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 picks today
Walleye, Smallmouth Bass & Channel Catfish — tied at the top (68/100)
3 species tied for best of 4 tracked at Lake Sharpe (Pierre).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Sharpe (Pierre)
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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.
- 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.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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.
- Daily creel
- 5
South Dakota: 5 bass/day (largemouth and smallmouth combined).
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Channel Catfish Workable day for Channel Catfish. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
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.
- 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 Workable day for Yellow Perch. In season 62/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — yellow perch prefers slack tide
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.
- 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.