Fishing Lewis And Clark Lake

AKA: Lewis & Clark Lake

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Lewis And Clark Lake, SD

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Lewis And Clark Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Lewis And Clark Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

White Bass Fishing

After several very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Lewis And Clark Lake and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, rock bass, white bass, northern pike, saugeye and sauger at Lewis And Clark Lake in South Dakota.

Lewis And Clark Lake Fishing Video

Straddling the South Dakota-Nebraska border, Lewis And Clark Lake is a 31,000-acre lake between Yankton and Springfield, SD. Fishing enthusiasts, boaters and vacationers will find over 90 miles of shoreline to explore and enjoy.

Lewis And Clark Lake is a large reservoir situated in the southeastern section of South Dakota, near the border with Nebraska. It was formed by the Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River and offers a wide range of recreational activities, with fishing being one of the main attractions.

Anglers visiting Lewis And Clark Lake can look forward to a diverse selection of popular fish species. Walleye is the most sought-after species here, and the lake is well-known for producing trophy-sized catches. The adjacent Missouri River also contributes to the abundance of walleye in the lake, making it a prime destination for both experienced and novice anglers.

Sauger and saugeye are also prevalent in Lewis And Clark Lake, providing additional opportunities for anglers seeking a variety of experiences. These close relatives of the walleye offer a similar fishing challenge and are often caught alongside walleye in the lake.

For bass enthusiasts, both smallmouth and largemouth bass can be found in the lake. Smallmouth bass, in particular, are prized for their acrobatic fights and are commonly caught near rocky areas and drop-offs. Largemouth bass can be found in more sheltered spots, such as coves and areas with aquatic vegetation.

Anglers looking for panfish will find plenty of yellow perch and white crappie in the lake. Yellow perch are especially abundant and provide a fun fishing experience, particularly during the winter ice fishing season.

Lewis And Clark Lake is also home to various catfish species, including flathead and channel catfish. These bottom-dwelling fish offer an exciting challenge for catfish enthusiasts and are often targeted using a variety of baits and techniques.

Sunfish and white bass are additional species that add to the lake's diverse fishing opportunities, making it an excellent location for families and youth anglers.

For boaters, there are several boat launch ramps on both the SD and NE sides of the lake. This fertile fishery is a 25-mile long impoundment on the Missouri River, with excellent fishing. Catfish, walleye, sauger and saugeye are among the favorites. Walleye, sauger, saugeye and catfish spend summers and winters in deeper water, often relating to the river channel, and move shallow in spring preferring rocky areas. The lake also has a healthy population of bass, crappie, sunfish and northern pike. You'll find plenty of shoreline accessible for fishing from the bank. There is a full marina with boat rentals plus boating, fishing and camping supplies. The marina area also has boat rentals and a restaurant.

Primary fish species residing in Lewis And Clark Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lewis And Clark Lake, SD Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Aside from fishing, Lewis And Clark Lake is a popular spot for boating and water-based activities. The expansive reservoir provides ample space for boaters to explore and enjoy water sports.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lewis & Clark Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
605 665-3111

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Gavin's Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Gavins Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp paved parking.

Lewis And Clark Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Shore Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Midway Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off State Route 52, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Lewis & Clark Marina
43527 Shore Dr.
Yankton, SD 57078
605-665-3111

Fishing Guides On Lewis And Clark Lake

The Walleye Guys - walleye,

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a South Dakota Fishing License.

Several campgrounds surrounding the lake offer opportunities for camping and picnicking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty and tranquility of the area.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Pierson Ranch State Recreation Area Campground - 605 668-2985

Cottonwood Recreation Area Campground - 402 667-2546

Midway Gulch Campground - 605 668-9574

Gavins Point Recreation Area Campground - 605 668-2985

Chief White Crane State Recreation Area Campground - 605 668-2985

Camping on the Nebraska side of Lewis And Clark Lake

Lewis And Clark Lake SD Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lewis & Clark Lake
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
43349 SD-52
Yankton, SD 57078
605 668-2985

Fishing lakes in each state.

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