From the face of Oahe Dam north to the Cheyenne River, Lake Oahe offers excellent fishing for Chinook salmon. These cold-water fish are pulled from depths of 50 to 100 feet or more. The salmon's primary prey is the rainbow smelt, and the effective lures imitate this silvery fish.

The Pierre area's reputation as a trout hotspot is growing, thanks to a healthy population of large rainbow trout, some weighing over 10 pounds. Trophy catches have been pulled from area below Oahe Dam, often using silver and chartreuse lures that imitate smelt and baitfish. Fly fishing is increasingly common near the tailrace and marina, starting in the season just after ice-out.

An easy catch from small craft or the shore, channel catfish are found in many habitats and depths in both Lake Sharp and Lake Oahe. You'll land prize specimens- perhaps over 30 pounds- using night crawlers, chicken livers, crawfish and other meaty, strong-smelling bait. Look for the best fishing from spring through fall, when warmer waters create peak spawning conditions.