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

Fishing Locations and Time

Walleye

  • When: Early May to late June; mid September through November
  • Where: Tailwater, Lake Sharpe

Small & Largemouth Bass

  • When: May, June, September & October
  • Where: Tailwater, Lake Sharpe

Crappie-Northern Pike

  • When: Early April after ice out; late fall.
  • Where: Stilling basin, Tailwater

Catfish

  • When: Late June, July, August
  • Where: Tailwater

Big Bend Dam Area Fishing Regulations

Residents of South Dakota

  • Tribal licenses not required unless fishing inland on reservation soil.

Nonresidents of South Dakota

  • South Dakota- Nonresident License:
  • Tribal licenses not required unless fishing on reservation soil.

Big Bend Tailrace - Boats not allowed below Big Bend Dam for 500 feet.

Hunting

All public lands around the Lake Sharpe and the Missouri River are open to hunting, except for developed recreation areas.