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Walleye

Walleye

Walleye are South Dakota's most popular sport fish, with anglers harvesting an estimated 2. 7 million walleyes and saugers combined during 2013.

Native to the Missouri River basin, they have been extensively introduced throughout the state's numerous lakes and reservoirs since 1950.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Walleye are distinguished by their torpedo-shaped body, large white eyes with a reflective layer that aids low-light vision, and a single black spot near the rear of the first dorsal fin.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer cool, deep waters including rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, typically favoring areas with rocky substrates, submerged structures, and moderate turbidity.

Key Locations

  • They inhabit diverse water bodies from the massive Missouri River reservoirs like Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis & Clark Lake, to the glacial lakes of eastern South Dakota including Lake Thompson, Bitter Lake, Waubay Lake, and Big Stone Lake.
  • Prime locations include Lake Oahe (especially West Whitlock to Walth Bay area), Lake Francis Case (Platte Creek to Snake Creek stretch), Lake Sharpe (particularly the tailrace areas), and eastern glacial lakes.
  • Spring offers exceptional shallow-water opportunities, particularly around Chamberlain which is considered the epicenter of Midwest walleye fishing.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with vegetation edges, rocky points, submerged trees, drop-offs, current seams, and transition zones from sand to rock.
  • Look for northern and eastern facing structure that receives the strongest sun exposure.

Walleye FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Walleye in South Dakota?

Essential lures include jigs (1/16 to 1/4 oz) tipped with minnows, crankbaits, and soft plastics like Slim SwimZ, Berkley Ripple Shad, or Lunker City Fin-S Fish. Popular crankbait colors include blue/white, firetiger, and all black.

What flies work for Walleye in South Dakota?

For fly fishing, effective patterns include Clouser minnows, woolly buggers, leech patterns, sculpin flies, and mayfly imitations in colors like white, brown, black, purple, olive, and chartreuse combinations.

When is the best time to fish for Walleye in South Dakota?

Prime walleye fishing in South Dakota occurs during spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), with excellent fishing also available during summer months. Spring offers exceptional shallow-water opportunities.

How do you catch Walleye in South Dakota?

Key techniques include jigging (most popular method), trolling crankbaits, live bait rigging with minnows or leeches, and slip bobber fishing. Use light presentations - if you can feel the jig hitting bottom, it's too heavy. Bottom bouncer rigs work excellently for covering water.

What do Walleye eat?

They are primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish like fathead minnows, rainbow smelt, yellow perch, darters, freshwater drum, and centrarchids. Young walleye initially consume zooplankton before transitioning to macroinvertebrates and eventually fish as they grow.

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