LAKE OAHE FISHING FORECAST
Access PDF version of 2011 Lake Oahe Forecast
Each year, biologists working on Lake Oahe collect information on fish populations from netting surveys and information on angler use and harvest of those populations from creel surveys. By looking at trends in fish populations and anglers use and harvest, predictions can be made about fishing on Lake Oahe.
Key Issues for Lake Oahe in 2011
- Water levels increased above normal pool levels in 2010 and depending on mountain snowpacks, should remain near or above normal.
- As water levels increased in 2008 and 2009, the flooded shoreline vegetation increased the productivity of the lake.
- Many species of fish increased in abundance by using the newly flooded vegetation as spawning habitat, including northern pike and yellow perch. Yellow perch have once again become an important prey fish.
- Rainbow smelt numbers have increased in abundance since 2002 and are currently at an acceptable population level for the lake.
- Walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch have increased in abundance within the lake and will provide a great fishery for the future.
- Lake Oahe should have good fishing for many species of fish during 2011.
Information on each fish species
Additional questions and information can be obtained by contacting:
Missouri River Fisheries Center
20641 SD Hwy 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
605.223.7681