Pierre Family Walleye Charter Gunnin Dakota

Pierre Family Walleye & Bass Morning Charter

There's something magical about getting the kids up early and watching their faces light up when that first fish hits the line. This family-friendly morning charter out of Pierre puts you right in the heart of South Dakota's best walleye and smallmouth bass waters. We'll spend four solid hours working the productive stretches of Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, staying within 30 miles of town so nobody gets restless on the boat ride. Starting at 7:00 AM when the fish are most active, this top-rated trip is built specifically for families who want to create those lasting memories on the water without any of the usual headaches that come with fishing with kids.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical charter where everyone sits quietly and hopes for the best. We keep things lively and educational, especially for the younger anglers who might be holding a rod for the first time. The morning bite on these lakes is legendary, and there's good reason we start at 7:00 AM – that's when walleye and smallmouth are actively feeding in the shallows before the day heats up. Your guide knows every productive drop-off, rocky point, and weed edge within our fishing zone, so we're not wasting time searching for fish. The boat stays comfortable with up to three people, though we can squeeze in a fourth if your family needs it. Everything's included – rods, reels, all the tackle, plus snacks and ice water to keep everyone happy. We'll even clean and bag your catch so you can head home with dinner ready to go.

Techniques & Gear Setup

We fish these waters using proven techniques that work for both species and all skill levels. For walleye, we'll be working jigs tipped with minnows along the bottom structure, plus some trolling with crankbaits when we want to cover water quickly. The smallmouth bass fishing calls for a different approach – we'll throw soft plastics around rocky areas and use topwater baits when conditions are right. Your guide handles all the technical stuff like reading the fish finder, adjusting weights, and switching up presentations based on what's working. Kids get the simplified version with basic casting and retrieving, while adults can learn more advanced techniques if they're interested. All rods are pre-rigged and ready to go, with backup setups in case someone gets snagged up. We carry a full selection of jigs, crankbaits, soft plastics, and live bait to match whatever mood the fish are in that morning.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason – they're abundant, they fight well, and they taste fantastic. These fish average 14 to 18 inches in Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe, with plenty of keepers in the 2 to 4 pound range. Spring through fall, walleye hold in 15 to 25 feet of water during morning hours, relating to rocky points and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. They're perfect for beginners because they don't jump around like some species – just a steady, head-shaking fight that gets everyone excited. The bite is typically steady once you locate a school, so kids don't get frustrated waiting between fish.

Smallmouth bass bring the excitement factor that keeps everyone alert. These bronze-backed fighters are known for their aerial displays and pound-for-pound strength that surprises first-time anglers. In our local waters, smallmouth range from 12 inches up to 4-pounders, with the average fish running around 2 pounds. They love the rocky structure and clear water of both lakes, making them year-round targets. Morning hours are prime time when they're feeding aggressively in shallow water before moving deeper as the sun gets higher. Kids absolutely love catching smallmouth because they jump and fight so hard – it's like hooking into a fish twice their size.

Time to Book Your Spot

This world-class family fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during the prime spring and summer months when the bite is most consistent. At four hours of guided fishing with all gear, bait, snacks, and fish cleaning included, it's a complete package that takes all the guesswork out of planning a successful family outing. Just remember to grab your South Dakota fishing licenses before we head out – that's the only thing not included in your trip. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or just want a relaxing morning on some of the Midwest's best walleye and bass waters, this customer favorite delivers the goods every time. Book now and get ready for some serious bragging rights back home.