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Lake Sharpe

Boat Ramps
40
Access Points
93
Species
24

Lake Sharpe is a stunning 80-mile impoundment of the Missouri River that stretches from Pierre to Fort Thompson in central South Dakota. Covering approximately 61,000 acres with over 200 miles of shoreline, this reservoir is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities. The lake is named after former South Dakota Governor M.Q. Sharpe and sits between Lake Oahe upstream and Lake Francis Case downstream. With depths reaching over 75 feet, Lake Sharpe provides diverse habitats supporting numerous fish species. Known primarily as a walleye factory, the lake offers consistent action throughout the year, making it a premier destination for anglers seeking both quantity and quality catches amid the beautiful South Dakota landscape.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Paddlefish11,798 fishAug 28, 2025
  • Paddlefish11,330 fishAug 26, 2025
  • Paddlefish4,246 fish · JuvenilesAug 31, 2023
  • Paddlefish7,040 fish · JuvenilesAug 31, 2023
  • Paddlefish12,954 fish · JuvenilesSep 2, 2021

Source

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Sharpe. 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.

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Sharpe

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.

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South Dakota Fishing License

Residents and Nonresidents 18 years old and older are required to have a fishing license

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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.

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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.

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Take Lake Sharpe 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 Sharpe to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Sharpe 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

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Sharpe and check the forecast before you go.

MISSOURI RIVER AT LAFRAMBOISE ISLAND AT PIERRE, SD

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