🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Below the Giant — Premier tailwater fishery below Oahe Dam — world-class walleye fishing in the turbulent waters below the world’s second-largest earth dam
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area lies below Oahe Dam near Pierre — offering world-class tailwater fishing where cold, oxygenated water rushing through the dam’s turbines creates a supercharged fishery. Oahe Dam is staggering in scale — 245 feet high and 9,300 feet long, it’s the world’s second-largest earth-rolled dam (after Fort Peck in Montana). The tailwater below the dam is one of the premier walleye fisheries in North America, consistently producing trophy walleye and chinook salmon. The area also provides camping, hiking, and access to Lewis & Clark’s historic campsite.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pierre, SD (below Oahe Dam!) |
| Entry Fee | SD Park Entrance License required |
| Dam | 245ft high, 9,300ft long — 2nd largest earth dam! |
| Fishing | World-class walleye + SALMON! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Salmon in South Dakota?
Yes! Lake Oahe is stocked with chinook (king) salmon — originally a Pacific Ocean species. The cold, deep water of Oahe provides ideal conditions, and salmon exceeding 15 pounds are regularly caught. The tailwater below the dam is especially productive because the turbines concentrate baitfish, attracting trophy walleye and salmon.
About Oahe Downstream
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Pierre provides premier recreation below Oahe Dam — one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world. The cold-water discharge from Lake Oahe creates exceptional tailwater fishing — trophy walleye, sauger, and catfish congregate in the current. The area is one of South Dakota’s most popular fishing destinations and hosts major fishing tournaments.
Things to Do
Trophy walleye and sauger fishing in the dam tailwaters (consistently ranked among the best in the U.S.), camping (200+ sites), boating, hiking, and visiting the Oahe Dam visitor center. One of the premier walleye fishing spots in North America.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with LaFramboise Island Nature Area (a short drive away) or Farm Island Recreation Area (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
Wildlife & Nature
Oahe Downstream RA — below the Oahe Dam — one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world (245 feet high, 9,300 feet long). The area’s Missouri River tailwaters, prairie, and cottonwood groves support bald eagles (large wintering concentrations), white pelicans, and ring-necked pheasants. Walleye fishing in the tailwaters is legendary.
Nearby Attractions
Pierre — adjacent — state capital. Cultural Heritage Center — in Pierre. Missouri River — at the park.
