Fishing Lake Oahe
AKA: Oahe Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Oahe, SD
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to excellent fisheries management by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Lake Oahe this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are another favorite of many locals at Lake Oahe, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.
Crappie Fishing
Black and white crappie both reside in Lake Oahe. They generally school by species, but once you locate them around cover, you may catch both species due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a quick limit of crappie.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, lake trout, Chinook salmon and northern pike at Lake Oahe in South Dakota.
Lake Oahe Fishing Video
A fertile smallmouth fishery, Lake Oahe is a 231-mile long stretch of the Missouri River, created by Oahe Dam. This 370,000-acre impoundment which runs from Pollock to Pierre, with over 2,200 miles of shoreline.
Lake Oahe is a massive reservoir located on the Missouri River, stretching from South Dakota to North Dakota. In South Dakota, it spans across a significant portion of the central and western sections of the state. Known for its vast size and diverse fish population, Lake Oahe is a haven for anglers from all around.
One of the primary attractions for fishing enthusiasts at Lake Oahe is the abundant walleye population. Anglers flock to the lake for the chance to catch trophy-sized walleye, making it one of the premier walleye fishing destinations in the United States. The lake's expansive waters and various underwater structures provide an ideal habitat for these prized fish.
For those seeking the thrill of catching a powerful fish, Lake Oahe offers excellent opportunities for reeling in smallmouth bass. These feisty fighters are found near rocky structures and offer anglers exciting battles when hooked.
Lake Oahe is also renowned for its lake trout fishery. This cold-water species thrives in the deeper sections of the lake, providing anglers with the opportunity to catch some impressive specimens. Lake trout fishing is particularly popular during the cooler months when the water temperature supports their activity near the surface.
Chinook salmon is another sought-after species in Lake Oahe. Anglers can enjoy both trolling and casting methods to target these powerful fish. The lake's ample food supply sustains a healthy population of these salmon, making for an enjoyable fishing experience.
Northern pike, known for their aggressive strikes, are another popular species that can be found in Lake Oahe. Anglers can often encounter these predators in shallow, weedy areas, especially during the warmer months.
Channel catfish add to the diversity of fishing opportunities at Lake Oahe. Anglers can target them in various areas of the lake, using a variety of baits and techniques.
While there are plenty of places with access for fishing from the bank, which is often successful, the best way to fish this monstrous lake is from a boat. Well over a dozen boat launch ramps are located all around the lake for easy access from any direction. Ice fishing in winter can be very productive, especially for crappie and walleye. The winds can be excessive at times so caution is advised for safe boating. Plenty of campgrounds, RV parks and lodging options are available, primarily on the east side of the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Oahe
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Oahe Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Stores: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurants: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a common sight on Lake Oahe due to its vast size and navigable waters. Anglers have the freedom to explore different areas of the lake, searching for their favorite fishing spots. Additionally, the lake's scenic beauty makes boating an enjoyable experience for both anglers and recreational boaters.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Bridge City Marina and Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats
605 845-9129
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Bush's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 182nd Street, this is a three lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Chantier Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Chantier Creek Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Cow Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Cow Creek Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Dodge Draw Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Dodge Draw Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Indian Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 288th Avenue, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Low Water Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 104th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Minneconjou Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Minneconjou Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Okobojo Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Goose Pass Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Peoria Flats Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off 280th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Spring Creek Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off 196th Street, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Bridge City Marina and Resort
12940 288th Rd
Mobridge, SD 57601
605 845-9129
Fishing Guides On Lake Oahe
South Dakota Walleye Fishing Guide - walleye, crappie, perch
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a South Dakota Fishing License.
Several campgrounds around the lake provide convenient opportunities for camping, allowing anglers and visitors to enjoy extended stays and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities that Lake Oahe has to offer.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
West Pollock State Recreation Area Campground - 605 845-7112
West Whitlock State Recreation Area Campground - 605 765-9410
Okobojo Resort Campground - 605 264-5324
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area Campground - 605 223-7722
Country Cabins & RV Park - 605 845-2267
West Prairie Resort RV Park - 605 264-5303
Little Bend RV Park - 605 431-1092
Codgers Cove RV Park - 605 431-3756
Lake Oahe SD Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Oahe
Bridge City Marina and Resort
12940 288th Rd
Mobridge, SD 57601
605 845-9129
Fishing lakes in each state.
062424
Lake Oahe in South Dakota.
SOUTH DAKOTA
