Stanley County, SD · Reservoir
Lake Sharpe (Pierre)
The Missouri River reservoir between Pierre and Big Bend Dam — a consistent, high-density walleye fishery with smallmouth bass on the rock, channel catfish, and yellow perch. The tailwater below Oahe Dam at Pierre is a famous year-round walleye and smallmouth spot.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Walleye — Skip the Walleye trip today.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at Lake Sharpe (Pierre).
Heat Advisory issued July 12 at 10:48AM CDT until July 16 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Aberdeen SD
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Sharpe (Pierre)
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Skip the Walleye trip today. In season 28/100
What's helping
- Dark moon — walleye feeds aggressively in low light
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 4
South Dakota: 4 walleye/day, 8 in possession statewide (Lake Oahe). Lake Sharpe and some other Missouri River reaches add a 15" minimum (waived in July–August) and a one-over-20" rule — confirm the water.
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Skip the Smallmouth Bass trip today. In season 20/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
South Dakota: 5 bass/day (largemouth and smallmouth combined).
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Channel Catfish Skip the Channel Catfish trip today. In season 20/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 10
South Dakota: 10 catfish/day in combination (only one flathead 30"+), 20 in possession.
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#4 Yellow Perch Skip the Yellow Perch trip today. In season 14/100
What's hurting
- incoming tide — yellow perch prefers slack tide
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Perca flavescens — Late-winter and early-spring favorite. Schools up in tidal tributaries for the pre-spawn run in February and March, taking small minnows, shad darts, and small jigs. A classic Eastern Shore "neds" fishery.
Prefers. Water 45–70°F (ideal 58°F) · slack tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 15
South Dakota: 15 yellow perch/day, 30 in possession.
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
South Dakota non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
South Dakota: 4 walleye/day; Lake Sharpe adds a 15" minimum (waived July–August) with no more than one fish 20" or longer.
Local reports & rules for Lake Sharpe (Pierre): South Dakota GFP fishing report → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Sharpe (Pierre)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lake Sharpe (Pierre) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lake Sharpe (Pierre)?
Lake Sharpe (Pierre) is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Yellow Perch. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Lake Sharpe (Pierre)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Lake Sharpe (Pierre) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Lake Sharpe (Pierre) have?
Lake Sharpe (Pierre) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. South Dakota: 4 walleye/day; Lake Sharpe adds a 15" minimum (waived July–August) with no more than one fish 20" or longer.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lake Sharpe (Pierre)?
state agency regulations apply at Lake Sharpe (Pierre). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Lake Sharpe (Pierre) tidal water?
No. Lake Sharpe (Pierre) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.