Missouri River

Missouri River cuts through South Dakota, United States and offers classic river fishing. The local patterns are the universal river patterns: fish the heads of pools at first light, the deep slow water in the middle of the day, and the tail-outs as light fades. Light tackle and a careful drift go a long way at Missouri River — heavy splashes spook a whole pool.

Location

44.2365, -99.9011 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Smallmouth bassFreshwater drumPaddlefishChannel catfishWalleyeNorthern pike

Fishing Techniques

• For Smallmouth bass

  Focus your fishing efforts around rocky structures, ledges, and areas with current, as smallmouth bass prefer these habitats.

• For Freshwater drum

  Freshwater drum often feed near the bottom, so present your bait or lure accordingly, and be patient as they are not known for aggressive strikes.

• For Paddlefish

  Paddlefish are filter feeders, so snagging is the primary method, target areas with strong currents and structure, and check local regulations regarding snagging.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Missouri River.

Plan Your Trip

Anglers heading to Missouri River should sort licences and confirm seasonal regulations for South Dakota before the trip. A quick weather check the morning of helps too — wind direction in particular can make or break a session at a spot like Missouri River.

Nearby Spots in South Dakota

See all fishing spots in South Dakota →

Other Fishing Regions in United States