Expert-Guided Pierre SD Fishing | Lake Oahe Trip

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

$550 - $750 price range

Summary

Join Captain Scott Van Liere for a full-day fishing adventure on the waters around Pierre, South Dakota. You and three friends will set out at dawn to target bass, catfish, and walleye in prime spots like the Spring Creek–Cow Creek area, Lake Oahe's structure-rich zones, Lake Sharpe's quick flats, and quiet local channels. Scott's years of experience mean you'll benefit from refined trolling techniques, precise jigging, and clean casting. The trip covers a variety of fishing styles to maximize your chances of landing that trophy walleye or hefty catfish. Remember to bring your South Dakota fishing license, lunch, and drinks – and feel free to enjoy a responsible beer if you'd like. Book early to snag the best dates when the walleye bite is hot. With Scott's expert guidance and local knowledge, you're in for a day of steady action and great fishing.

Expert-Guided Pierre SD Fishing | Lake Oahe Trip

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

Just a line in Pierre’s water

Making ripples in Pierre

2 fish caught in Pierre, South Dakota during fishing trip

Bait, boat, and a big catch

Morning casts, Pierre style

Full-Day Pierre SD Fishing: 4-Person Private Trip

Ready to hit the water for some serious fishing action? Captain Scott Van Liere's got you covered with this full-day guided trip on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. You and three buddies will be in for a treat, targeting some of South Dakota's most sought-after game fish. From dawn 'til dusk, you'll be working prime spots that only the locals know, giving you the best shot at landing that trophy catch.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off at first light when the fish are most active. Scott's been guiding these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to find the hot bites. You'll cruise through the Spring Creek–Cow Creek corridor, hit up some killer Lake Oahe structure, and work the fast flats of Lake Sharpe. Don't worry about bringing gear - Scott's boat is decked out with top-notch equipment. Just remember to grab your South Dakota fishing license, pack a lunch, and bring whatever drinks you fancy (yes, a cold one is fine if that's your style). The action is usually steady, but even when the fish are being stubborn, Scott's got the know-how to put you on 'em.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

This ain't your average cast-and-hope fishing trip. Scott's got a whole bag of tricks to get those fish biting. You'll learn the art of refined trolling, picking apart structure with precision. When the situation calls for it, you'll switch to sharp jigging techniques that can trigger strikes from finicky fish. And for those picture-perfect moments, you'll work on clean casting into prime spots. Scott's spent years perfecting these methods on bass, walleye, and catfish in these very waters. By the end of the day, you'll have picked up some skills that'll serve you well on future trips.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Scott is the best, just a great guy with amazing ability! See you next year Scott!" - Joe

"Thanks for two great days on the water. We will eat Walleye all winter." - Mike

Species You'll Want to Hook

Channel Catfish: These whiskered bottom-dwellers are a Pierre staple. They're not just big – we're talking potential 20-pounders here – but they put up one heck of a fight. Scott knows all the deep holes and cut banks where these cats like to hide out. They're most active in the warmer months, and once you hook into one, you'll see why anglers can't get enough of that bent-rod, drag-screaming action.

Walleye: Ask any South Dakota angler their favorite fish, and walleye's bound to come up. These marble-eyed beauties are prized for their flaky, white meat and the challenge they present. Spring and fall are prime walleye seasons on Lake Oahe, but Scott's got a knack for finding them year-round. Whether you're trolling crankbaits or jigging live bait, landing a trophy walleye is an experience you won't forget.

Smallmouth Bass: Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing small about the fight these bronze bruisers put up. Lake Oahe and Sharpe are chock-full of smallies, and they love to hang around rocky points and drop-offs. These acrobatic fish are known for their explosive strikes and airborne antics. The bass fishing here heats up in late spring and stays hot through fall, giving you plenty of opportunities to tangle with these hard-fighting gamefish.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're serious about putting some fish in the boat and having a blast while doing it, this is the trip for you. Scott's knowledge of these waters is second to none, and he's got the patience to work with anglers of all skill levels. Remember, the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime walleye season. This trip is non-refundable, so when you book, you're locked in for a day of top-notch fishing. Don't miss out on what could be the best day on the water you've had in years. Grab your crew, secure your date, and get ready for some rod-bending action on the Missouri River reservoirs. Trust me, you'll be swapping fish stories for months after this one.

Customer Reviews

Scotts Super Skills

Scott is the best, just a great guy with amazing ability! See you next year Scott!

Joe Floyd

September 26, 2019

Winters Walleye Feast

Thanks for two great days on the water. We will eat Walleye all winter.

Mike Roush

March 4, 2022

Learn more about the species

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are hard-fighting bottom-dwellers that'll test your skills. These whiskered fish average 2-4 pounds but can top 20 in our waters. Look for them in deeper holes, around structure, and near drop-offs. They're most active at night and in low light, making dawn and dusk prime time. Cats love stinky bait - try cut bait, chicken liver, or prepared stinkbaits. Their sensitive barbels help them find food in murky water. Catfish are popular for their fight and tasty meat. When you hook one, be ready for a battle. They'll often make strong runs and try to wrap you around logs. My local tip: use a sturdy rod and reel combo spooled with 20-pound test line. Set the hook hard and keep tension - catfish have tough mouths. Careful handling them too, those fins are sharp!

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in our waters. These bronzebacks typically run 1-3 pounds, with some topping 5. You'll find them around rocky points, submerged timber, and current breaks. They love clear, cool water and are most active in 55-75 degree temps. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer can be great too if you fish deep structure. Smallies are known for their acrobatic fights - expect plenty of jumps when you hook one. They're fun on light tackle and make for good catch-and-release action. To target smallmouth, try casting tube jigs, crankbaits, or topwater lures near rocky areas. My local tip: On calm mornings, walk the banks and look for cruising fish in shallow water. A well-placed fly or small lure can produce explosive strikes. Just be stealthy - these fish have keen eyesight!

Walleye

Walleye are a prized catch here on Lake Oahe. These golden-eyed predators typically run 2-5 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 10+. You'll find them along drop-offs, rock piles, and weed edges in 15-30 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are prime walleye seasons when water temps are in the 50s-60s. These fish put up a good fight and are excellent eating. Locals call 'em "marble-eyes" for their distinctive gaze. To catch walleye, try slow-trolling crawler harnesses or crankbaits along structure. My go-to rig is a bottom bouncer with a spinner and nightcrawler. One trick: If you're marking fish but not getting bites, try downsizing your bait and slowing your presentation. Sometimes a subtle approach is key for finicky walleye.

About the Scott Van

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 55

Rise early and join Captain Scott Van Liere for a full day of fishing on the waters around Pierre, South Dakota. This guided trip is perfect for a group of four looking to reel in bass, catfish, and walleye. You'll explore prime spots along Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and local channels, targeting fish-rich areas that only seasoned anglers know. Scott's years of experience mean you'll benefit from refined techniques like precise trolling, expert jigging, and skillful casting. To make the most of your outing, remember to bring your South Dakota fishing license, lunch, and drinks. A little responsible drinking is okay too. Book early to catch the peak walleye season - these sought-after fish are a local favorite. Keep in mind that all bookings are non-refundable, so pick your date carefully and get ready for a day of steady action and expert guidance on South Dakota's beautiful lakes.

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