Lake Sharpe Smallmouth Bass Information

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are found throughout Lake Sharpe but the best fishing is in the lower half of the reservoir. Smallmouth bass are the second most common species caught by anglers in Lake Sharpe. Shore fishing opportunities are best in May and June. The release of all smallmouth bass over 18 inches is encouraged to help increase the number of trophy bass in Lake Sharpe.

Smallmouth bass spawn in May to early June in Lake Sharpe. The male builds a nest in the shallows and attracts a female to his nest. The male will guard the nest and newly hatch fry for sometime after hatching. After spawning, smallmouth bass will disperse from the shallows and cruise the “flats” for food during the summer, feeding to regain strength spent spawning. Walleye anglers often fishing the “flats” during June and July commonly catch smallmouth bass.

The smallmouth bass population is in the process of maturing into an excellent and important fishery in South Dakota. The Lake Sharpe smallmouth bass fishery is beginning to attract anglers from across the Midwest who enjoy fishing for this great sport fish.

Regulations for Lake Sharpe Smallmouth Bass have Changed!

Only smallmouth bass less than 14 inches or 18 inches and longer may be taken, and of those 18 inches or greater, only one may be kept daily. Thus, all smallmouth bass must be released that are between 14 and 18 inches. The daily limit is five smallmouth bass, and the possession limit is 10.

White Bass

The white bass population is down considerably from previous years in Lake Sharpe. White bass suffered a die off in 2005 from columnaris bacteria. This bacteria is found in most fishes, but only harms fish that have been stressed, especially schooling fish. The white bass population is very capable of rebounding from this die off, but it’ll take a few years before anglers see the numbers and sizes of white bass caught in the past.

To fish for white bass look for them in May and June, especially in the upper third of the reservoir. Fish the windblown shorelines. White bass are excellent to eat if served fresh with the red meat trimmed from the fillets.