Full Day Walleye & Bass Trip - Pierre, SD
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day guided fishing on Lake Oahe and Lake SharpeBeginner-friendly instruction with all tackle and bait providedTarget walleye, catfish, and bass with experienced local captain
Looking to get your feet wet in the world of fishing? Captain Scott Van Liere has crafted the perfect introduction to South Dakota's legendary fishing scene right here on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. This full-day adventure is built from the ground up for beginners and casual anglers who want to learn the ropes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You'll spend eight hours on some of the most productive waters in the Midwest, targeting three of the region's most sought-after species while learning fundamental techniques that'll serve you well for years to come. Scott handles all the technical stuff - tackle, bait, and expert instruction - so you can focus on having fun and landing fish.
Your day starts early on the calm waters of Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, two massive Missouri River reservoirs that form the backbone of Pierre's world-class fishery. These lakes are perfect for beginners because they offer sheltered bays and consistent structure where fish love to hang out year-round. Captain Scott knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's picked specific hotspots where you'll have the best shot at success. The boat is spacious enough for two anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up, and Scott keeps things relaxed so you can learn at your own pace. Don't worry about bringing any gear - everything from rods and reels to tackle boxes and landing nets is provided. All you need is a valid South Dakota fishing license, some snacks to keep your energy up, and plenty of drinks since eight hours on the water works up a serious thirst. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with rolling hills, dramatic bluffs, and wide-open prairie stretching as far as you can see.
This trip is all about building your foundation as an angler, so Scott focuses on three core techniques that work consistently on these lakes. You'll start with casting, learning how to put your lure exactly where the fish are holding. It sounds simple, but there's definitely an art to reading the water and placing your bait in the strike zone. Next up is trolling, which is basically dragging lures behind the boat at different speeds and depths. This technique covers a lot of water quickly and is perfect for locating active schools of walleye. Finally, you'll get hands-on experience with jigging - a vertical presentation that's deadly effective for both bass and walleye when they're holding tight to structure. Scott uses quality spinning gear that's forgiving for beginners but still has the backbone to handle bigger fish. The tackle selection changes based on conditions and what the fish are doing, but expect to throw everything from jigs and minnows to crankbaits and soft plastics. The best part is Scott's teaching approach - he explains the why behind every technique so you understand what makes fish tick.
Channel Catfish are the perfect starter fish for anyone new to the sport. These whiskered fighters are abundant in both Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, and they're not shy about eating just about anything you put in front of them. Most cats you'll encounter run between 2-8 pounds, though don't be surprised if you hook into a real bruiser pushing double digits. They fight hard but fair, making long runs and using their broad tails to create serious pressure on your drag. Summer and early fall are prime time for catfish action, especially in the deeper holes and around fallen timber. What makes them so exciting for beginners is their willingness to bite - when other species get finicky, cats keep the action going steady.
Walleye are the crown jewel of these waters and the main reason serious anglers travel from across the country to fish Pierre. These golden beauties are renowned for their incredible table fare, but they'll also test your skills as an angler. Lake Oahe walleye typically run 14-20 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed in with some real trophies. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning, late evening, and overcast days - which is why this full-day format gives you multiple opportunities to connect. Walleye can be picky about presentation, but Scott knows exactly how to rig up for current conditions. The feeling of a walleye pickup is subtle but unmistakable once you learn to recognize it, and the fight is steady and determined rather than flashy.
Smallmouth Bass bring the excitement factor that gets your heart pumping. These bronze-backed fighters are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in fresh water, and the rocky structure of these lakes provides perfect smallmouth habitat. Pierre's smallies typically range from 12-18 inches, but they fight like fish twice their size. They're ambush predators that love to hang around rocky points, submerged boulders, and drop-offs where they can surprise unsuspecting prey. When a smallmouth hits your lure, you'll know it immediately - they often jump clear out of the water and make blistering runs that test your drag system. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with peak fishing during the warmer months when they're most aggressive.
This beginner-friendly trip delivers exactly what new anglers need - patient instruction, productive fishing, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Captain Scott Van Liere has built his reputation on creating positive experiences for folks who might be intimidated by other charters that cater to experienced anglers. The small group size means you get personalized attention, and the full-day format gives you plenty of time to practice new techniques and build confidence on the water. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby, spend quality time with a fishing buddy, or just experience what makes Pierre such a legendary fishing destination, this trip checks all the boxes. The combination of three different target species keeps things interesting all day long, and you'll leave with practical skills that translate to fishing anywhere. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - Scott's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season when
Your fishing platform for this Lake Oahe adventure is a 22-foot Skeeter fiberglass boat that'll get you to the walleye honey holes in style. This 2020 beauty runs on twin Yamaha engines and can cruise at 55 knots when you need to cover water fast between fishing spots. The boat comfortably handles up to six anglers with plenty of elbow room for casting and fighting fish. Modern electronics help Captain Scott locate schools of walleye and bass, while built-in rod storage keeps your gear organized and ready. Safety equipment meets all Coast Guard requirements, so you can focus on learning proper jigging techniques and landing that first big catfish. The stable design makes it perfect for beginners who want to get comfortable with different fishing methods without worrying about rough water.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are perfect for beginners - they're aggressive feeders and not too picky about technique. Most run 2-8 pounds in our waters, though we see some nice 15-20 pounders that'll give you a solid fight. These whiskered bottom-dwellers love the deeper holes and structure in both Oahe and Sharpe, especially around submerged timber and rocky drop-offs. They bite best during warmer months when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes them special is their incredible sense of smell - they can detect food from way off using those barbels. The meat's sweet and flaky, making great table fare. Here's a local trick: use cut bait or stinkbait on a sliding sinker rig, and don't set the hook too quick when you feel that first tap. Let them run with it a bit first.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pure energy on the end of your line - pound for pound, they're the strongest fighters we target. These bronze-backed scrappy fish average 12-16 inches in our lakes, with plenty of 2-3 pounders mixed in. They love rocky shorelines, boulder fields, and drop-offs where they ambush crayfish and minnows. Spring through early fall gives you the best action, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot between 60-75 degrees. What makes smallmouth special is their attitude - they'll jump, dive, and fight every inch of the way to the boat. The firm, white meat is excellent eating too. Here's something that works great in our waters: pitch a tube jig or soft plastic craw right into those rocky cracks and let it fall on slack line. Most strikes happen on the drop.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard around Pierre - those glassy eyes and olive-gold sides make them easy to spot in the net. Most of our fish run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 5-6 pounds showing up regularly. They stick to rocky points, breaks, and weed edges in 10-25 feet of water during the day, then move shallow at dusk to feed. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, but summer evenings can be dynamite too. What guests love most is the challenge - walleye can be finicky - and the payoff when you find them. Plus, there's no better eating fish in these waters. My go-to local tip: focus on the transition zones where sand meets rock, especially on the south-facing points. A simple jig and minnow worked slowly along bottom is hard to beat.
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