Lake Oahe (Upper)

Lake Oahe (Upper)

View in the App
Size
94,303ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
Yes
Species in Lake Oahe (Upper)
Walleye
Walleye
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Channel catfish
Channel catfish
Northern pike
Northern pike
Atlantic salmon
Atlantic salmon
Chinook salmon
Chinook salmon
White bass
White bass
Perch
Perch
Sauger
Sauger

Overview

The walleye population in Oahe is top-notch. Northern pike and white bass round out the primary species available on this Missouri River impoundment. Channel cats and Chinook salmon are a bonus!

Lake Oahe (Upper) Map

Features

This section of Lake is located in central South Dakota, between the City of Mobridge to the north and the City of Pierre to the south. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction of the Oahe Dam on the Missouri River in 1948 and completed the project in 1962. The dam was built to control flooding, provide hydroelectric power and supply water for irrigation. Oahe Dam is the world’s second largest rolled earth-filled dam. The land from the water’s edge inland to the government boundary stakes is owned by the federal government and is open to public use. Locals refer to this area as the “take line.” The Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Indian Reservations are located along the west shore. In addition to Oahe’s famed fishing, the adjacent public hunting grounds offer excellent waterfowl, upland game and big game hunting opportunities. Weather conditions can change quickly on Oahe. Storm fronts often move with frightening speed- always be aware of the weather conditions. This can be an extremely rough lake, especially for smaller boats. The Moreau River region of Lake Oahe offers anglers numerous opportunities for a variety of species. Although the quality walleye fishery dominates most angler’s attention, white bass and catfish should also be recognized for their excellent sporting qualities.

Forage

The primary forage for walleye is spottail shiner. Perch, goldeye, drum, emerald shiner and white bass are also utilized. In 1971, rainbow smelt were introduced into Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. By 1977 they established in Lake Oahe and now provide the significant coldwater forage base for salmon and trout.

Seasonal Movements

During spring, walleye, northern pike and white bass move into the shallow creek and river arms to spawn. Northern Pike are first to spawn, usually from the last week of March to the second week of April. Walleye and white bass spawning generally occurs during April. The Moreau River, Swan Creek and Swift Bird Creek are major spawning sites. Chinook salmon have two seasonal movements. From spring through summer, they migrate toward the cooler water near the dam. As fall approaches, some mature salmon move back to the Whitlocks Bay area where they were originally planted.
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Fish Species

Atlantic salmon
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Channel catfish
fish
8-25 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2025
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
View in the App
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Sep
2025
Jul
View in the App
Chinook salmon
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Northern pike
fish
16-39 in
Length Range
26 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
View in the App
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
Sep
2024
Sep
View in the App
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized northern-pike based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202438
202238
View in the App
Perch
fish
16-39 in
Length Range
26 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
View in the App
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
Sep
2024
Sep
View in the App
Sauger
fish
16-39 in
Length Range
26 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
View in the App
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
Sep
2024
Sep
View in the App
Smallmouth bass
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Walleye
fish
8-25 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2025
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
View in the App
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Sep
2025
Jul
View in the App
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized walleye based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202431
202329
202229
202131
202030
View in the App
White bass
fish
16-39 in
Length Range
26 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
View in the App
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
Sep
2024
Sep
View in the App
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized white-bass based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202417
202117
201817
View in the App

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Boat Launch: No

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