Lake Oahe
Lake Oahe
- Boat Ramps
- 87
- Access Points
- 155
- Species
- 23
Lake Oahe is a massive reservoir spanning from central South Dakota into North Dakota, created by the Oahe Dam on the Missouri River. Covering approximately 370,000 acres with over 2,250 miles of shoreline, it ranks as the fourth largest reservoir in North America with a maximum depth of 205 feet. Known for its pristine waters, stunning landscape, and exceptional fishing opportunities, Lake Oahe has become a premier destination for anglers seeking trophy-sized fish in a tranquil setting. The reservoir provides diverse aquatic habitats that support numerous game fish species, making it one of the most productive fisheries in the Midwest.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Lake Oahe and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Bigmouth Buffalo
Ictiobus cyprinellus
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Burbot
Lota lota
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Freshwater Drum
Aplodinotus grunniens
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
River Carpsucker
Carpiodes carpio
Sauger
Sander canadensis
Shorthead Redhorse Sucker
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
Shortnose Gar
Lepisosteus platostomus
Smallmouth Buffalo
Ictiobus bubalus
White Bass
Morone chrysops
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
White Sucker
Catostomus commersonii
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Chinook Salmon13,300 fish · JuvenilesOct 30, 2025
- Chinook Salmon14,317 fish · JuvenilesOct 30, 2025
- Chinook Salmon15,151 fish · JuvenilesOct 29, 2025
- Walleye136,892 fish · JuvenilesJun 10, 2025
- Walleye296,868 fish · JuvenilesJun 9, 2025
Source
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Oahe. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
WW Salmon Station Access
Thomas Bay Access
Whitlock Bay Access
West Whitlock Access
West Shore Access
Okobojo Point Access
Beaver Creek Public Use Area (Main) Access
East Whitlock Access
Bush's Landing Access
Spring Creek Courtesy Dock Access
Know where you can legally fish on Lake Oahe
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
South Dakota licenses and regulations
South Dakota Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
South Dakota Fishing License
Residents and Nonresidents 18 years old and older are required to have a fishing license
South Dakota Fishing Regulations
This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
South Dakota Stream Access Laws
If a river or stream is capable of being floated, it can be used for any lawful recreational activity, such as boating or fishing. Any public use above the ordinary high water mark, i.e., outside of the stream bank, without the landowner's permission, would be considered trespassing.
Take Lake Oahe with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Lake Oahe to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Oahe to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
Get the onWater Fish app
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Lake Oahe and check the forecast before you go.
MISSOURI RIVER NEAR SCHMIDT, ND
All Flow Stations
Lake Oahe fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
Fishing near Lake Oahe
Missouri River
Heart River
Sweet Briar Lake
Apple Creek
Nelson Lake
Little Heart River
Cannonball River
Long Lake
Square Butte Creek
Explore South Dakota waters
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Thomas Bay Boat Ramp
- Garrigan's Landing Boat Ramp
- Pike Haven Boat Ramp
- Oahe - The Bay Boat Ramp
- Oahe Rousseau Boat Ramp
- Oahe Pike Haven Boat Ramp
- Rousseau Creek Boat Ramp
- Minneconjou North Boat Ramp
- Bush's Landing Lakeside Use Area Boat Ramp
- West Pollock Recreation Area South Boat Ramp
- Sutton Bay Boat Ramp
- Cattail Bay Boat Ramp
- All 229 spots
Nearby waters
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