want to push your skills with advanced techniques, precision casting, and strategic approaches that separate the pros from the weekend warriors, this trip delivers results. We keep groups small at just 2 anglers, so you'll get the personalized attention and insider knowledge that makes all the difference when you're chasing trophy fish in waters that most people never even know about.
This is a fast-paced, results-driven charter designed for experienced anglers who want to fine-tune their approach and learn the advanced techniques that consistently produce fish in Pierre's waters. Captain Scott knows these lakes like the back of his hand, and he'll take you to high-yield locations that locals guard like state secrets. You'll spend your day moving between different water types and structures, adapting your approach based on conditions, fish behavior, and seasonal patterns. The beauty of targeting three different species is that you're constantly switching up your game—one minute you're working deep water for walleye, the next you're targeting structure for smallmouth bass, then shifting gears completely for channel catfish. It keeps things interesting and gives you a masterclass in reading water and adjusting your tactics on the fly. This trip moves at a professional pace, so come ready to learn, adapt, and put in some serious fishing time across 8 action-packed hours.
We're diving deep into the technical side of fishing here—this isn't about throwing out a bobber and hoping for the best. You'll master precision jigging techniques for walleye in Lake Oahe's deeper structures, learning how to feel the bottom, work different cadences, and detect those subtle bites that less experienced anglers miss completely. For smallmouth bass, we'll focus on casting accuracy around rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks where these fighters like to ambush prey. Captain Scott will teach you trolling strategies that cover water efficiently while maintaining the right speed and depth for conditions. When we switch to catfish mode, you'll learn bottom fishing techniques, bait presentation, and how to read current and structure to put your offering exactly where hungry channels are waiting. All tackle and gear are provided, but you'll want to bring your South Dakota fishing license, a packed lunch, and plenty of drinks—we'll be working hard out there and covering a lot of water across multiple lake systems.
Walleye: These golden beauties are the crown jewel of Pierre's fishing scene, and for good reason. Walleye in Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe typically run 15-25 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and the occasional trophy pushing 28+ inches. They're most active during low-light periods—early morning, late evening, and overcast days—but with the right techniques, you can pull them throughout the day. Walleye are structure-oriented fish that relate to drop-offs, rocky points, and submerged humps where they ambush baitfish. What makes them so exciting to target is their finicky nature—they require precision in presentation, depth control, and technique. When you figure out the pattern and start connecting consistently, it's one of the most satisfying feelings in freshwater fishing. Plus, they're absolutely delicious table fare.
Channel Catfish: Don't let anyone tell you catfish aren't sport fish—the channels in these waters will change your mind in a hurry. We're talking about fish that can easily hit 20+ pounds and fight like freight trains once they're hooked. Channel catfish are year-round fighters, but they really turn on during warmer months when they're actively feeding and moving into shallower areas. They're opportunistic feeders with an incredible sense of smell, which makes bait presentation and scent crucial to success. What anglers love about targeting channels is the combination of patience and explosive action—you might sit for a while reading the water and working your presentation, then suddenly your rod doubles over with a fish that's going to test your drag system and fighting skills. These fish use their size and the current to their advantage, making every battle a memorable one.
Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallmouth bass are some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter, and the ones in Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe are absolutely world-class. These bronze-backed fighters typically range from 12-18 inches, with plenty of 3-4 pound fish and the occasional giant pushing 5+ pounds. Smallmouth are aggressive predators that love rocky structure, current breaks, and areas with good water movement. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are in their comfort zone, but summer fishing can be phenomenal if you know how to adapt to their deeper patterns. What makes smallmouth so addictive is their aerial displays and relentless fighting style—they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. They're also incredibly responsive to technique changes, so you're constantly problem-solving and adapting your approach based on their mood and the conditions.
This advanced charter isn't for everyone—and that's exactly the point. If you're an experienced angler looking to push your skills, learn advanced techniques, and target multiple species in some of Pierre's most productive waters, this trip delivers the goods. Captain Scott Van Liere brings decades of local knowledge and a commitment to results that keeps serious anglers coming back season after season. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of these waters, refined techniques that will serve you for years to come, an
Your fishing platform for this advanced charter is a 2020 22-foot Skeeter fiberglass boat that cuts through Pierre's waters with authority. Twin Yamaha engines push this rig to 55 knots, getting you to those prime walleye holes and bass structures fast. Captain Scott knows where the fish are holding, and this boat gets you there efficiently. The spacious deck accommodates up to six anglers with dedicated rod storage and modern electronics to mark fish and navigate Lake Oahe's expansive waters. Built tough for serious fishing, it handles Pierre's wind and chop while keeping you comfortable during those long trophy hunts. USCG safety equipment ensures peace of mind as you focus on perfecting your jigging technique over deep structure or working shoreline cover for aggressive smallmouth. This Skeeter means business – just like the anglers who fish from it.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats in our Missouri River system grow big - 10-pounders are solid fish, but we see 20+ pound bruisers that'll test your gear. They hang around deeper holes, fallen timber, and rocky drop-offs in Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. Summer nights are prime time when they move shallow to feed. What makes them fun is the fight - they're bulldogs that don't give up easy. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find. Their barbels help them hunt in murky water by taste and smell. Here's a local tip: when you're using stinkbait or cut bait, give them time to really take it. These fish have tough mouths, so a sharp hook set after they've committed makes all the difference.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. Most of ours run 12-16 inches, but 3-4 pounders are real scrappers. They love rocky bottoms and clear water areas around Lake Oahe's shorelines and creek mouths. Spring and fall are best when they're active in shallower water during the day. Summer pushes them deeper to cooler zones. What guests love about smallmouth is their attitude - they hit hard and jump, making every hookup exciting. They're also great eating with firm, mild flesh. Local trick: try a weightless soft plastic around rocky points early morning. Cast past the structure and work it back slowly. These fish are ambush predators, so let the bait pause near cover.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard around Pierre - most run 14-18 inches, but 5+ pound fish aren't uncommon in our lakes. Those silver eyes help them hunt in low light, so dawn and dusk are money times. They stick to structure: rock piles, weed edges, and breaklines in 10-25 feet of water. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're most active. What makes them special is they're both challenging to catch and outstanding table fare - mild, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They can be picky, so presentation matters. My go-to trick for our waters is vertical jigging with a minnow or leech near bottom structure. Keep your movements subtle - walleye often just mouth the bait, so watch your line closely.
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