Hutch's Guide Service Fishing Reports.

We had some great fishing trips in 2010 and look forward to many more in 2011. Please visit our 2010 Fishing Reports Page to see photos and read the reports.

2011 Fishing Reports

Final Report for 2011

This will be my final report for the 2011 fishing season. It has been an exceptional year in the Pierre area for walleye/smallmouth/northern and catfish. Just recently a lot of salmon started showing up below the dam on Oahe and other places down river indicating numbers went thru the tubes this summer. This would also explain a poor bite for them on Oahe this year. I have been fishing on both Sharpe and Oahe whenever the weather is a go. The bite on both of them is still great and limits of walleye along with limits of smallmouth bass common on Lake Oahe. Most fish are being taken on either jig/minnow or pulling plug presentations. Around 20 to 30 fow on the big lake and around 10 fow on Sharpe. The Dam down river to the Fort George area are all good choices on Sharpe with the Cheyenne river area on Oahe excellent. A lot of big walleye (over 28 inch fish) being caught by those that are good anglers. I think next year is going to produce some real good fishing and may approach old day's action for all species. Although I am not an ice fisherman I have contacts for you for the best on the lake. If anyone is interested in ice fishing/spearing/ coyote trips along with goose/ pheasant winter trips send me an email and I will get you in touch with the outfitters doing trips. That can be a great sport and since South Dakota is one of a few states that allow walleye/Northern spear fishing thru the ice. It is a whole different experience. Pheasant hunting in the Pierre area has been good and some Geese are starting to show up so if we get a little more weather up north shooting geese will get into full swing. I would like to thank all of my customers for the business you gave me this year and hope we will all get to go again in 2012. If theres any way I can help any of you with information, planning trips etc over the winter months either call me or drop me an email. I hope my reports have been helpful and if you scroll thru the pictures of this year and last year catches it can be a great way to plan time periods you might try to get over in next year.

Hutch

November 8th Fishing Report

I have been spending a lot of time hunting so haven't posted as many fishing reports lately but have been spending time on the water with groups of hunters for half days along with some trips of fishing only trips. Although this is a fishing report I will mention that the pheasant hunting in the Pierre area is excellent as opposed to some area's of the state that are down some. Just starting to see some Geese in area but not much going on there yet. Back to fishing. It has been the best fall we have had around here for many years on both Sharpe and Oahe in the Pierre area for walleye and now even some numbers of Salmon being caught. Fishing on big lake from the dam to Bush's Landing has been super with the most numbers of over 20 inch fish coming in I can remember for 20 years. Most of the fish are being caught in around 20 to thirty fow on jig/minnow or chub lindy rig combo's but pulling plugs can work and some days you can find them in 15 fow or less.

Sharpe around the Pierre area is still producing limits of fish in 16 to 19 inch range with numerous over 20 inch walleye/sauger for those who know the river and surprisingly a lot of salmon are being caught indicating numbers of these went thru the tubes this summer. I fished repeat customer Dale Hanna from down Omaha way and his Dad to real nice limits of walleye with a few over 20 inches and an 18 inch avg on the rest of the fish we kept catching around 50 fish a day. I then fished several different groups of hunters for the same results even just fishing for an average of four hours a day and hunting rest of the day. We are catching the walleye on Sharpe in around 10 fow mostly on either tolling plugs or jig/minnow now. The weather for the most part has been nice but have had some windy days so fishing the bluffs around Pierre is sometimes the best choice but if weather permits Oahe is a great choice. I will do a few more reports especially if anything changes but if you need info because you are coming to Pierre send me an e mail and I will fill you in.

Hutch

October 21st Fishing Report

The bite is still very good on Lake Sharpe however were to fish in the Pierre area is harder to decide as the bite on lower Oahe is also excellent. A lot of bigger fish are now showing up on the big lake with numbers of over 20 inch fish and slot fish in the 19 inch range common. On Oahe the fish are being caught in around 20 to 25 fow. mostly on bare hook crawler rigs along with jig/minnow presentations. Dam to the Cheyenne river up to Bush's landing are all good choices. Fishing pressure is minimal so you can expect to fish almost alone if you like.
Sharpe still great with the same baits but bite mostly in 10 fow or less from the dam down river 15 miles. Trolling plugs also good on both lakes. I am starting to taper down on frequency of reports as fishing season winds down but will continue to do around one a week as long as weather holds. It has been a very good year for fishing in the Pierre area and the fall bite is big time.

Hutch

October 3rd to 9th Fishing Report

The wind popped up a lot this week but it is easy to get out of it right now on both Oahe and Sharpe and catch plenty of fish. I fished up at Bush's Landing one day due to strong SE winds and caught easy limits of walleye in around 14 fow. Then spent time ducking the wind in the back of creeks on Oahe. Sharpe is also still going strong with easy limits of over 15 inch fish and if you are selective keeping only walleye over 18 inches for limits is not uncommon. Bite starting to turn more to jig/minnow fishing as water cools but crawler presentations still working along with pulling shallow plugs such as flicker shads the choice of a lot of guides and fishermen. This has been an exceptional fall both for the size and numbers of fish being brought in both on lower Oahe and upper Lake Sharpe. The fish on Oahe are still mostly shallow (15 to 25 fow) and under 10 fow on Sharpe. Boat traffic in both places is way down but I expect to see a lot more around this week due to the opening of pheasant season If the weather cooperates there should be a lot of fish caught and a lot of birds shot. Pierre, South Dakota really has it all and Fall around here is a great place to spend some time if you like the hunting and fishing. If planning a last minute trip check room availability as many lodge/motel's full due to pheasant season opener.

Hutch

September 30th to October 4th Fishing Report

September has gone for 2011 and it was as good both on Sharpe in the Pierre area and on the lower end of Lake Oahe as I can remember for numbers of fish. I can remember times the avg. size of the walleye was around 4 lbs. with these kind of numbers but we will probably never see those days again due to the amount of fishing pressure now compared to back 30 years ago. I think the rest of this fall will be every bit as good. Weather will start to be more of a factor for those of you traveling to Pierre but the fish are here and biting. I fished with Rich Smith and Greg Goodenow from Ida Grove Iowa for two days. We spent one day on Sharpe and one day on Oahe catching limits of walleye both places and they easily caught over 100 walleye in their stay here. We were selective on Sharpe and kept only fish over 18 inches also catching all of our over 20 inch fish and throwing back at least 4 more over's. We caught smaller avg. size fish on Oahe keeping around a 17 inch average for limits. The key to catching bigger average size fish is (especially on Sharpe) avoiding community spots and finding areas that have had very little recent boat traffic. This is easier to do on Oahe but can be done on Sharpe if you are willing to travel a little to get away from the crowded spots. We caught most fish in 10 fow or less using spinner/ bouncer/crawler rigs or plain hook/ bouncer rigs but minnows working too. Some guides trolling plugs and catching fish also. We saw maybe three other boats in the area's we fished both on Sharpe and on Oahe both days. Every one that has experience on Sharpe or Oahe coming in with Limits for the most part. I have heard reports of some Salmon being caught in Whitlock Bay area and also an occasional one below Dam. There are a lot of fish in both of these reservoirs and I think next year should be way above average for walleye fishing barring any unforeseen circumstances. Watch the sand bars on Sharpe.

Hutch

September 24th to 30th Fishing Report

Fishing on both Oahe and Sharpe is still going strong with excellent fishing on both reservoirs. Walleye on Oahe are staying shallow for the most part (20 fow or less) and crawlers still the bait of choice but minnows/chubs coming into play along with plug fishing and jig fishing. I along with Dave Spaid and Scott Van Lyre fished a real nice group for the Outpost Lodge for two days getting these fellows from around the Norfolk NE area possession limits of nice walleye(56) with several overs to 24 inches. Also had a bunch more for appetizers so these guys all caught a lot of fish( 25 or more each) and had a nice time. I then fished Tom Main and his 98 year old Dad (that's right, 98 years old and still catching the fish) from Rapid City to nice limits of walleye with a 5 pound fish being the biggest .Stayed on Oahe for both these groups seeing only one or two other boats and probably caught over 50 fish a day or more. Sharpe is still going at a rate of probably 25 fish per boat or more a day with a lot more boat traffic and you have to catch that many as the ratio of 14 inch fish to keeper fish of 15 inches or more now much higher. The bigger fish on Sharpe in the Pierre area are mostly in 10 fow or less and Crawler/bouncer rigs still favorite presentation but once again minnows starting to go as water temps drop. Pulling shallow plugs works to. This September has been, along with the rest of 2011, exceptional fishing. I see October as more of the same as long as the weather holds and the next 7 days looks like real good weather. I am seeing a lot of real deep bait down around 60 to 70 fow around the dam area to Cheyenne river area so hope that the discharges all summer will not affect the over all bait situation to much. I will report any up-dates or GF&P releases when they are available.

Hutch

September 18th to 23rd Fishing Report

As the fishing season winds down for the year I will be doing these reports more on a weekly basis unless something changes or merits an update. The fishing on Lake Sharpe is still excellent in the Pierre area. The only change is the ratio of little fish to bigger fish and throwing back a lot of 14 inch fish is common. If you are selective you can still come up with a nice 16 to 17 inch average stinger and there are plenty of over 20 inch fish being caught I (along with other guides ) fished repeat customer Lonnie Wann and his second group of guys from down around Laurel NE. to possession limits(64) of nice walleye on the river with around a 17 inch avg size. They also had some nice over's with the biggest a 23 incher. Another great group of guys that a company( Dow Agro Grow/Lonnie Wann) rewards for work well done. We caught these fish on spinner/crawler rigs, pulling plugs (flicker shads) and drifting with jigs in around 10 fow. Night crawlers still are bait of choice but minnows are going and soon will be the number one presentation as water temps cool. Lake Oahe is still offering a very good fall bite also and really makes selecting were to fish a harder choice. Weather probably makes my decision as high winds(40mph with gusts to 60mph on 20th) makes Sharpe easier fishing. Fishing around other boat traffic also enters in as fishing pressure on Oahe now is way down .Lots of 15 inchers being caught along with some real quality stringers coming in on the big lake. Most of these fish in around 20 fow but they can be shallow. Crawlers still work but trolling and casting crank baits is also effective and, like Sharpe, as water cools minnows/chubs will be start to be bait of choice. I have been talking to several different people that are in the know in the Pierre area about the discharge/ bait loss on Oahe and the general consensus is we loss bait all summer but from the Cheyenne river North the lake hasn't been affected nearly as much and there seems to be more than enough bait to avert any slow growth problems. I will continue to be in contact with people that are researching this and as soon as there is more information out I will post it. For now most informed people seem to be optimistic.

Hutch

A good northern blew in on the 15th but it didn't slow fishing down. Just slowed some fishermen down as temps dropped and rain fell on Thursday but all of the rest of September has been great weather and great fishing. Might be a tougher weather week end though. I fished four retired firemen from Omaha for Spring Creek Marina to easy limits (24) of 18 inch avg. walleye after there rental boat broke then fished the Heeb's from around the Midland area and 4 of their grandchildren to another limit (24) of 18 inch avg walleye. Caught over 75 fish. What a great trip for those Kids not to mention the two grandparents. A real treat for me to..After that I fished Terry and Barb Hall a retired couple from California to their take home limit's of an 18 inch avg size walleye to take back West with them. All of these groups had constant action from the time we hit the water until we left catching and releasing at least 50 fish a day and being very selective keeping only fish over 17 inches. Did that again Thursday in the light rain with Walt Nelson and friend from NE with the same results. Limits of fish all over 17 inches or bigger. So far I have been able to avoid the big groups of boats traveling down river enough to leave the crowds behind. Just fishing around a few other guide boats and local people who are willing to travel a little. If you don't know the river be prepared for boats as good news travel fast. Week ends can be crowded and community fishing common. The fishing on Sharpe is just that good. Show's you what can happen if a fishery is in effect closed all summer.(Sharpe was closed due to flooding in Pierre area) Sharpe is always a great fall fishery but this year is exceptional. Caught almost all of these fish in 10 fow or less on spinner/crawler rigs but pulling plugs, casting jigs , drifting with lindy rigs are all working. I am also hearing about occasional Salmon being caught by accident while fishing for walleye on Sharpe indicating they along with bait have come thru the tubes. A cause for worry many of us have, but I haven't heard of any official word on the long term effect of the high water releases this summer. Take your time on Sharpe as new sand bars everywhere. Oahe continues to be excellent fishing from the dam all the way to the 212 bridge with limits of walleye some northern and some smallmouth bass coming in. Most walleye on Oahe coming from 20 to 30 fow but staying shallow can produce bigger fish although not as many numbers. Still a lot of these big guys in the trees or suspending and harder to catch. A lot less boat traffic so if that is the experience you are looking for the big lake is a good pick if weather is right . Where ever you go if fishing with crawlers bring a lot.

Hutch

In Memory of Al Glanzer

My report will be a day late as I have sad news for any of you who knew Al Glanzer from north of Chamberlain on the river. Al had a heart attack and passed away on Tuesday. He had just brought me up a supply of his Glanzer Spinners and we had the opportunity to fish together for the last time on Labor day. Al among many things was the best spinner fisherman I ever knew. He was my first walleye tournament partner over 30 years ago and was always proud of the fact that we took 7th place in the first ever World Walleye National Tournament. I along with all who knew Al will miss him. So will the river.

Hutch

September 7th - 8th Fishing Report

I along with 16 other guides fished the Pioneer Seed Company's Group for Pioneer representative Lonnie Smith from the Omaha Nebraska area. All of these 48 fellows were farmers from all over Nebraska with Pioneer showing them their appreciation for using Pioneer products with a combination business/fishing trip. Another example of a company taking good care of the people that support them and I along with all the other guides and the Outpost Lodge thank them for the work and the great time. Just a great bunch of guys and all of them caught at least 25 walleye a day with all the guide boats catching probably 75 or more walleye a day keeping a two lb. (18 inch) avg. fish for possession limits for all. Hard to believe but the bite on the river is that good and as far as I can remember for numbers of fish it hasn't been any better in the last 30 years. I attribute this to a combination of the river (Lake Sharpe) being closed because of high water releases in the Pierre area all summer and Bait fish coming threw the tubes drawing numbers of fish up from down river. These fish were caught by pulling plugs, Jig fishing or using bttmbouncer/spinner rigs with nightcrawlers. Most of us guides use these presentations because it is the safest way to catch numbers of fish and release the smaller fish. When catching fish on spinners or with plug's or jigs they are usually hooked in the front of the mouth so releasing them is easier and their survival rate better thus making these presentations better from my viewpoint. If fish swallow the hook on lindy type fishing and you want to release them cut the hook leaving around 6 inches of line to give them a better chance to survive. Lake Oahe excellent also from the dam all the way up river with numbers of around 14 to 15 inch being caught in 17 to 30 fow. Bigger fish on Oahe are harder to come by for the most part with a lot of these big fish hanging out in deep trees or chasing suspended bait. The weather has been beautiful with temp's in low 80's and very little wind so this September weather wise and fishing wise is as good as it gets. This whole summer has been( all around) as good as it has been for the fishing both size wise and numbers wise since the 90's. Next year could even be better.

Hutch

September 4th, 5th, & 6th Fishing Report

Fished repeat customer Charlie Kerr and his wife Pat from down Missouri way to possession limits of walleye with an 18 inch avg and all of there over 20 inch fish with the biggest a 23 incher caught by wife Pat. Caught all of these fish on spinner/crawler rigs in shallow water or by pulling flicker shads on Lake Sharpe. Fishing is excellent on the river and it is excellent on Oahe so you can take your pick depending on the weather were you want to fish if coming to the Pierre area. Oahe is less crowded as Sharpe had a huge amount of fishing pressure over labor day weekend but most boats limiting with nice walleye. Oahe fish still being caught in 17 to 30 fow on both live bait and trolling plugs. West Bend area on Sharpe putting out limits of fish also. Bite on Oahe still all up and down system.

Hutch

Labor Day Weekend Fishing Report

Well Labor Day weekend arrived along with as many boats and people as I can remember seeing in the Pierre area and boy did everybody get a nice weekend both weather-wise and fishing-wise. Both Oahe and Sharpe are producing limits of walleye for just about everybody that has any knowledge of the river/lake systems around Pierre. If fishing on Sharpe around Pierre get ready to see a lot of other boats as traffic on the river is busy to say the least but fishing is very good. Oahe is also great and since the bite is excellent you can escape the crowds easier on the big lake if that is important to you. I guided the Dave Kroger group from around Omaha to Limits of walleye on Sharpe. I then fished Spring Creek Marina owners Doctor Doug Long his wife Ann, Todd Feltz and his wife Amy also from the Omaha area, and pilot Steve along with guide Larry Porter to an 18 inch average size possession limit of walleyes catching probably at least 50 walleye per boat a day and keeping only fish over 17 inches releasing the rest. Caught most of these fish on either plugs or spinners in shallow water fishing current breaks on Sharpe Crawlers/spinners seemed to produce more numbers but both are very good. We fished 10 miles or so south down river from Pierre avoiding most of the bigger crowds and seeing maybe only 3 or 4 other boats all day. Larry Porter and I both just love to guide these two couples and a real bonus for us was watching Doctor Long and wife Ann's twin sons Jake and Spencer suit up and play ball for Nebraska Saturday (beating Tenn-Chattanooga) with Spencer starting as a sophomore on the O line. Larry and I are both big Nebraska Football fans so watching the game after just guiding the parents of these two boys just capped off a great fishing guide trip for both of us. Salmon bite still way below average on Oahe. Most numbers of walleye being caught in around 17 to 30 fow on Oahe with a lot of the bigger fish either suspending in open water or hanging around the trees on the big flats( Peoria-Sully etc.) making catching them harder but catching big numbers of 14 to 16 inch fish easy from Dam up to 212 bridge with plenty of over 20 inchers being reported.

Hutch

August 27th to September 1st Fishing Report

Todd Harder from Omaha and his Dad

Todd Harder from Omaha and his Dad

Lonnie Wann and the Dow Agra Group

Dow Agra Group Big Fish

Lonnie Wann and the Dow Agra Group

Lonnie Wann and the Dow Agra Group

The Army Corp has now reduced flows and discharge rates for the Oahe Dam enough to allow fishing now from the dam down river now on Lake Sharpe. Two boat ramps are usable as of now that I know of. The one at Oahe Marina below the dam and Farm Island State Park ramp .There is a good bite from the dam all the way down river but if fishing there be real careful as it is a whole new fishery with sand bars ,shallow water and other dangers just about everywhere you go. Take some time to learn the way around. Lots of new spots to fish now and a lot of the old spots probably might not produce like before if either they got to shallow or to deep. I fished Todd Harder fom Omaha and his Dad for one day on the river(Sharpe) and one day on Oahe and we got limits both places catching 50 fish or more a day both places but getting more other fish (Northern, Smallmouth, White bass) on Oahe. Sharpe has a really nice size this fall with 17 inch fish common and quite a lot of nicer one's. The
18 to 19 inch walleye on Oahe getting harder to come by but big numbers of 14 to 15 inch fish easy. These fish are in around 20 to 30 fow on Oahe. Many big fish in the deep trees on Oahe but require hard work to get them out and losing tackle is common. Fish on Sharpe are shallow from 4 ft. to 10fow. I also fished Lonnie Wann and his Dow Chemical Group both on Oahe one day and then on Sharpe one day with similar great results, Just as good a group of guys and repeat customer's as I have and every one of them caught fish. Another example of a company taking good care of the people that help and support them. All of us guides (Tom Bruno, NE John. Scott Van Lyre, Brad Garrett & Larry Porter) and myself along with the Outpost Lodge are real grateful to have them come every year. Caught fish in both places on bttm/bouncer crawler rigs /spinner crawler rigs and pulling plugs so you can catch them different ways on Oahe and Sharpe. Fishing has held up all of August and so has the weather and I see no reason to expect September to be any different. Ran across something none of us had seen before in one area on Oahe. All of the guide boats had a lot of yellow jackets invade our boats and had some stings reported in several boats so watch out for these aggressive wasps and move if necessary. No Salmon report.

Hutch

August 27th Fishing Report

Fished the Sederlin Group from Kansas way to possession limits of walleye the first part of the week and then fished in a tournament for two days so have been behind on this report. Had a great time with these guys and caught most of these fish on bttm/bouncer night crawlers in 20 to 30 fow. I didn't do well in the tournament however many of the touring pro's weighed big weights mostly catching the big fish in deep trees using various methods. If you want big fish getting them out of trees on the big flats is were it is happing but be prepared to lose some tackle and tie some bait on. Fishing in open water is very productive for 14 to 17 inch fish however so if you want a little easier fishing these fish seem to be hanging around 20 t0 25 fow from the dam all the way up to the 212 bridge. The Salmon bite is below average. Northern are around mostly down deep. The bite is good on Lake Sharpe from below Pierre to the bend area. Both live bait fishing with night crawlers and pulling plugs are working. If fishing around Pierre be careful as new sand bars everywhere. An example would be coming out of Hipple lake (farm Island ) you can't go were the buoys used to be you have to go south after you come out of the opening to the main river. Every one is taking there time fishing on Sharpe now as the flooding has changed much of the structure so watch your depth finders.

Hutch

Central Valley Agriculture (CVA) Group Fishing Report

I along with approximately 20 other guides helped Les Wolfe and the Outpost Lodge on Cow Creek guide Central Valley Agriculture (CVA) to 4 days of fishing and BBQ'ing for 2 different bunch's of 75 guys each or around 150 guys. This group comes every year in August and makes a lot of guides including myself work and makes a lot of employee's very happy. A great way for a company to show appreciation to their work force and we all love and look forward to taking these guys fishing. Pictures say a thousand words so I am posting pictures my partner Larry Porter took of the four days.These fish were caught just about every way you can catch a walleye from bottom bouncer's, trolling plugs, Jigging spoons, slip bobbers, etc. Fish came from all depths from 10 fow to 50 fow so this report is really just general information about a great bite for a great group of guys.

Thank you CVA,

Hutch

August 20th Fishing Report

Fishing on both Oahe and Sharpe is still going strong. It is harder now to come up with numbers of 18 to 19 inch slot fish on Oahe but catching numbers of walleye from 13 to14 inches still easy. Fish over 20 inches are still around and biting and most boats coming up with some over's every trip. Everything from Jigging spoons, trolling lead core line, bttmbouncer/nightcrawler/chubs/leeches, lindy rigs and jigs and slip bobbering deep tree's working so go with what you like. The water on Oahe is dropping driving a lot of fish deeper but for the most part they are still coming up to the 20 to 30 fow to feed so moving a lot to find these up fish is important. Fishing shallow makes it easier to catch and release fish so if you want to do that avoiding catching fish real deep reduces mortality rates. You almost have to keep every fish you catch below 45 fow so trips can be shorter if you chase these guys .Bite is good on Sharpe from below Pierre to West Bend with fish coming down to 30 fow in Bend area. Dam to 212 Bridge on Oahe is all good but the closer you get to 212 bridge the more the little fish to big fish ratio increases. Fishing the CVA group for the Outpost Lodge and next report will cover that along with pictures.

Hutch

August 10th - 15th Fishing Report

The walleye fishing has remained steady along with smallmouth bass on the lower end of Oahe however I am hearing that upriver the bite has tapered off a bit above the 212 bridge. It is also getting a little harder to come by 18 to 19 inch slot fish but fish over 20 inches along with lots of 13 to 14 inch fish still making up limits for most anglers. For the most part walleye are being caught in 20 to 30 fow but I have caught some bigger fish both shallow and deep. Bottom bouncer/crawlers, pulling plugs, and Jigging spoons are all producing fish. Lake Sharpe has been putting out limits of walleye and lots of white bass below the Pierre area down to West Bend .I fished the Silverstone Group from Council Bluffs/ Omaha along with guides Dave Spaid and Tom Bruno helping me to possession limits of walleye along with some bass and northern. Super Bunch of guys and everyone caught fish and ate plenty of fish. Then I helped Dave Spaid guide the Ford Capitol Motors bunch from Pierre, Rapid, and Gillette, WY to possession limits of walleye and some bass and Northern Pike. This group are repeat customers that all of us guides look forward to fishing and everyone has a great time. We caught fish for both groups with crawler/bouncers and pulling plugs. My choice for lure's was both Manns go to's and Berkley flicker shads depending on what dept the fish were in. Many walleye are suspending in open water off the ends of points etc. making trolling productive but I still prefer to hover fish with live bait as that has always been a little more my style. There was a lot of boat traffic over the week end but it is still easy to find fish away from all the boats. Salmon reports still below average. Weather has been very good for August with temp's staying in the 80's.

Hutch

August 7th, 8th, & 9th Fishing Report

The fishing along with the weather Is holding up. Wind has been 10 to 15 mph, temps In the 80's and just about every one that knows the lake are coming in with limits of walleye and lots of smallmouth bass. I fished Verne and Lyla Furhrman from around Norfolk, Nebraska to their possession limits of walleye and smallmouth bass along with a northern pike and a few catfish so they stayed busy catching and eating fish and had a real nice batch to take home. Their biggest a 24 Incher along with a couple of 22 and 23 Inch fish. The smaller fish we kept were in the 16 to 19 inch range. We caught these fish in 17 fow to 30 fow on bouncer/crawler rigs but there are a lot of fish being caught trolling plugs also if that is your style. Once again I am just driving to area's that have very little boat traffic (we never fished around another boat moving If someone came) monitored points and fished whenever we spotted 5 or 6 fish or more. That is just about every 3rd point in the area I am fishing but I believe you can do the same all the way up and down the river as Oahe has great numbers of walleye of all different year class's. When monitoring fish on Oahe be aware that many times Drum mark almost like the walleye, however If you talk to diver's that are spearing they will tell you that most of the time when they see drum they will see walleye and that has been my experience also. Not many Salmon fishermen out so no report on them. Northern down to as much as 40 fow along with some bigger walleye. Remember horse stable spray for fly's and some days a lot of water.

Hutch

August 4th, 5th & 6th Fishing Report

Fished the Doug Carlson group with Scott Van Lyre to possession limits of walleye (48) and a lot of real nice smallmouth and a few northern pike/catfish. These fellows were from all over Nebraska (Ainsworth, Leigh, Columbus, Omaha, etc.) and we all had a great time and caught a lot of fish. Pulled some plugs (Berkley Flicker shads and Mann's go tos) and caught some on bttm/bouncer/crawlers all in around 25 to 30 fow. Along with there limit's of walleye I kept mine too as they agreed to have the Outpost Lodge cook them up for appetizers and we all had a real nice fish fry every night. Anytime my customers indicate they want to eat some fish I usually keep some of the smaller fish that are looking a little stressed for my limit and my customers enjoy eating fresh fish along with me and still are able to take there possession limit home. I wrote this somewhat in response to the fellow who wrote in wondering if I eat a lot of fish as I keep my limit a lot of the time. I do eat a lot of fish usually with the people I am guiding and both of the Lodges (Spring Creek Marina and The Outpost Lodge) do an excellent job of preparing them. Salmon fishing slow/ northern pike deeper and some walleyes feeding on suspended smelt/bait in open water. A lot of fish in submerged tree's and harder to catch. The weather has been nice on the lake most days when there is a breeze but can be hot if wind dies down. Take along a good supply of water and stay hydrated. You might consider leaving a little earlier in the morning to beat the afternoon heat.

Hutch

August 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Fishing Report

The walleye fishing along with smallmouth bass is still going strong. Salmon fishing mediocre to poor and Northern fishing is spotty also. I fished the Vince Cauley group, a bunch of nice guys from the Dallas TX and Illinois areas to possession limits of walleye and some smallmouth bass with the biggest walleye a 25 incher along with some 23 and 24 inchers. Also had a couple of nights of walleye appetizers in the evening at the lodge so they had a really nice trip with the weather being great ( one hot day but we were off the water by 2 o'clock ) and catching and releasing probably another 50 walleye. I have been fishing in around 20 fow to 30 fow and have been using crawler/ bouncer rigs but most methods (trolling, lindy rigs, leeches, chubs/minnows) are all working. I have been fishing both North of the Spring Creek area to the Cheyenne River and also South to the Dam. I have noticed with the high current releases this summer the areas that are closer to the were the main river channel hits close to the banks have more current and the fishing is better there. Remember to get some horse stable spray and keep it handy as there are days that seem to get these pests in the boat. Having a pair of long pants and white socks around isn't a bad idea if you are going out in shorts. I thought all along with the high water that July would be our best month both for fishing and for weather and it was. I think August will be great also and I hope the weather stay's reasonably cool as sometimes it can be hotter in August. Pack along plenty of water.

Hutch

July 29th - 30th Fishing Report

I guided a really nice group from down Omaha way for Spring Creek Marina to two day possession limits of walleye along with Smallmouth Bass, and some Catfish. Bill, Gary, and Anne were interested in trying for Salmon so we caught a limit of walleye on there 2nd. day by around 1 o'clock and then spent the rest of the day Salmon fishing to no avail. We caught two catfish 70 ft. down and had one other fish on but lost it. I think this has been the story on the salmon bite. One day you might get a couple, next day none. next day 3 etc, and is why I hardly ever go after them this year. I am just not hearing of any reliable bite for them. The conclusion I have come to is you better really want to catch a Salmon or just go walleye fishing. Granted I am not a salmon expert but I know guys that are and they are struggling too. Walleye bite is excellent with just about everybody doing limits. Fish were a little deeper today for us and we caught most of them in around 27 to 30 fow. We also caught bass that deep and lost a few hooks to Northern Pike. I am using bttmbouncers/crawlers with a plain hook but everything from leeches, creek chubs, minnows and pulling plugs and trolling spinners are methods that will work. Sharpe is going from Antelope creek down and boat ramp is now open at farm island park. Weather is just great but we could be getting a hot spell next week. As long as there is a breeze over the lake it isn't really bad though so until you hit land it is not as noticeable.

Hutch

July 25th - 28th Fishing Report

Fishing is as good as it is going to get this year and the July weather just is about as nice as it can be. Winds around 10 to 15 just about every day and temps in the 80's and low 90's making perfect fishing conditions, I finished fishing Jeb and Mary Piles to possession limits of bass and walleye with all real nice fish then fished repeat customers Randy Sr. and Randy Downing Jr. to limits of walleye and Bass. We caught around 50 walleye and were very selective keeping only walleye over 18 inch's along with there over's a 24 incher a 22 incher and I kept one just over 20 so once again just a real quality bunch of fish. I am still catching the fish on bttmbouncers/plain hook and night crawlers but you can get them trolling plugs, lindy rigs or jigs if that is your style of fishing. Fish are getting deeper now and we caught most of them in 20 to 30 fow. I am also hearing reports that some nice fish are being taken down on Lake Sharpe below Pierre. Bite is all over from dam to Mobridge so take your pick We never fished around any other boats today but there is still a lot of boat traffic around as the bite is so good. If you travel a little away from the most used ramps you can get away from the crowds if that is your style of fishing.

Hutch

July 24th Weekend Report

This weekend on the lower end of OAHE (PIERRE AREA) was as busy as I can remember it. Boats everywhere and guess what, I think just about everybody caught all the fish they wanted to. I think for now we can all thank the GFP's for a well done job of fish management. Some of it is mother nature sure but I think some can be traced back to John Cooper and his crew when they put the limits to 14 fish to reduce fish populations so bait fish could come back both in numbers and size. If you don't think that worked come up here and go fishing. There are baitfish all over the place and all different year classes of walleye's going back 6 or 8 years. I am not sure how much bait is being run out with the high water but everywhere I go there are clouds of bait so hopefully the current high releases will have a minimal effect on the current baitfish population. It will be interesting to see what the GFP's has to say about this. Fishing from the Dam all up and down the river is excellent along with the weather so there is no doubt that July and I think August will go down once again as our best two months of fishing. I fished repeat customers Jeb and Mary Piles from Malcom, Ne. to as good a stringer of walleye and bass as I have had this year catching both of there over's (24 and 25 inchers) and we kept one of my over's (23 incher) and then only kept fish from 18 to 19 inches We probably caught and released over 50 more walleye. They would have liked to weight these fish in any tournament. This isn't bragging as a lot of boats are doing the same thing right now. These fish were all caught in around 20 ft of water which means you can mark them with your fish finders making hunting them easier. We just got as far away from other boats as we could and then monitored points until I saw good numbers of fish with not too much bait around and dropped down a night crawler on a bttm/bouncer for these fish. If you want to catch bigger fish avoid the community spots and go hunting. It pays off in more numbers of fish and much better size. We never fished around another boat all day and caught fish on every point we fished. This is easier to do because it seems like a lot of the boats are concentrated around areas closer to the boat ramps leaving miles of shoreline no one is fishing. You can jump in with all the other boats if you want and I am sure you will catch fish but is this really getting away from it all for a few day's? I try as much as I can to avoid the crowds for my customer's and I think they all have a much better time when we fish in area's with very little boat traffic. Sometimes it is hard to do as it seems when you stop other boats come but if there is a bite I usually just move on as the fun part of walleye fishing to me is finding them. It is real easy to spot another boat and go fishing there but I think you are missing the best part of the sport. Hunting the walleye. It is what in my opinion separate's the really good walleye fishermen from the average fisherman. All the best fishermen I know are hunters of the fish first. Catching and eating are great but really secondary to the art of finding the fish. Learn how to hunt the walleye and you will end up enjoying the sport more. Fish are biting just about every way from trolling plugs live bait fishing with crawlers/ leeches/ minnows (harder to keep alive now) and bouncers or lindy rigs. No reports on Salmon but I think it is spotty Not much traffic on Lake Sharpe due to closed area's and higher current. I also think this is one reason why Oahe is so busy around the Pierre area along with a good bite. I did hear the boat ramp is now open at farm island state park giving access to antelope creek area's on Sharpe. I am not sure about the bite at West Bend but did hear it was off some.

Hutch

July 21st, 22nd and 23rd Fishing Report

The bite all around Oahe is very good with numbers of small walleye, plenty of big walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike all coming in. I am still catching plenty of fish in 10 fow or less and think this might have something to do with the high water and great mud lines all over the lake. There are still a lot of hatches of bait shallow. This seems a little unusual for mid July but the fish are there shallow especially in the wind. There are also plenty of fish being caught in 14 ft. to 17 ft or more so look around. It depends a lot on the area that you are fishing in. The main bite is really just about everywhere but I favor fishing from the dam to the Cheyenne river now as this is the area that I live in but bite is good at Bush's, Sutton Bay and I think Whitlock is still going. Salmon fishing is a little better but still not were it should be but not as many Salmon boats out so really hard to tell about fishery. I finished fishing Roger and Gary Loske from Ne. and they had a great bunch of fish with all there over's plus plenty of bass, catfish and northern to take home to eat so they had a great trip. I then fished the Dewayne Wallace group with Tom Bruno to possession limits of walleye (64) and some smallmouth Bass. Caught good numbers of fish and they ended up with most of there over's with a 26 inch walleye being the best. All fish were caught on crawler/plain hook rigs from 6 ft. to 17ft. Had a lot of fish in the 18 to 19 inch range also. Pulling plugs , fishing leeches, fishing spinners are all working. Weather has been great and so is the fishing. There are more boats around due to the flooding downriver so expect to see plenty of trailers at the ramps.

Hutch

July 17th to 20th Fishing Report

There are still a lot of fish in 6 to 10 fow, but I am noticing it is getting much harder to come by the bigger fish shallow. I think this heat wave has put them out deeper. There were more big fish in the governors cup tournament coming from 17 to as much as 40 fow. I fished the Rezac's, one of my favorite family groups with Nebraska John helping to possession limits of walleye (56) and some northern/bass etc. Pictured is Chris Rezac with a couple of nice 23 to 24 inchers. Then I fished a father/son Dan Bergemeyer from Elmwood Ne. to limits of walleye with all there over's and several northern one close to 20 lbs. caught by the son. I am now fishing Gary and Roger Loske and we limited with all nice fish all over's and northern, bass catfish. All fish were caught on either crawler/bouncer rigs or bouncer spinner rigs with most coming shallow but catching more over's in 17 to 20 fow. Fishing is still excellent but boy did we get a heat wave. Cooled down some today but had big wind. Almost welcome in the wind and fish really bit. Lots of flies around. Get some horse stable spray, it helps.

Hutch

July 13th & 14th Fishing Report

Fishing is as good as it gets now from the Dam on Oahe to the area I know, about the 212 bridge .Walleye' s are being caught from 8 feet out to 30 feet and some are being caught even suspended 20 down over 30ft. or more .A variety of plugs working trolling and bttmbouncer/spinner or bttmbouncer/plain hook with crawlers all good. Leech's good also. Just a few tips. I have noticed over the years that when you catch walleyes pulling plugs/ crankbaits or fishing with spinners you have less fish that swallow the hook. For this reason I favor these methods of fishing when we have all of these small fish in the same water column as the big one's.. I think you can have a better release rate than fishing with slower moving presentation's. If you use a lindy type method of fishing remember to always cut the hook on fish that swallow it .I leave around six inches of line attached as it gives the ones you don't want to keep a better chance of survival. Flies are starting to be bad some day's. I buy a good horse stable spray and spray the interior of boat periodically. Follow directions on the bottle as you don't want this on you or food but it is the best way along with wearing pants that I have found to keep these little darling's away. The Governor's Cup Tournament is this week-end and I think it will take at least a 3lb avg. to place and I think everyone should catch plenty of fish Good luck to every one fishing it. It is the oldest walleye tournament that I know of and there are a lot of really good fisherman entered so competition will be keen. Salmon fishing may be getting just a little better as I have heard of a few better catch's but it is still best described as spotty.

Hutch

July 11th & 12th Fishing Report

The fishing is still going full bore for walleye northern pike and smallmouth bass all up and down Oahe. There are still a lot of walleye shallow but the avg. depth most fish are being caught is probably 14 to 20 feet now. I am still catching most of my limits in 10 ft. or less but I am going out to 14 ft. more often. The lake is as healthy as I can remember. Oahe has had great spawns for the last five years and you can tell it by all the different year class fish that you catch. Lake has 4 inch, 9 inch, 14 inch,17 inch and lots of bigger year class fish all over. We are also full of 3 to 4 lb. Northern so baring any unforeseen troubles get ready for great fishing for years to come. Fished Dan Nielsen, Paul Stranghoener and Sam Cornstuble to a great batch of fish catching at least 50 walleye a day along with northern and some bass. At one point they were throwing 23 inch walleye back because they had already caught and kept all of there over 20's. Biggest a 25 incher. Way more big fish showing up now and once again with the high water I think July and August will be our best months again this year. Great weather and great numbers of all size fish. Also fished a nice family reunion group out of Spring Creek Marina to limits of all the above. I am fishing shallow with spinner/crawler rigs and fishing bouncer/plain hook/ crawlers deep but leeches are great and a variety of plugs catching a lot of fish.

Hutch

July 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th Fishing Report

July weather has arrived with great summer weather and a great summer bite. Walleye fishing along with Northern pike and smallmouth bass is excellent all over Oahe. Almost all fishermen with knowledge of the lake and good equipment taking limits daily. I fished the Rindelaub group from Mn. to possession limits of walleye and some bass and then fished a real nice group of guys from Wyoming to possession limits of walleye, maybe 15 small northern and limits of smallmouth bass. All the fish these groups took home would have around an 18inch avg. along with all over's. Butch with the Wy. Group caught the biggest walleye a 8 lb. 28 incher and took pictures and then released it. If you aren't going to mount a fish it is the right thing to do. Caught probably 50 to 75 walleye a day so they had plenty of fish to pick from to take home. I am still catching numbers of fish in shallow water (10 ft or less) but there are a lot of fish coming from 17 to 20 ft. as lake warms. Nightcrawler/ bouncer rigs with or with out spinners, leeches, minnows and trolling plugs are all working. Once again watch depth finders as many points are just barely under water and extend a long ways out into the lake. Bite is now good from the Dam all the way up lake. Salmon fishing still spotty but have heard of a few good catches around 50 down mostly with Herring strips. Salmon that are being caught are very healthy.

Hutch

July 2nd - 5th 2011 Fishing Report

Well the July 4th weekend brought great weather and great fishing. I think just about everybody with a little knowledge and good equipment caught plenty of fish. I guided the Jay Wright group of guys from Nebraska to possession limits of walleye with all of there over's and a 18 inch avg. on rest, some northern, catfish and a few smallmouth and then took Ken and Marianne Tesar from around Crete, Nebraska fishing on 5th July and they caught a real nice bunch of walleye with all there over's and 18 inch avg. on rest. Fished out of Bush landing and caught some of these fish in 17 to 20 fow but still caught at least half of them in under 10 fow. I am hearing about more fish coming from 17ft. or more now so if you aren't catching shallow go a little deeper as water warms. Boat ramps not as crowed after 4th. All roads open to Pierre and bite is excellent over all from Cheyenne to Akaska. Crawlers still my bait of choice but trolling works. Leeches working also. Salmon still spotty but some nice fish coming from 45ft to 60ft down.

Hutch

June 29th, 30th and July 1st 2011 Fishing Report

Fished Max Noordeen, Jerry Evans and friend Margret to possession limits of walleye with all their over's and at least a 18 inch avg on the rest of their take home fish. Caught maybe 30 walleye a day or more. .Also had a variety of other fish so they took home a nice batch of fish. We caught all of the big fish in around 8 ft. of water on bouncer/crawler rigs. Understand some fellow's think you can't catch fish shallow but I tell it like it is on these reports. It brings me to add something I said last year and maybe haven't mentioned this year. I am always looking for either mud lines or stained water when I am fishing shallow. If water is blue you have to cast jigs/plugs or troll as fish will spook in clear water. Guides that are pulling plugs in shallow water of 10 feet or less are doing very well also. You can catch walleyes in 14 to 20 ft. but I think you catch a better ratio of big fish to little fish fishing under 10 foot. Lake is full of bait hatches shallow right now. Hope everyone is cutting hooks and leaving around 6 inches of line on these little guys that swallow the hooks. It is the right thing to do. Bite is mainly from Cheyenne to Akaska. In other words just about all up and down the river. Hearing of some Salmon being caught 45 to 60 down but still maybe 2 nice fish a boat is avg.

Hutch

June 27th, 28th & 29th 2011 Fishing Report

Fished brother's Gary and Dale Loseke from Monroe Ne. to possession limits of walleye and some Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and a lot of Catfish as they had there possession limits of walleye first two days. Cat fishing is so good they were getting bit as soon as the bait hit the water. We caught a lot of walleye (probably 50 plus a day) and kept a 12 fish a day limit that would avg. 19 inches by being selective and carefully releasing the little guys. Caught almost all of these fish in 7 to 9 feet of water on bouncer/night crawler rigs. A couple of really great guys and both are experienced fishermen so I just had a great time. Bite is on all up and down the lake and lake is full of water and fish. All boat ramps open and all roads into Pierre open. Salmon fishing tough. I expect to see a lot of boats around this year over the 4th so you can expect busy boat ramps. Once again watch your depth finder as a lot of places have shallow water a ways into lake due to record levels.

Hutch

June 24 & 25th 2011 Fishing Report

Fished the Sam Clem group of father son's for Spring Creek Marina to two days of nice weather and a variety of walleye northern smallmouth bass and catfish. Another great bunch of guys and everyone caught fish. Bite is still about the same. We caught most of the fish in 10 feet or less but some walleye starting to be deeper now so look around in 17 to 30 feet if you aren't getting bit shallow. Crawlers still my bait of choice but plugs working. Cheyenne River up to Akaska all going strong. Heard of a few salmon being caught in 30 ft. of water.

Hutch

June 22nd & 23rd 2011 Fishing Report

Just about everywhere from the Cheyenne river up to Akaska the fish are biting. A lot of juvenile fish this year all over so the future fishery on Oahe is looking very good. On a very windy day on Wednesday and a nicer day Thursday I helped guide the BP group for the Outpost Lodge. A great bunch of guys and everyone caught some fish. I fished the Whitlock Bay area and the fish had moved out a little deeper to the 15 to 20 ft. range but we still caught them on crawler/bouncer rigs. Some guides pulled plugs and some used minnow/bouncers so a lot of ways working. Heard of a few big fish coming from 30 ft. deep but for the most part I still think you have a better chance hooking a lunker in shallow water. If I just wanted a big walleye I think I would still pitch jigs with Berkley porgy gulp into tips of gravel points in 3 to 4 ft. of water. Harder work than dragging bouncer's but if a trophy is what you are after it is probably your best odds. Watch your depth finder on the lake. There are a lot of points running way out into the lake with the higher water. Salmon still spotty, smallmouth excellent and northern pike good.

Hutch

June 19th, 20th & 21st 2011 Fishing Report

I have been saying all along with the high water if you consider the weather factor July and August are the best fishing months on Lake Oahe. Reference my last years pictures on my web site and you will see we caught more big fish in those months and sure had to deal with a lot less of the weather. Fished the Paul Jacobsen and sons group ( a great father sons trip) to limits of nice walleye on a nice day the 19th, then sat in pouring down rain catching northern, walleye and some bass on the 20th. They are real troopers and stuck it out in pouring down rain Tuesday but had to cancel third day due to 4 inches of rain and 40 mph wind gusts on 21st. Typical June weather but when you can fish it is a great bite all over Oahe. Caught these fish in 5 to 10 ft. of water in the Whitlock Bay area with bottom bouncer/night crawlers. Some guides still using minnows or pulling plugs. A lot of fish in 14 to 20 foot range but we caught more of the over 20 inch fish shallow. Maybe fish for numbers deeper but go shallow after you have your under 20 inch fish is a good game plan. Cheyenne still good along with Bush's Landing and Whitlock Bay areas. No salmon report and West Bend area spotty due to dirty high current water. Cheyenne river to the dam improving especially for those who know the lake.

Hutch

June 16th - 18th, 2011 Fishing Report

Fishing is very good all up and down Lake Oahe for numbers of fish. Everyone is catching walleye and bass. Not many reports about Salmon fishing. I think July/August will again be the main bite for the bigger walleye but right now if size isn't as important to you, you will be able to catch a lot of walleye. The bite is mostly in 15 ft. of water or less and just about everything works. Trolling plugs/bottom bouncer/lindy rigs/ jigs all fine. Minnow's or pitching gulp still best for the smallmouth bass and bigger walleye. Main bite is still in Cheyenne river from Minneconjou area to mouth and also at Whitlock bay. There is less boat traffic on main lake from Cheyenne to dam and bigger walleye but not as many numbers of fish being caught. There is a great bite at Bush's Landing also with Willow and Bull creek going strong. Fished a group of fellows from Montana with Dave Spaid and everyone caught limits of walleye along with northern pike, smallmouth bass, and other species. Most of the over 20 inch fish were caught shallow. Water is now closed around the face of the Dam for safety reasons due to discharge. All roads around Pierre open but check your routes up here as interstate 29 around Omaha is closed along with some other hwys. As usual June is a very busy month so expect to see a lot of boat traffic and busy boat ramps.

Hutch

June 13th, 14th & 15th, 2011 Fishing Report

Fished the Wilke group from Omaha/ CB area to possession limits of walleye, smallmouth bass, 40 catfish, around 10 northern pike and some real nice crappie. With the high water we have been running into crappie by accident fishing for the other species and I think there are more of these in the lake than we think. We fished mainly in the Cheyenne river staying in 10ft. of water or less when the wind is blowing but caught them in 14ft.to 20 ft when it is calm. Crawlers are bait of choice but minnows work better for the smallmouth along with gulp/jigs. Fishing is very good in Cheyenne and up at Whitlock area and I am hearing about some catches at bush's landing but think that area a week or so away from main bite. I will include a picture of a few of the crappie that were caught. One of these was over 2 lbs. so maybe looking around for some action crappie fishing next spring might be a good choice.

Hutch

June 11 & 12th, 2011 Fishing Report

I fished Fred and Mary Hodgson from Bellevue Ne. to two day possession limits of real nice fish keeping all of there over's and around 18 inch average for their slot fish. We fished both days in the Cheyenne river pulling spinners and crawlers in 10 feet of water or less. The fish are spread out all along banks on both sides of the river so spinner or plug fishing is a good presentation but jigs and lindy rigs will work. Crawlers seem best bet for live bait fishing and I like Berkley flicker shads for plug fishing. A huge amount of the 1 and 2 year class fish around so every one that is on main bite catching a lot of fish but having to throw many back to end up with quality stringers. Not a lot of reports on Salmon fishing but northern and smallmouth good. West Bend area slowed due to dirty water and big current but Oahe very good in both Pierre Area and Whitlock Bay area .Check for road closings as you might have to detour around Omaha Sioux City area due to flooding but roads into Pierre all open. Come on up and have some fun.

Hutch

June 5th, 6th, & 7th, 2011 Fishing Report

Fishing in the Pierre area is excellent with a major bite both at west bend on Sharpe and on Lake Oahe. Most of the fish are being caught in shallow water(10ft or less) with pitching jigs/gulp bottom bouncers crawlers/ minnows and trolling shallow plugs all working. Lake Sharpe is closed to boating from antelope creek to dam because of high discharges/ flooding but Oahe is unaffected as is west bend area on Sharpe. Fished Dave and Carol Kenedy and their friend to limits of bass and some big walleye then fished Hupka group Jeff, Jim and Joe to possession limits of nice walleye along with numbers of northern, white bass and smallmouth. Caught all of these fish from Brush creek to Minniconjou in the Cheyenne arm of Oahe. The Hupka group thought we caught over 50 walleye a day but if you want to come in with bigger fish you have to throw a lot of 13 to 14 inch fish back. Lots of the little guys around making for a great future fishery for Oahe. Check out link above for updated info about flooding etc in Pierre area but all roads open to Pierre. Governor has made a no fishing zone for one half mile from face of Dam due to whirlpool around tubes so Salmon fishing there nonexistent. Northern fishing very good.

Hutch

June 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2011 Fishing Report

Fished Dana, Lorie and Logan Vandyke and Dave Walters to possession limits of 24 walleye 40,smallmout and 50 catfish and some northern pike so they took back a lot of nice fish suppers. We stayed on lake Oahe all three days and were actually throwing walleye back by noon on Saturday so we went and caught 25 bass after lunch These fish were all shallow (6 feet or less) and we caught them pitching gulp or pulling flicker shads both by Berkley. Bite is in full swing on Oahe with fish being caught from Cheyenne rive to swan creek. No problems on Oahe but below dam is as bad as I have ever seen it. If you have reservations below dam better check as some along river in trouble with the rising water. Once again Oahe is fine with the high water and the fishing is good. Check out my link above for updated reports.

There are a lot of rumors going around about Oahe with the flooding but so far other than a lot of water and more current we are very fortunate that we are not affected by the high releases and all resorts on Oahe are in full swing. This is not meant to diminish the hardships being endured by those in Pierre and Fort Pierre that are in the flood zone and if you have reservations at some of the motels in the flood plain you probably better check to make sure as some might get flooded if new dikes don't work. Fishing from dam to Cheyenne is spotty but speaking for myself I think I just don't have a handle on finding the main bite for the walleye in this heavy current and rising water yet. It is easy to get all the smallmouth bass and pike etc. on lake but numbers of big walleye are harder to come by. A 4 to 8 fish average is for now probably what most boats are coming in with. I think the key is finding water that isn't too dirty from run off. Bite is shallow and pitching jigs with gulp or pulling shallow plugs has been my choice. Some fish being caught on minnow/ bouncer rigs. Current is changing some of the June spots and making fish harder to find.

Hutch

May 28th - June 2nd, 2011 Fishing Report

Fished the Woofer Group from Kansas for three days to a batch of walleye, Northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Bite is shallow with plugs and jigs working. We caught walleye and bass in Cheyenne River pulling plugs and pitching Berkley gulp porgys all in less than 7 feet of water. Bite at West Bend is spotty due to water temps in 50s and high water releases. The current flooding in the Pierre area has caused the Governor to close Sharpe from Antelope creek to Dam. The High water has not caused any closures on Oahe and the only warnings that I know of are very strong current around the Dam. With the water rising daily though watch out for floating debris as shore logs etc. can get dislodged. I have been asked about road closing coming into Pierre but I haven't heard of any. All resorts on Oahe In full swing, All boat ramps on Oahe open and fishing is starting to go from Cheyenne river up to 212 bridge. Brunt of problems are below Oahe Dam in Pierre/Ft Pierre on Sharpe but West Bend area access fine.

Hutch

May 26th & 27th, 2011 Fishing Report

Fished out of Spring Creek Marina both Thursday and Friday going up on the Cheyenne on Wed then to the bend on Thursday. We fished in 10 to 20 feet of water both place's and using bttmbouncers/minnows. We caught 19 walleye in the Cheyenne on Oahe and 12 fish walleye limits at the bend on Sharpe. Fishing is very good but weather still not ideal some days. The talk of the town is flooding and high water due to record releases on all of the dams on the Missouri river. I can't see any harm to fishing other than some muddy roads to so ramps however pay attention to current as it can make a difference in were to fish. Smelt are still shallow so not many going thru tubes yet. I am not sure what will happen in July/ Aug. Real damage is in unfortunate people being affected in flooding along river. Corp has placed a no wake zone from bad river to dam in Pierre area. All around fishing for all species is very good but not at peak summer bite yet. You can have some fun now if weather stays good.

Hutch

May 22nd to 23rd, 2011 Fishing Report

I fished Randy SR from Rapid and Randy Downing Jr. from Sioux Falls for Northern and catfish in the rain on Sunday and we caught as many catfish as we liked but only had 3 Northern to 15 lbs on smelt. These fish were all caught in 5 ft of water or less. You can catch a lot of these fish in very shallow water now but get as far back in creeks that are running water as you can. Oahe has a lot of big northern pike now so if you are looking for something a little different from walleye fishing it is not a bad choice and you get constant action and also good eating. I use slip bobbers, wire leaders. and smelt and watching those bobbers disappear is just a little different sport.

Fishing on Lake Sharpe is excellent for both smallmouth and walleye at West Bend and also walleye fishing around Pierre very good but boat traffic is high especially on weekends. The year class on Sharpe is good with a lot of 16 to 18 inch fish being caught. Because of Muddy water below bad river most fishing is from Bad River to Dam and jig/minnow, bottom bouncer/minnows bait of choice. I fished Mike and Andy from Omaha for Spring Creek Marina on Monday to nice limits of 12 fish. Key to river fishing  is looking for current breaks as a lot of water being released causing heavy current. Oahe starting to go for all species with most fish being caught in shallow water. Looking for warm water is key to catching right now. Not a lot of boat traffic on Oahe. Watch out for muddy roads going to some of the gravel road ramps as places like Minniconju ramp real bad when rain is recent. You can have some fun with the fishing now.

Hutch

May 16th to 21st, 2011 Fishing Report

Fishing out of the Outpost Lodge for the Wilke Group

Fishing out of the Outpost Lodge for the Wilke Group

Fishing out of the Outpost Lodge for the Wilke Group

Well we now have a great overall bite going on. The walleye bite is starting to go on Oahe with fish being caught in Cheyenne river and back of spawning creeks. Northern Pike fishing is excellent along with Cat fishing. Salmon even picking up so Oahe going great. Lake Sharpe putting out limits of walleye and smallmouth from downtown Pierre to West Bend but a lot of boat traffic around there if that bothers you. Was one of three boats using the boat ramp at cow creek all week and we took tons of catfish and a ten fish Northern avg. per day for 5 Days with 6 fish over 19 lbs. and at least 15 of them in the 14 to 17 lb range. Fished the Dooney group from Colorado to a big batch of both on Sunday Monday and then helped with the Wilke group to nice stringer limits of walleye along with Northern/Smallmouth/Catfish. Bite is all in 10 feet or less water with a lot if fish coming in 2 to 5 foot. Minnows for walleye smelt for Northern/Catfish.

Good Fishing Hutch

May 13th to 16th, 2011 Fishing Report

Fishing on Oahe on the lower end of lake still tough for walleye but good for northern/catfish and smallmouth bass for the few going out Salmon bite is mostly slow with 1 to 3 fish avg. catch. Most boat traffic is on Lake Sharpe from downtown Pierre to West Bend Area. I fished Dave Meyer, Mike Stedola and his boys from Des Moines, Iowa on the weekend. First day had a lot of wind so stayed on Oahe and caught 19 channel catfish, 4 northern to 19 lbs and one smallmouth. We lost several other big northern but had a nice day. Next day went to west bend on Sharpe and got 16 fish walleye limit and 25 smallmouth limit with 4 smallmouth over 18 inch slot. Caught these fish along edges of spawning beds in around 6 to 10 feet on bottom/bouncer minnows. Jigs/plugs also work. Next few days looks windy and rainy (typical spring weather) but will be on water so stay tuned for next report in a couple of days.

Hutch

May 9th to 11th, 2011 Fishing Report

Season is in full swing now with all the resorts open for business. Lower Oahe just getting over a real nice smelt run and I think one of the best we have had recently at least around the Cow/Spring /Okabojo creek areas. Getting your 5 gallons of smelt was not hard for those who were out at night netting. Fishing on lower Oahe slow with not many boats out. Pitching Jigs/minnows/ gulp producing big fish if you want to put in the time on Oahe and cat fishing excellent. Salmon spotty. Lake Sharpe producing good numbers walleye/smallmouth and a real nice avg. size both in the Pierre area and at West Bend area. Most of the walleye coming in10 feet or less with jig minnow/ bouncer minnow/or pulling shallow plugs still first choice but crawlers working at the bend.I will be on the water just about every day now so will have a new report every three days

Hutch

Well we are getting just what we needed. Nice 70 degree spring days and warm nights. Spent Friday and Sat with Keith, Dave and Doug Lennard from Atlantic Iowa. We fished the West Bend Area both Friday and Sat for walleye/smallmouth and had easy limits in around 2 hours both days so came back up on Oahe for catfish/northern in the afternoon keeping one northern and losing 3 or 4 more. The bite is going strong at the bend and the walleye being caught are mostly spawning males in the 16 to 18 inch range. Fish mostly 10 feet or less. Jig minnow/bottom bouncer minnow and shallow plugs taking most of the fish with crawlers starting to work..Bite is also good in Pierre area from the Bad river to Dam. Full smelt run in swing on lower Oahe. That combined with lower water temps making for a tougher bite..Salmon fishing on Oahe producing limited results with most fish being caught less than 40 feet. Maybe Spring is here.

Good fishing, Hutch

The smelt run is in full swing on lower lake Oahe. Cat fishing excellent on big lake. Salmon fishing slow with 1 to 3 Salmon in 7 lb range the avg. Most fishing for Salmon around intakes over 30 to 40 feet. Walleye fishing on Lower Oahe poor due to cold water but should get started as temps warm up. Lake Sharpe in Pierre area trafficky and not as good as it was but west bend area going much better than it was. People that know that area getting limits but even there late spring has bite behind for this time of year. Jigs/minnows bottom bouncer/minnows baits of choice for walleye/smallmouth with smelt/cut bait best for pike and catfish. Full pool all up an down system. Lots of water should translate to a great fishing summer for all.

Good fishing, Hutch

Good fishing, Hutch

May
Great Fishing - But Weather A Factor

June
Most Popular Month - Book Ahead. Lake Busy. Fishing Good.

July
Best Weather Month. Fish Usually Deeper, But Fishing Good.

August
Weather Hotter, But Good. Bite Usually Deeper.

September/October
My Favorite Fishing And Hunting Months. Great Fall Bite And Great Hunting.
 

Kent Hutcheson

E-mail: fishinghutch@aol.com

Summer Phone: 605-224-4755 ~ Pierre, South Dakota

Winter Phone: 712-364-3508 ~ Ida Grove, Iowa