5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Walleye, Catfish And Bass Fishing Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday guided fishing for walleye, catfish, and bassExpert trolling, jigging, and casting techniques on Lake OaheAccommodates four guests with all gear and guidance included
When you're serious about putting fish in the cooler, Captain Scott Van Liere's full-day guided fishing trip delivers exactly what Pierre, SD anglers dream about. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter—it's a customized four-guest experience targeting the Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe waters that produce consistently year after year. You'll hit the proven spots from Spring Creek to Cow Creek, working structure and flats that most weekend warriors never find. Scott brings decades of local knowledge and the kind of fishing instincts that separate good guides from great ones. Pack your lunch, grab your South Dakota fishing license, and get ready for steady action on some of the Midwest's most productive walleye, catfish, and bass waters.
Your day starts before sunrise when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Scott knows these Missouri River reservoirs like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust the game plan based on current conditions, water temperature, and what the fish have been doing lately. The Spring Creek–Cow Creek corridor offers incredible structure fishing where walleyes stack up against rocky points and bass ambush baitfish in the shallows. Lake Oahe's deeper waters hold some serious marble-eyes, especially around the dam and main channel breaks. When we move to Lake Sharpe's flats, expect fast-paced action as we cover water looking for schools of active fish. Scott keeps detailed logs on seasonal patterns, so whether you're fishing spring spawn, summer thermoclines, or fall turnover, he knows exactly where to put you on fish. The boat's equipped with quality electronics, and Scott provides all the tackle you'll need—though you're welcome to bring your own rods if you've got favorites.
Scott's approach combines three proven methods that consistently produce on these waters. Trolling is deadly effective for covering water and locating active schools, especially when walleyes are scattered across main lake structure or suspended in open water. He'll run crawler harnesses, crankbaits, or bottom bouncers depending on depth and fish behavior—it's methodical fishing that puts numbers in the boat. When we're working specific structure like rocky points or creek channels, vertical jigging with jigs and minnows or soft plastics is the way to go. This technique lets you feel every bump and tap, and Scott will teach you to distinguish between rocks, weeds, and that subtle thump of a walleye inhaling your bait. For bass fishing around shallow cover or when catfish are relating to timber and drop-offs, casting becomes crucial. Scott knows when to switch tactics based on water clarity, wind conditions, and fish activity levels. His years of bass fishing Pierre SD waters show in how quickly he can adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
"Scott is the best, just a great guy with amazing ability! See you next year Scott!" - Joe. "Thanks for two great days on the water. We will eat Walleye all winter." - Mike
Channel catfish in these waters are absolute bulldogs that'll test your drag and put a serious bend in your rod. These Missouri River cats average 3-8 pounds but don't be surprised when a 15-pounder grabs your bait and heads for deep water. They're most active during warmer months and feed heavily on cut bait, crawlers, and stinkbaits around structure like wing dams, bridge pilings, and creek mouths. What makes catfish fishing so addictive is their aggressive strikes and never-give-up fighting style. Once you hook into a good channel cat, it's going to make several powerful runs before you get it to the net. The bonus is these fish are fantastic table fare when prepared right.
Walleye fishing on Lake Oahe ranks among the best in the Midwest, and these marble-eyes are why serious anglers make the trip to Pierre year after year. The average fish runs 14-18 inches with plenty of 20+ inch trophies caught throughout the season. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action as walleyes move shallow to feed and spawn, but summer fishing can be spectacular when you locate schools in 25-35 feet of water along main lake structure. Walleyes have excellent eyesight in low light, making dawn and dusk prime feeding times. Their subtle bite requires concentration—sometimes it's just extra weight on your line rather than a hard strike. The reward is some of the finest eating fish that swim, with firm white fillets that are perfect for shore lunch or the home freezer.
Smallmouth bass in these Missouri River impoundments are scrappy fighters that punch well above their weight class. These bronze-backed beauties typically range from 12-16 inches with occasional 4-5 pound trophies that'll absolutely smoke your drag. Smallies prefer rocky structure, riprap, and current breaks where they ambush crayfish and minnows. Summer fishing is prime time when they're shallow and aggressive, but spring pre-spawn fishing can produce some of the year's biggest fish. What sets smallmouth apart is their aerial displays—when hooked, they'll jump repeatedly and make long runs that'll have you questioning your knot strength. They're also excellent table fare, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to maintain the fishery.
This full-day walleye fishing trip Lake Oahe SD experience books up fast, especially during peak spring and fall seasons when the bite is hottest. Scott's reputation for putting clients on fish has spread throughout the region, and repeat customers like Joe and Mike are already planning next year's trips. All bookings are non-refundable, so once you commit to a date, that spot is yours. Remember to secure your South Dakota fishing license before the trip, pack a good lunch and plenty of drinks, and dress for changing weather conditions. The boat has storage for
Your fishing platform for Lake Oahe is a 2020 Skeeter 22-footer that cuts through chop and gets you to productive water fast. Twin Yamaha engines push this fiberglass hull to 55 knots, so you'll spend more time with lines wet instead of running between spots. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, though your trip caps at four for plenty of elbow room while working structure and flats. Modern fish finders help Captain Scott locate schools, while organized rod storage keeps your gear sorted for quick switches between trolling and jigging setups. Built-in livewells keep your catch fresh, and all required safety equipment is onboard. This rig was designed for serious fishing—stable enough for precision casting along rocky points, yet fast enough to chase the bite wherever walleye and bass are holding on Oahe's vast waters.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are tough fighters that'll test your gear. These whiskered bottom-dwellers run 2-10 pounds typically, though 20+ pounders show up in our deeper holes. They love rocky structure and drop-offs around Lake Oahe, especially near the dam tailrace where current brings food. Spring through fall produces best action when water warms above 65 degrees. What makes them special? Pure fight - they'll peel drag and stay deep. Plus they're table fare gold with firm, sweet meat. Their barbels help them hunt by taste and smell, so stinkbait works magic. My go-to trick: fish cut bait on a Carolina rig near structure at dusk. Those slippery bodies need a good grip when landing, so watch those sharp fins.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pure adrenaline on Lake Oahe's rocky structure. These bronze fighters average 12-16 inches but 3+ pounders are common around our boulder fields and points. They love clear water over rock and gravel, sitting tight to cover in 8-25 feet depending on season. Spring and fall bring the hottest action when they're aggressive and shallow. Summer pushes them deeper, but they're still catchable. What makes them addictive? Pound-for-pound, nothing fights harder - they'll jump, run, and test every knot. Decent eating too with firm, mild fillets. They ambush prey from cover, so presentation matters. My local trick: work tube jigs slow around those scattered boulders near creek mouths. Let it fall on slack line - most hits come on the drop.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard here on Lake Oahe - those marble eyes aren't just for show. Most fish run 14-20 inches, but 5+ pounders cruise our deeper structure regularly. They stick to rocky points, submerged humps, and weedlines in 15-30 feet during daylight, then slide shallow to feed at dusk. Spring and fall offer peak action, especially when water temps hit that sweet 65-70 degree range. What draws folks back? The fight's solid but manageable, and nothing beats walleye on the dinner table - flaky white meat with zero fishy taste. They're light-sensitive, so low-light periods rule. Here's my local edge: troll crawlers on bottom bouncers along the old river channel breaks. Those fish stack up there waiting for current to bring the groceries.
5.0 out of 5.0Scott is the best, just a great guy with amazing ability! See you next year Scott!
Thanks for two great days on the water. We will eat Walleye all winter.
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