Fact Sheets

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! Prevent invasive species Water Safety Reserve a campsite at USACE campgrounds at Recreation.gov Purchase Navigation and Boating Maps from the Jefferson National Parks Association

Lake Oahe has some of the best fishing in the country, with many anglers targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, and salmon. Excellent opportunities also exist for channel catfish, northern pike, white bass, and panfish. Fishing opportunities vary from the riverine section in North Dakota, the relatively shallow water near the North Dakota/South Dakota border, and deep cold water by the dam. At over 300,000 acres, Lake Oahe provides ample room for fisherman to pursue their favorite quarry year round.

Lake Oahe has over 2,250 miles of shoreline and most of the adjoining land is open to public hunting. Waterfowl hunting is popular on the lake with many of the bays and river inlets holding ducks and geese during cold weather. The neighboring prairies and draws provide great hunting for upland birds such as pheasants and sharp-tailed grouse, turkeys, and big game including pronghorn, whitetail deer, and mule deer.

Hunting and fishing are managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish, South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Game, Fish, and Parks Departments within their respective boundaries.