Lake Sharpe
The Missouri River reservoir below Oahe Dam near Pierre. It's known for walleye and smallmouth bass.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.
Smallmouth Bass
Rock, gravel and points. Tubes, jerkbaits and drop-shots.
White Bass
Schools chasing shad in open water, and spring river runs.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1Fort Thompson Left TailracePublicPublic boat ramp below Big Bend Dam, Fort Thompson, Lyman County.Directions ↗
- 2Fort Thompson Right TailracePublicPublic boat ramp, Fort Thompson, Lyman County, SDDirections ↗
- 3Good SoldierPublicPublic boat ramp, Fort Thompson, Lyman County, SDDirections ↗
- 4Old Fort ThompsonPublicPublic boat ramp, Fort Thompson, Buffalo County, SDDirections ↗
- 5American Creek MarinaPublicPublic boat ramp and water access, Chamberlain, Brule County, SDDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the SD GFP or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye 15 in minimum except no minimum in July and August; max 1 fish 20 in or longer | 15 in | 4 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Carl's Bait ShopNearby610 W Highway 14/34, Fort Pierre, SD 57532(605) 223-9453Directions ↗
- Pierre Sports CenterNearbyPierre, SD(605) 224-5546Directions ↗
- Dakota Walleye AdventuresNearby1406 E Church St, Pierre, SD 57501(605) 222-3157Directions ↗
Local tips
- The Oahe tailwater at Pierre is a walleye hot spot.
- Current helps the bite in the upper lake.
- Popular for tournaments.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
More South Dakota lakes
Lake Thompson Waubay Lake Belle Fourche Reservoir Lake Preston Lake Kampeska Whitewood Lake Lake Andes Shadehill Reservoir All South Dakota lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.