Found throughout the Missouri River system, both white and smallmouth bass are prevalent in Lake Oahe, and in Lake Sharp, bass are the second most commonly caught fish. Smallmouth fishing peaks during the May-June spawning season in clear water near rocks, logs and dams. Deep-diving lures bring success through the heat of summer.

Native to eastern South Dakota, largemouth bass are dominate in the calm, well-vegetated pons and smaller lakes of the Pierre-Fort Pierre area. Similar to smallmouth bass, largemouths spawn in spring when water temperatures climb to 65 degrees F. Plastic worms, jerkbaits, crankbaits and pork rind are popular largemouth lures.