Lake Oahe Beginner Fishing Trip in Pierre, SD

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

$550 - $750 price range

Summary

Captain Scott Van Liere's full-day trip on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe is perfect for newcomers to fishing or those looking to brush up on their skills. Over 8 hours, you'll get hands-on experience with different techniques like casting, trolling, and jigging. The calm waters are ideal for learning, and Scott's patient guidance helps you get comfortable on the boat. You'll target Walleye, Catfish, and Bass in some of Pierre's best fishing spots. All the gear and bait are provided, so you just need to bring your South Dakota fishing license, some snacks, and drinks. It's a great chance to enjoy the scenery, learn from an experienced guide, and hopefully land your first big catch. Whether you're a complete beginner or just want a relaxed day of fishing, this trip offers a fun, low-pressure introduction to angling in South Dakota's beautiful lakes.

Lake Oahe Beginner Fishing Trip in Pierre, SD

Beginner's Big Catches

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

Reel in the Fun: Beginner's Lake Adventure

Hey there, fishing newbies and casual anglers! Ready to wet a line and maybe land your first big catch? Captain Scott Van Liere's got you covered with this laid-back, full-day trip on the gorgeous waters of Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. No need to stress about gear or know-how – Scott's here to show you the ropes and help you get comfortable on the water. Over 8 hours, you'll get hands-on experience with different fishing techniques while soaking in the stunning South Dakota scenery. Whether you're hoping to battle a feisty walleye, reel in a hard-fighting catfish, or outsmart a crafty bass, this trip's all about having fun and learning the basics. So grab your license, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day of fish tales in the making!

What to Expect on the Water

First things first – relax! This isn't a high-pressure fishing tournament. Captain Scott's all about creating a chill vibe where you can learn at your own pace. You'll start the day getting familiar with the boat and basic safety stuff. Then it's time to cruise out to some of Scott's favorite fishing spots. He'll show you how to set up your rod, bait your hook, and make your first cast. Throughout the day, you'll get to try different techniques like trolling (dragging lures behind the boat) and jigging (bouncing a lure up and down). Scott's always nearby to answer questions, offer tips, or lend a hand if you get a tangle. The lakes here are known for their abundance of fish, so your chances of feeling that exciting tug on the line are pretty darn good. Between casts, soak in the peacefulness of being out on the water and keep an eye out for local wildlife like bald eagles or pelicans.

Fishing 101: Techniques & Gear

Don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before – that's what Scott's here for! He'll walk you through everything step-by-step. You'll learn how to cast without tangling (trust me, we've all been there), how to set the hook when a fish bites, and the right way to reel in your catch. Depending on what's biting, you might try:

- Trolling: This is where you slowly cruise along, dragging lures or bait behind the boat. It's a great way to cover water and find active fish. - Jigging: Here, you'll drop a lure straight down and give it some action by moving your rod tip up and down. It's super effective for walleye! - Live bait fishing: Sometimes, you can't beat a juicy nightcrawler or minnow to entice those fish.

Scott provides all the gear, so no need to go out and buy a bunch of stuff. You'll be using quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for the fish we're after. He'll show you how each piece of equipment works and which lures or bait are best for different situations. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid grasp of the basics – and maybe even land yourself a new hobby!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe are home to some seriously fun fish to catch. Here's what we're hoping to tangle with:

Walleye: These golden-eyed beauties are the crown jewel of South Dakota fishing. They put up a great fight and taste amazing (though we're catch-and-release on this trip). Walleye tend to hang out near the bottom, so we'll often use jigs or bottom bouncers to target them. Spring and fall are prime walleye seasons, but you can catch them year-round. The average size is 2-3 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 5+ pounder!

Channel Catfish: These whiskered warriors are perfect for beginners because they're abundant and not too picky about bait. We'll use stinkier stuff like cut bait or prepared dough baits to attract them. Catfish love warm water, so summer is prime time. They average 2-5 pounds, but monster cats over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. When you hook one, hold on tight – they've got some serious pulling power!

Smallmouth Bass: These bronze-colored battlers are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights. We'll target them with lures that mimic their favorite foods like crayfish or small baitfish. Smallmouth bass fishing heats up in late spring and stays good through fall. They typically range from 1-3 pounds, but a 4-5 pounder is a real trophy. The cool thing about smallmouth is how aggressive they are – even a smaller one will give you a run for your money!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Sure, catching fish is awesome, but there's so much more that makes this trip special:

1. No-pressure learning: Captain Scott's patient teaching style means you'll actually remember what you learn, not just get overwhelmed with info.

2. Quality time: Whether you're fishing with family, friends, or solo, there's something magical about disconnecting from the world and just focusing on the water.

3. Scenery that can't be beat: The Missouri River system created these lakes, leaving behind stunning bluffs, hidden coves, and wide-open vistas. Keep your camera handy!

4. Wildlife encounters: Bald eagles soaring overhead, deer coming down to the shore for a drink, maybe even a playful river otter – you never know what you might see.

5. The thrill of the unknown: Every cast has the potential to be "the big one." That mix of anticipation and surprise keeps you coming back for more.

6. Bragging rights: Even if you don't land a monster, you'll head home with some great stories and maybe a new addiction to fishing!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, future anglers, are you ready to trade that couch for a comfy seat on Captain Scott's boat? This beginner-friendly trip is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of fishing without any of the hassle or pressure. You'll learn real skills from a pro, potentially catch some awesome fish, and definitely make some great memories out on these beautiful South Dakota lakes. Whether you're looking for a unique family outing, a chill day with friends, or just want to try something new, this trip's got you covered. Remember, all the gear's provided – you just need to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your day on the water. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite hobby! Give Captain Scott a call and get ready to make some fish tales of your own.

Learn more about the species

Channel Catfish

Channel cats are a local favorite, usually running 2-10 pounds but can top 20. They love warm, murky water and hang out near the bottom. You'll find them around structure like logs, rocks, and deep holes. These whiskered fish put up a great fight and taste delicious. Spring and early summer are prime times, especially at night when they're most active. Use stinkbait or cut bait to appeal to their keen sense of smell. A longer rod, about 7 feet, gives you more options for presenting bait. When you hook one, be careful of those sharp fins! Here's a local trick: try fishing near tributary mouths after a good rain. The runoff stirs up food and attracts hungry cats. Remember, patience is key with catfish – they'll often investigate bait before committing.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouths are some of the scrappiest fish in our waters, usually 1-4 pounds but can reach 6-7. They love clear, cool water with rocky or gravelly bottoms. You'll often find them around structure like boulders, fallen trees, or drop-offs. Spring and fall are great times to target them, especially early mornings and late evenings. These bronze beauties are famous for their acrobatic fights – they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked. They're also excellent eating if you choose to keep a few. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and live bait all work well. Here's a local secret: when the water's choppy, try throwing topwater lures near shoreline rocks. Smallies love to ambush prey in disturbed water. Just remember to set the hook hard – they have tough mouths and can shake loose easily.

Walleye

Walleye are the bread and butter of our lakes, typically 15-25 inches long. They're known for their distinctive eyes that shine in low light, which is when they feed best. You'll find them hanging around rock piles, weed edges, and drop-offs, usually in 10-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer nights can be hot too. Walleye are popular for their tasty, flaky white meat and the challenge they present. They're not the hardest fighters, but they're sneaky and can be tough to locate. Trolling with crankbaits or jigging with minnows works well. Here's a tip: when the water's warm, try fishing deeper during the day and shallower at night. And don't forget to check your line often – walleye have sharp teeth that can wear it down quickly.

About the Scott Van

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 55

Hop aboard Captain Scott Van Liere's comfortable boat for a laid-back day of fishing on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. This 8-hour trip is perfect if you're new to angling or just looking for a relaxed outing on the water. Captain Scott will show you the ropes, teaching basic techniques like casting, trolling, and jigging as you try your luck for walleye, catfish, and bass. He knows all the local hotspots where the fish are biting. You don't need to bring any gear - the captain provides all the tackle and bait you'll need. Just remember to grab your South Dakota fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the day. As you cruise the calm lakes, you'll get to soak in the pretty surroundings while picking up fishing tips from your patient guide. Who knows - you might even reel in your first big catch!

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