Ready to hit the water for some serious Pierre fishing action? Hop aboard with Scott Van Liere Guide Service for a full day of chasing walleye, bass, and catfish across South Dakota's premier fishing lakes. We'll cruise from Spring Creek to Cow Creek, tackling the vast expanse of Lake Oahe before dropping down to the fish-filled waters of Lake Sharpe. With local hotspots and hidden gems on the agenda, you're in for a day of non-stop angling excitement.
Rise and shine, anglers! We'll meet you at the dock bright and early at 6:00 AM to kick off our 8-hour fishing adventure. Captain Scott knows these waters like the back of his hand, so get ready for a day filled with prime fishing spots and local intel. We'll be targeting the big three: walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Scott's got the tips and tricks to help you land that trophy catch. Bring your South Dakota fishing license, pack a lunch, and don't forget those drinks – you're welcome to bring some responsible refreshments on board if that's your style. Just remember, we run a tight ship when it comes to bookings, so once you're locked in, you're committed to a day of epic fishing.
On this trip, we're pulling out all the stops to get you on fish. We'll be mixing it up with trolling, jigging, and casting – whatever it takes to entice those bites. For the walleye, we might run some bottom bouncers or pull cranks, depending on where they're hanging. When it comes to smallies, get ready to work those jigs along rocky points or toss some topwater if they're in a smashing mood. And for those big channel cats? We'll set up with some stink bait or cut bait and let 'em rip. Scott's been bass fishing these Pierre waters for years, so he's always got a few tricks up his sleeve. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, you'll pick up some killer techniques to add to your arsenal.
"My sisters and I wanted to get Dad a guided fishing trip for his 60th Birthday and Scott came highly recommended! And boy did I find out why! He made sure we found fish and made the environment in the boat a blast! Great guy to be around and there is talk about doing fishing trips every other year now! Thanks Scott! Five star plus rating in my book!" - Sheyna Rae
"Scott delivered again this year. We got our limit by 2 pm. Scott's very knowledgeable and always knows where the fish are." - Bill
"Puts you on the fish where they are biting. Always catch a lot of fish when on his boat. Always a great experience with Scott. Highly recommended. Thanks Scott" - Matt
Walleye: Known as "marble-eyes" to locals, these golden-bellied predators are the crown jewel of Lake Oahe fishing. They're cunning, hard-fighting, and absolutely delicious. Spring and fall are prime times to target walleye, but with Scott's know-how, you can get into them year-round. Expect to tangle with fish in the 15-25 inch range, with the chance at a real wall-hanger. There's nothing quite like the thump of a walleye hitting your line – it's addictive!
Smallmouth Bass: Pound-for-pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in these lakes. They love rocky structure and will absolutely crush a well-presented bait. We typically see bronzebacks in the 2-4 pound range, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 5+ pounder – Lake Oahe and Sharpe are known for producing some bruisers. These acrobatic fish will test your skills with their jumps and runs, making for an exciting fight every time.
Channel Catfish: Don't let their whiskers fool you – these cats have some serious attitude. Channel cats in Pierre's lakes can grow to impressive sizes, with 5-10 pounders being common and the chance at a 20+ pound monster always on the table. They're most active in the warmer months, and once hooked, they'll give you a workout as they dive for the bottom. Plus, if you're looking for some good eatin', channels are hard to beat for their mild, sweet flavor.
Look, if you're itching for a day of top-notch fishing on some of South Dakota's best waters, you can't go wrong with Scott Van Liere Guide Service. We're talking about a full day of chasing after walleye, smallmouth, and catfish across Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe – that's a recipe for a killer time on the water. Scott's local knowledge and years of experience mean you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of Pierre's hottest fishing spots. Whether you're looking to fill the livewell or just want to bend some rods, this trip's got you covered. Don't miss out on the chance to create some lasting fishing memories – book your spot now and get ready for a day of non-stop action on the water. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that trophy catch!
June 16, 2021
Here's a good gift idea for the fisherman in your life.
December 10, 2019
Scott delivered again this year. We got our limit by 2 pm. Scott’s very knowledgeable and always knows where the fish are.
September 26, 2019
Puts you on the fish where they are biting. Always catch a lot of fish when on his boat. Always a great experience with Scott. Highly recommended. Thanks Scott
June 28, 2019
Awesome guide. The guy is a machine. Don’t tell him I said it though.
June 25, 2019
Channel catfish are a fun target in our local waters. These whiskered fish typically run 2-10 pounds, though 20+ pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in deeper holes and around structure. They're not picky eaters, feeding on everything from insects to small fish. Catfish really come alive in warmer months, especially at night. Anglers love 'em for their strong fight and tasty meat. To land one, try a simple rig with some stinkbait or cut bait near the bottom. Just watch those sharp fins when you're handling them! A local trick is to fish the edges where shallow areas drop off into deeper water – catfish love to patrol those zones. Whether you're after a trophy or just some good eating, channel cats rarely disappoint.
Smallmouth bass are real fighters in our lakes and rivers. Most run 1-3 pounds, but 4-5 pounders aren't uncommon. Look for them around rocky areas, drop-offs, and submerged timber. They love clear, cool water. Spring and fall are prime times, but summer mornings and evenings can be hot too. Anglers prize smallies for their acrobatic jumps and hard-pulling fights. They're also great eating if you choose to keep a few. To target them, try casting soft plastics or small crankbaits near structure. A light spinning setup with 6-10 pound line works well. One local trick: when the bite's tough, switch to a drop shot rig with a small plastic worm. Work it slowly along the bottom, especially near points and drop-offs. Smallmouth can't resist an easy meal dancing right in front of their noses.
Walleye are a prized catch in these parts, known for their tasty white meat. Most run 15-20 inches, but bigger ones pushing 30 inches show up now and then. You'll find them hanging around rocky points, deep weed edges, and drop-offs. They prefer cooler water, so we target them deeper in summer. Spring and fall are prime walleye seasons here. Anglers love the challenge – walleye can be finicky, but the reward is worth it. They put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. To boost your chances, try slow-trolling with a bottom bouncer and nightcrawler harness. Work those depth changes, especially at dawn and dusk when walleye feed aggressively. One local tip: on windy days, focus on points and shorelines where the wind's blowing in. Walleye often stack up there to ambush baitfish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 55
My sisters and I wanted to get Dad a guided fishing trip for his 60th Birthday and Scott came highly recommended! And boy did I find out why! He made sure we found fish and made the environment in the boat a blast! Great guy to be around and there is talk about doing fishing trips every other year now! Thanks Scott! Five star plus rating in my book!