Meet Guide Scott Van Liere

Captain Scott Van Liere is the steady hand behind the most trusted guided fishing Pierre SD experiences. Raised on the Missouri River system, he logged his first Walleye before most kids mastered a bicycle, then spent decades refining techniques that fit the river’s shifting currents and weather quirks. Today, he balances a degree in wildlife management with countless hours on the water, offering guests a deep understanding of fish behavior, seasonal transitions, and conservation-minded practices that protect these resources for future anglers.

Scott’s daily office ranges from the Spring Creek–Cow Creek corridor up through the sprawling main basin of Lake Oahe and down into the flow-regulated waters of Lake Sharpe. His notebooks read like a living field guide—water temps, forage trends, and subtle humps or breaks that produce fish year after year. While Lake Oahe fishing often grabs headlines for its tournament-class Walleye, Scott shares equal enthusiasm for tracking late-summer Catfish in quiet backwaters or pinpointing October smallmouth along sun-warmed rock piles. Each decision, from lure color to trolling pass, reflects firsthand observation rather than guesswork.

Anglers interested in bass fishing Pierre SD style quickly see why Scott’s reputation stretches beyond the state line. He excels at reading structure, wind, and light to position clients on aggressive smallmouth within casting range, then switches gears to vertical-jig marble-eyes during midday lulls. His approach remains flexible: finesse rigs when the bite turns finicky, crankbaits when a reaction strike is the ticket, and bottom-bouncers when Walleye hug the breaks. Clear communication on technique keeps newcomers relaxed and seasoned anglers engaged.

The platform for these outings is a 22-foot Skeeter fiberglass boat launched in 2020, powered by twin Yamaha engines that deliver a reliable 55-knot cruise. Wide, uncluttered casting decks accommodate up to six guests, while GPS-linked electronics, rod lockers, and USCG-approved safety gear add confidence in all conditions. Whether the day calls for long runs up the reservoir or precise drifts along submerged structure, the craft’s stability and layout allow Scott to focus on the finer details of presentation while guests enjoy a comfortable, efficient ride.