UTERWalleye fishing in South Dakota freshwater
In South Dakota freshwater, walleye peak April–June and October and December–January and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Missouri River reservoirs through the ice.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in South Dakota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakMissouri River reservoirs through the ice.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilSpawningOahe and Sharpe pre-spawn.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish walleye near Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case
The Missouri River's great walleye reservoirs, glacial lakes in the northeast, and Black Hills trout streams.
What to use for walleye
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in South Dakota freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and October and December–January, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. January: Missouri River reservoirs through the ice.
Where do walleye hold in South Dakota freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, Black Hills streams, Glacial lakes.
What is the best bait for walleye in South Dakota freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for walleye in South Dakota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) and change — read the current rule at https://gfp.sd.gov/fishing-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://gfp.sd.gov/licenses/.
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