Fishing Hot Spots at West Bend. South of Lake Oahe and North of Fort Thompson. Guides and tournament pros favorite and secret spots revealed. Recreation area.
I fished lake sharpe yrs back. Stayed in chamberlin. We hired a guide but can't remember his name but he was really good. Everyone limited out plus hit smallies too. This guide also guides pheasant too. Guys I went with called bthe guide a bohemiannbohunk.lol . I figure if that's his nickname you might know him.
You've indicated checking navigation maps for submerged tree lines etc...where do you recommend getting these maps on-line. I've tried SD Dept of Fish & Game, Army Corps of Eng, SD Dept of Tourism...struck out on all maps for Lake Sharpe & Big Bend Rec Area. Have great maps for Lake Francis Case, but would like more options when driving all the way from Iowa. Info appreciated. thanks!
Ok, thanks. I am going fishing at the tailrace today. I picked up some 1/2 oz jigs and paddle-tail shad bodies. I just wanted to clarify, when you fish with jigs there, you do let them hit bottom, right? And how far from the outtakes do you fish?
Watch for the signs. They will tell you how close is legal to go and also about the warning sirens that go off when the current is going to increase because of a water release. I'd stay quite a ways down from them and find some areas where the rip rap juts out and creates some eddy's. Good Luck!!
Yes but I was there too early in the year. October-November is best down at the point on the West side where the small bay cuts back. Use #7 Rapala's, 1/2 to 3/4 oz. leadheads with Sassy Shad bodies or the KVD Strike King bodies. Evenings and early morning are best. There is a campground right there too. I know guys that hammer them there in the fall. Good luck!!!
No, but I do know that at the points on Oahe there are people fishing from shore doing just as well as those in boats. You said you were using Google Earth so check out your access on points there. Rip Rap is always good too. Down at Chamberlain SD the kids did just as good off the Rip Rap as those in boats.
Yes, for a short time during the spawn. A lot of fish will come up out of the lake on their spring spawning run. I have heard divers tell there is a tube of walleyes out in the main channel sucking in bait that gets drawn down through the turbines. Give one of the bait shops a call and they can fill you in on the timing.
WillCFish Fishing TipsandTricks Ok, and another question. When using jigs there, do you let them sink to the bottom? Wondering about snags as I know the bottom is rocky.
WillCFish Fishing TipsandTricks If you are there during the next few weeks check out the smelt fishing for Northern Pike on Cow and Spring Creek North of Pierre. I have a video on about that. Great Fun Monster Northerns at Lake Oahe South Dakota - Best Ever Tips
Thanks for this knowledge. I'm planning a cross-state fishing tour for South Dakota soon and gathering my info now. 👍
Thank you!
You're welcome. It's always good fun to try new places and have an idea where you are going.
I fished lake sharpe yrs back. Stayed in chamberlin. We hired a guide but can't remember his name but he was really good. Everyone limited out plus hit smallies too. This guide also guides pheasant too. Guys I went with called bthe guide a bohemiannbohunk.lol . I figure if that's his nickname you might know him.
You've indicated checking navigation maps for submerged tree lines etc...where do you recommend getting these maps on-line. I've tried SD Dept of Fish & Game, Army Corps of Eng, SD Dept of Tourism...struck out on all maps for Lake Sharpe & Big Bend Rec Area. Have great maps for Lake Francis Case, but would like more options when driving all the way from Iowa. Info appreciated. thanks!
hey thanks man
You're welcome! Good luck fishing.
Ok, thanks. I am going fishing at the tailrace today. I picked up some 1/2 oz jigs and paddle-tail shad bodies. I just wanted to clarify, when you fish with jigs there, you do let them hit bottom, right? And how far from the outtakes do you fish?
Watch for the signs. They will tell you how close is legal to go and also about the warning sirens that go off when the current is going to increase because of a water release.
I'd stay quite a ways down from them and find some areas where the rip rap juts out and creates some eddy's. Good Luck!!
WillCFish Fishing TipsandTricks Ok, thanks for all the tips!
James Howard You're welcome!!! Have a good time.
Have you ever fished the tailrace below the dam from shore? If so, what's the best to use?
Yes but I was there too early in the year. October-November is best down at the point on the West side where the small bay cuts back. Use #7 Rapala's, 1/2 to 3/4 oz. leadheads with Sassy Shad bodies or the KVD Strike King bodies. Evenings and early morning are best. There is a campground right there too.
I know guys that hammer them there in the fall. Good luck!!!
WillCFish Fishing TipsandTricks Is it possible to have success in the spring?
good info, thanks.
Yes, unless they have changed something that's a good spot.
I am going to try the tailrace this weekend.
James Howard Good Luck!!!
Do you know of any other good shore fishing spots close to Pierre?
No, but I do know that at the points on Oahe there are people fishing from shore doing just as well as those in boats. You said you were using Google Earth so check out your access on points there. Rip Rap is always good too. Down at Chamberlain SD the kids did just as good off the Rip Rap as those in boats.
Is it possible to have success at the tailrace in spring?
Yes, for a short time during the spawn. A lot of fish will come up out of the lake on their spring spawning run. I have heard divers tell there is a tube of walleyes out in the main channel sucking in bait that gets drawn down through the turbines. Give one of the bait shops a call and they can fill you in on the timing.
WillCFish Fishing TipsandTricks Ok, and another question. When using jigs there, do you let them sink to the bottom? Wondering about snags as I know the bottom is rocky.
WillCFish Fishing TipsandTricks If you are there during the next few weeks check out the smelt fishing for Northern Pike on Cow and Spring Creek North of Pierre. I have a video on about that. Great Fun Monster Northerns at Lake Oahe South Dakota - Best Ever Tips
WillCFish Fishing TipsandTricks Ok, I will. Thanks. Do you know anything about how the tailrace is during the summer?
James Howard No, I really have only fished that in the Spring and Fall.
your map lables and location of objects on this video and your Chamberlain video are off