Hutch's Guide Service Fishing Reports
Fishing Report Lakes Oahe /Sharpe Pierre Area December 2023
This isn't a true fishing report but just an opportunity to wish all of my
customers both new and repeat a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I
will be guiding again next year so if you are planning on coming to Oahe you
can book your dates at any time if you haven't already. A great year this
year with state record for walleye broken twice and more numbers of both big
fish and the overall walleye population very good. Next year should be
exceptional . Once again MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
Hutch's Guide
Service
Hutch
FISHING REPORT LAKES OAHE/SHARPE PIERRE AREA SEPTEMBER 15TH THRU 23 2023
Fishing is very good on both lakes with the fall bite in full swing. I have
been guiding both repeat customers and new customers and sending everyone
home with full possession limits of walleye plus some other species. The
Steve Sederlins bunch of guys along with Jeff Hupkas bunch just great
examples of some of my favorite repeats and fishing for them was possession
limits and some meals while here. Sharpe is a numbers game with the 15 inch
limit coming into play but most days you can expect to catch your limits You
will have to throw back plenty of 14 inchers. Depths here are still 5 fow to
10 fow around Pierre with nightcrawler bouncer rigs or pulling plugs the
main presentations. Look for Jig /minnow rigs starting soon as the water
cools. Oahe is a little more spotty but the good fishermen are doing very
well with both smallmouth bass and walleye. The fish are starting to come up
to depths around 15fow to 25 fow so are becoming more catchable in the big
lake. Here bring minnows especially for the bass but crawlers are still
working. Casting jigging spoons and even pulling plugs are also producing.
As usual this time of the year weather is starting to come into play but for
a while these real nice fall days are around. Beating the weather that is
coming soon and coming fishing is a good plan. Once again I would like to
thank all of my both repeat and new customers for your business and look
forward to more trips with you.
HUTCH'S GUIDE SERVICE
Hutch
FISHING REPORT PIERRE AREA LAKES OAHE/SHARPE FOR LAST OF AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER
4 2023
Lots of boats around for the labor day weekend . Busy ramps and busy
community spots. I think most boats did well as the bite on both lakes
remains good. Weather is still hot but fall is around he corner so cooler
days should be coming . I have been guiding both repeat customers and new
ones on both Oahe and Sharpe and except for the last trip to Sharpe full
limits for everybody and full possession limits to take home. The problem on
Sharpe isn't catching walleye now it is getting enough over the 15 inch slot
limit to go home with limits. I think for the most part you should be able
to do that if the corps runs the right amount of current around Pierre You
can hit days were you catch 25 fish or more and only keep maybe 6 or 8
though. Fish on Sharpe are still shallow in around 5 fow to 7 fow. I am
going to spend more time on Oahe now as the 15 inch limit doesn’t come into
play and the bite is okay. Some of the walleye are starting to be caught in
18 to 30 fow so that makes finding /catching them easier. There are still
lots of fish down deeper on Oahe but as the water cools expect finding them
shallow more often. The bait I have been using is still crawler spinner
bouncer on both lakes but going out with minnows a board is not a bad idea.
I brought them a long on the last two trips but crawlers were putting most
of the fish in the boat. Smallmouth are scattered all over the lake from
chasing bait on the surface down to suspended bait deep so that bite is
tougher. I am not sure about the salmon bite but think it is still spotty.
As usual the bite is going to keep getting even better as cooler nights
bring the water temps down .We should have a great fall bite as both lakes
have both great bait and fish populations. Thank you once again to all both
my repeat customer and my new ones. Just great times.
HUTCH'S GUIDE SERVICE
Hutch
FISHING REPORT LAKES OAHE/SHARPE PIERRE AREA AUGUST 15TH TO 21 2023
Hot weather is the norm so be prepared to get early morning starts to try to
get off the water before the afternoon heat. I just finished helping Dave
Spaid guide the thunder basin ford group along with a lot of other guides.
Ramrodded by Vic Jr this is one of all of us guides favorite groups. They
have been coming from Gillette or many years. We fished the river around
Pierre with very good results with limits of walleye for everyone. Most of
the fish were caught on crawler/spinner bouncer rigs in around 5 fow to
7fow. There are less weed around this year so the bite is a little earlier
than normal . A lot of these fish were in the 14 inch range and right now
there is no size limit so limits are easier. I do think when the size limit
of 15 inches returns September 1st catching limits will be more challenging
on Sharpe. Oahe continues to put out fish but requires more hunting so is a
harder lake to fish. Fish are deeper with 25 to 35 fow a good starting
point. Bringing minnows along is a good idea. Jigging raps are also a good
bait if you know how to use them. As always as the fall comes and water
temps drop Oahe will be much easier to fish. Colder water tends to bring the
fish shallower . I would once again like to thank all my great repeat
customers . We have had a lot of great catches and a lot of great times .
This time of the year lots of water is essential to prevent serious problems
with heat stroke so keep that in mind.
HUTCH' S GUIDE SERVICE
Hutch
FISHING REPORT LAKES OAHE /SHARPE PIERRE AREA FOR JULY 15 TO AUGUST 1ST 2023
Hot weather along with good fishing is generally the word. I have been
behind on these reports but will start to post them more frequently. I have
been guiding both some great repeat customers along with some new ones and
have been getting both limits and possession limits daily. The bite on Oahe
is good but some days hunting the fish is harder than on Sharpe due to lots
of bait. If you get in the right areas though limits are common. The fish
seem to be around 20fow to 35 fow and crawler bouncer rigs are the main
baits but minnow rigs leech rigs are all good. Sharpe especially in the west
bend area has been a little easier to find fish. Depts are mostly the same
from 20 fow to 35 fow and crawler spinner rigs the most popular but minnows
leeches are working to . Most of the west bend bite is centered around the
off shore reefs. Hearing report of fish being caught in Pierre on the bluff
also. There is just a lot of bait fish on both Oahe and SHARPE so the
fishery outlook is very good. These really hot days require a lot of water
drinking to prevent dehydration ie leading to heat stroke so plenty of
liquid along is a must. Flys aree very bad in some areas so bug spray is
good also.
HUTCH'S GUIDE SERVICE
Hutch
FISHING REPORT LAKES OAHE/SHARPE PIERRE AREA JUNE 1ST TO 10TH 2023
The fishing all up and down both Oahe and Sharpe is as good as it gets. A
great year going on and most fishermen are coming in with limits of walleye,
smallmouth some northern and plenty of catfish. I just got done fishing the
Darin Davis group of repeat customers one of my favorites and we got full
possession limits of walleyes smallmouth bass and lots of catfish so these
guys went home with lots to eat along with cooking fish every night they
were here. Mike Kulm helped me with this group and everyone had a great
time. The weather cooperated but we did get some hot days. The fish on Oahe
are very shallow as the water is rising daily. One of the keys is to pitch
jigs/plastic into the flooding clover but we caught them other ways
specifically bouncer crawler/ bounce minnow rigs very shallow .We fished
Oahe every day and now I started guiding Dan Skirvin from Ida Grove Ia. And
his son today and we had full limits nice walleye before noon beating some
rain coming in. Again we caught these fish either pitching jigs or very
shallow crawler bouncer propeller blades. Five fow or less worked best. Both
lakes seem to be full of nice healthy fish this year so I anticipate another
great year. For sure lots of water and sun screen along with bugs spray are
good to have in your boat. One thing I have noticed in the past few years is
an increase in the overall usage of the lakes in the Pierre area and all ups
and down the river so be prepared for busy resorts, busy boat ramps and
cleaning stations when you come this way. Fortunately we have a lot of water
full of fish so for the most part once you are on the lakes you can find
plenty of places to fish both with boats or without boats. I would like to
thank both my new customers and my repeat customers for your business and
the great times we are having.
HUTCH’S GUIDE SERVICE
Hutch
LAKES OAHE/SHARPE PIERRE AREA FISHING REPORT MAY 21 TO THE 27TH 2023
Fast and furious bite on both lakes with the water warming is basically the
best way to describe the bite. I have been guiding daily with some of my
favorite customers the Rose party and the beck party along with some new
customers and we have filled limits and possession limits for all the
groups. At first we were catching most of the fish in 5 fow or less but
lately they are moving out to around 8 fow to 14 fow with nightcrawler
propeller blades or spinner minnow blades equally effective. In Many areas
pulling plugs is very good. Sharpe from Pierre all the way down to west bend
is great but catching numbers is necessary to get limits of over 15 inch
fish. Fortunately most experienced anglers are doing that. Oahe has started
to go especially in areas that you can find warmer stained water. The wind
has been blowing lately but even with that as a factor we have been catching
numbers of fish. Both Lakes are very busy so expect boat ramps that are full
and lots of traffic at our great fish cleaning stations. Summer is here so
lots of water sunscreen fly repellent are items that make for better trips.
Both lakes are putting out very nice fish and it looks like another great
year for the fishing around Pierre or for that matter all up and down the
system .As usual periodically I will mention that most of us guides that
have spent years on the water look at the walleye as great eating fish and
fun to catch but the real sport is hunting them down and finding them. The
best walleye fishermen I know are very good at that and it takes practice to
achieve that part of your fishing. It is not hard to run your boat into a
community spot with 20 other boats as boats are much easier to find than
fish but catching lots of fish in a spot that you found because you spent
the time to learn the art of the hunt is very rewarding. You will also earn
the respect of the best fishermen on the Lake and the people in your boat
when they realize you are good at finding the fish. That is really true with
most species. Watch the weather this time of the year as storms can pop up
quick. Thank you to all my recent customers . Some great times.
HUTCH’S GUIDE SERVICE
Hutch
FISHING REPORT LAKES OAHE/SHARPE PIERRE AREA FOR MAY 12TH THRU MAY 18TH 2023
Just got done guiding the Ken McEwen and STEVE TYLER group of repeat
customers . Just as great a group of guys that I have. Dave Spaid Scott Van
Liere and Mike Kulm helped guide this group from different parts of the
country Everyone got full limits of nice walleye with a 27 incher the
largest . Everyone went home with full possession limits. Great weather all
three days and great fishing. Lake Sharpe is going great. You do have to go
thru numbers of 14 inch fish to get limits of over 15 inchers but most
experienced anglers are coming in with limits along with lots of small mouth
bass. Depts vary with most fish being caught from 5 fow to 10 fow but we
caught fish out as deep as 30 feet. Spinner /minnow spinner crawler rigs
pitching jigs shallow or even pulling plugs work but there is a lot of
floating stuff in the water making plug pulling harder. Oahe is still much
harder in the Pierre area due to both colder water and muddy water running
in from creeks and rivers like the Cheyenne. We stayed on Sharpe for this
trip but did hear of a few nice catches on the big lake with those being
mainly smallmouth/northern. Lots of boats/anglers out but s usual community
spots concentrate the majority but you might remember that all the fish in
the lake aren't under those 30 boats you see following each other. The lake
is full of fish so if you do a little looking you can find fish without the
boat traffic. We caught 90 per cent of our limits every day without a single
boat in sight . Harder to do now days as fishing pressure is much more but
if you like finding walleye as the main part of the sport as most of use
guides do it is rewarding to know when you find lots of fish away from the
crowds. Remember to pull your boat plugs to avoid a hefty fine when leaving
the ramps and remember this week end is free fishing week end . Sun Screen
and Bug spray along with plenty of water to drink are good things to bring
along.
HUTCH'S GUIDE SERVICE
Hutch
FISHING REPORT FOR LAKES OAHE/SHARPE PIERRE AREA MAY 1ST THRU MAY 8TH 2023
Back to work for me. I am glad to be back on the water especially with a
great bunch of guys like the group ramrodded by Rich Grable from Rapid that
I am guiding. The group (REPEAT CUSTOMERS) are from all over with Brookings
SD And Ute Iowa being home for some. For the most part the weather is
cooperating and so are the fish. Limits of walleye with some small mouth
/northern every day so this group is going home with full possession limits
of nice fish. The bite on Sharpe is in full swing with the spawn about half
over. Water temps up to 55 degrees can be found. We caught most of our fish
on bouncer/minnow rigs but pitching plastic/jigs and pulling plugs all work.
Most of the fish are in ten fow or less and relating to the spawning reefs.
So are the boats and there are lots of them so you can fish in community
spots with lots of company or do some exploring and find fish a way from the
crowds. Lake Oahe is much harder with cold water being the main cause. Temps
in the 40's in many areas but 50 degree water can be found. If you want to
fish mostly by yourself this is the lake but no boats also means not many
fish in the bags. Fish are still deeper but warm weather should improve the
fishing as the water warms. It is looking like another great year on Sharpe
and I think Oahe will be better in many areas. Oahe is a harder lake to find
the fish due to many factors. Bait fish that can be deep water species and
shallow shad bait spreading the walleye into different water columns but if
big fish hunting is your thing Oahe is more likely to produce. I will post
periodic reports this summer in the hope the information will help you out
with your trips.
HUTCH'S GUIDE SERVICE
Hutch
Month by Month Guiding Breakdown
April/ May
Both of these month's
produce excellent walleye fishing along with great smallmouth/ Northern/
Catfish. Weather is a factor so many times we have to stay off big water
because of high winds etc. but this is a great time to go after the big
northern and catfish in the back of creeks/bays to beat the weather. Also
fishing on Sharpe below Dam keeps you out of wind and produce's nice limits
of walleye. Jig fishing when water temps cold along with btm. bouncer
presentations as water warms most common .Boat traffic can be much more
around the Pierre area.
June
By far the busiest month on both lakes.(
School out and just traditionally start of summer season] so book early if
possible to get best guides/lodging. The fishing is excellent for all
species. Weather can still be a factor. We are usually fishing with Lindy or
btm. bouncer's.
July
Best all around month for both fishing and
weather especially family trips Walleye fishing at seasonal peak especially
in high water periods on Oahe. and Sharpe good two. Btm. Bouncer
presentations most common.
August
Same as July but there can be hotter
weather. If there is a breeze it is not to bad as big lake water temps keep
heat down. Fish can be a little deeper but still great fishing.
September
Very good on the walleye fishing with fall weather great toward end of
month. As water cools jig fishing starts to come into play again.
October
/ November
Fishing is still good but weather coming into play again Jigs
work best especially in colder water. Combination Hunting /fishing trips
most common. Just a note: You can catch fish in all the months above tolling
or casting plugs and we do that often. But I have found that guiding people
over the years most prefer live bait hover fishing better so I spend more
time with btm/bouncer/crawler/minnow/leeches than the plugs but pulling
plugs is always a good alternative and sometimes can be the best.
Kent Hutcheson
E-mail:
fishinghutch@aol.com
Cell Phone: 605-220-2844