Tony will be greatly missed

[Jon Mitzel]

SD MISSOURI RIVER FISHING/HUNTING REPORT
October 20, 2008
Provided by: Great Lakes of SD Tourism Association

It’s with sadness that we report that Tony Dean, host and producer of the Tony Dean Outdoors television show and Dakota Backroads radio show died at his home in Pierre on Sunday, October 19. Tony was a wonderful promoter of the Great Lakes Region and all of South Dakota. He worked hard on conservation & environmental issues, always working towards that middle ground that would benefit everyone. Tony was 67. He will be greatly missed.
To send condolences to the family: Tony Dean Family, 113 River Place Drive, Pierre, SD 57501

HUNTING INFORMATION
Success on the opening day of pheasant hunting varied throughout pheasant country as hunters dealt with crops providing excellent cover for the ringnecks and persistent winds making shooting difficult. But, hunter’s attitudes were good. They were seeing birds, but it was tough to get them up.
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks says its 2008 Hunting Handbook and 2008 Hunting Atlas are now available. The handbook contains details on the state’s hunting season, licensing and hunting regulations. The atlas contains maps and information on walk-in areas, game productions areas, waterfowl productions areas and other locations. For information contact GF&P at HYPERLINK "http://www.sdgfp.info" www.sdgfp.info.
For information on lodging or guides request our Great Lakes Visitor Guide at HYPERLINK "http://www.sdgreatlakes.org" www.sdgreatlakes.org.



FISHING INFORMATION
Lake Oahe
The bite is slow in the Pollock area, with anglers using crankbaits and live bait. Weather should be a bit cooler all this week. Most anglers are pulling plugs in 15-20 feet of water, depending on the day. Shore fishing is getting better as the water cools. Catfish are biting well in this area.
At Mobridge they are getting an occasional limit, but for the most part it’s very slow. Water temperature is around 54 degrees. Anglers are catching fish on crankbaits and crawlers in 10-25 feet.
Fishing at Akaska is slower with anglers working hard to get limits. But, people are still catching fish! Plugs and crawlers are working the best for bait in the 20-30 foot mark.
Fishing has slowed in the Gettysburg area and it will take a bit more work to get those fish to bite. Walleye are being caught in around the 20 foot depth pulling plugs and some anglers using live bait.
Lake Oahe (Lower end)
On the lower end of Oahe, the areas at the mouth of the Cheyenne River, at Little Bend and at Bush’s Landing have been fair for walleye. Anglers are fishing in 25-40 feet, mainly with live bait with a few anglers using plugs. The Spring Creek area has been slow with most fish being caught on live bait in 25-35 feet.
Lake Sharpe
Fishing has been slow on Lake Sharpe, with the fishing being different every day. With a little colder weather fishing should be a bit more consistent. The walleye limit is four fish daily, with no more than one fish over 20 inches
Lake Francis Case
On Lake Francis Case fishing has also slowed, with walleye being caught from Chamberlain to the Dam. Crawlers seem to work the best.
The walleye bite has been slow in the Platte Creek area, and you have to work to get that limit. Best fishing is south of the Platte/Winner bridge – in the Platte Creek/Wheeler area. Anglers are using crawlers and crankbaits.
In the Pickstown area, walleye fishing up on the lake has been poor from South Shore to Whetstone Bay. The lake is way down. Water temps are still in the low 70s. Catfish are biting fair above and below the dam.
Lewis & Clark Lake
On Lewis & Clark Lake the walleye are starting to go in the 8-15 foot depth and white bass are being caught. Catfish are being caught on night crawlers and stink bait. On the Missouri River section they are catching walleye, with limits coming in. Fish are in the 5-8 lb. range, hitting on minnows with jigs and white twister tails. Or, anglers pulling # 4 & 5 Smokey Joe Salmos. Drum are being caught on night crawlers. On Lake Yankton they are catching crappies. Large-mouth bass are hitting in the early morning with anglers using top water lures if it’s calm.
Time to take a fall fishing trip to the Missouri River! We suggest contacting one of the following resorts/bait shops for the very latest update.
For more information on fishing Lake Oahe, please call West Pollock Resort, 605-889-2448; Akaska Bait Shop at 605-649-7847 or Bridge City Bait in Mobridge, 605-845-3132. Call Bob’s Resort at 605-765-2500 or South Whitlock Resort at 605-765-9762 in Gettysburg. On the lower end of Lake Oahe, call Spring Creek Resort at 605-224-8336. On Lake Francis Case, contact the Platte Chamber of Commerce at 888-297-8175, and Fort Randall Bait & Tackle at 605-487-7760 in Pickstown. On Lewis & Clark contact Captain Norms Bait Shop at 605-665-4271.
The water level is looking good for 2008, ramps are open and the fishing is excellent – it’s time to make that trip to the Missouri River lakes in South Dakota! To obtain more information on the Great Lakes Region, visit our web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.sdgreatlakes.org" www.sdgreatlakes.org.