Lake Sharpe Walleye Tournament basics
The Lake Sharpe Walleye Tournament is an annual fishing event held on Lake Sharpe in central South Dakota, drawing anglers who want to compete for prizes while fishing one of the state's reliable walleye waters. The tournament typically runs for a set number of days in spring or early summer — the exact dates shift year to year, so you'll need to check the current year's announcement to confirm when it happens. Registration usually opens a few weeks before the event and fills up, so timing matters if you want a spot.
The tournament is organized by a local host — often a chamber of commerce, fishing club, or resort on the lake — and follows standard walleye tournament rules: you fish during designated hours, weigh in your catch at a set location, and compete against other teams for cash prizes or merchandise. Most walleye tournaments on South Dakota lakes run as two-person teams, though some allow solo entries. You'll need a valid South Dakota fishing license and a current habitat stamp to participate legally, regardless of tournament rules.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Sharpe Walleye Tournament dates and registration details change each year, so contact the lake's chamber of commerce or a local resort to confirm the current schedule.
- You must hold a valid South Dakota fishing license and habitat stamp before you can fish the tournament, whether or not the tournament itself requires additional permits.
- Most walleye tournaments on Lake Sharpe run as two-person teams with a registration fee that typically ranges depending on the year and host organization.
- Weigh-in times and locations are announced at registration or in the tournament rules packet, and arriving late usually means disqualification.
- Lake Sharpe walleye fishing peaks in spring and early summer, when the tournament is usually scheduled, making those the best months to target the species.
How to register and what to bring
Registration for the Lake Sharpe Walleye Tournament opens through the event host — check with the Oahe Area Chamber of Commerce, local marinas, or resorts on the lake for the registration link or phone number. You'll typically need to provide team member names, contact information, and proof of a valid South Dakota fishing license for each angler. The registration fee varies by year and host but usually falls in the range of $75 to $150 per team, though you should confirm the exact amount when you register.
Bring your fishing license and habitat stamp in physical form or on your phone — the tournament staff will ask to see them at check-in. You'll also want your boat registration if you're launching your own boat, a cooler with ice to keep fish fresh, a net, and a stringer or live well. Most tournaments require fish to be alive at weigh-in, so a functioning live well is essential. Bring sunscreen, water, and food for the day; Lake Sharpe can be windy and the sun reflects hard off the water.
Lake Sharpe walleye fishing in tournament season
Lake Sharpe is a Missouri River reservoir in central South Dakota, roughly 25 miles long and known for consistent walleye populations. The lake has shallow bays, deeper main-channel structure, and rocky shorelines — all of which hold walleye at different times of day and season. In spring (April through May), walleye move into shallower water to spawn and feed heavily before and after the spawn, making early morning and evening the most productive times. By early summer, when many tournaments run, walleye retreat to deeper water during the day and move shallow at dawn and dusk.
Successful tournament anglers on Lake Sharpe typically focus on structure: rocky points, drop-offs near the main channel, and the transitions between shallow bays and deeper water. Live bait — fathead minnows or shiners — works well, as do jigs tipped with minnow or plastic. Casting along shorelines in low light and trolling deeper structure during midday are common tactics. Water temperature and wind direction affect where walleye position, so check a current lake report or talk to a local guide or marina staff before the tournament to learn what's been working that week.
Tournament rules and weigh-in procedures
Standard walleye tournament rules on Lake Sharpe typically include a daily bag limit (often five walleye per angler, following South Dakota regulations), a minimum size requirement (usually 15 inches), and designated fishing hours — commonly sunrise to a set afternoon time like 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. You cannot fish before the official start time or after the official end time, and being late to weigh-in usually means disqualification. The tournament rules packet, sent at registration or available at check-in, will spell out all penalties and procedures.
Weigh-in happens at a central location — typically a marina, resort, or boat launch on Lake Sharpe — and is open only during the announced window, usually one to two hours. Your fish are weighed in the order you arrive, and the team with the heaviest total weight wins. Some tournaments award prizes for the largest single fish as well. Dead fish are typically penalized or disqualified, so keeping walleye alive in a live well throughout the day is critical to your score.
Preparing your boat and gear
Before tournament day, make sure your boat is fueled, your engine runs smoothly, and your live well circulates water properly — a dead live well ruins a tournament day. Check that your bilge pump works, your navigation lights function, and you have a working radio or cell phone for communication. Bring a spare prop, basic tools, and a first aid kit. Test your GPS or mapping app to mark structure and navigate safely in early morning darkness.
Rig your rods the night before: have at least two rods ready with different presentations (one jigging setup, one for casting or trolling). Tie fresh knots — old line breaks under pressure. Stock your tackle box with jigs in sizes 1/8 to 3/8 ounce, live bait hooks, and a variety of soft plastics. Bring more live bait than you think you'll need; bait dies or gets used up faster than expected. Fill your cooler with ice the morning of the tournament so fish stay fresh for the weigh-in.
Safety and lake conditions on Lake Sharpe
Lake Sharpe is a large reservoir and can develop rough water quickly, especially in spring and early summer when wind is common. Check the weather forecast the night before and the morning of the tournament. Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while on the water — tournaments often require this and it can save your life. Know the location of the nearest boat launch and marina in case you need to seek shelter or assistance.
Lake Sharpe has submerged structure, stumps, and rocks that can damage a prop or snag a line. Slow down in unfamiliar water and use your depth finder to navigate safely. If you're new to the lake, arrive early to scout or fish a practice day if the tournament allows it. Tell someone on shore where you're fishing and when you expect to return. Carry a fully charged phone and consider a personal locator beacon if you fish alone.
Finding current tournament information
The Lake Sharpe Walleye Tournament is not held on a fixed date every year, so you'll need to contact local sources to learn when it's scheduled. Start with the Oahe Area Chamber of Commerce, which covers the Lake Sharpe region and often coordinates or promotes fishing events. Call or visit their website to ask about the tournament, registration dates, and any changes to the format or rules.
Local marinas and resorts on Lake Sharpe — such as those in Mobridge or near the dam — often handle registration and have current details. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks also maintains a calendar of fishing tournaments and events; you can search their website or call their regional office for confirmation. Once you register, the host will send you the full rules packet, weigh-in location, and any last-minute updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a South Dakota fishing license to fish the Lake Sharpe Walleye Tournament?
Yes. You must have a valid South Dakota fishing license and a current habitat stamp before you fish, whether or not the tournament itself requires them. You'll show both at registration or check-in. If your license expires before the tournament, renew it through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website or at a license vendor.
Can I fish alone or do I have to have a partner?
Most Lake Sharpe walleye tournaments require two-person teams, but some years or hosts may allow solo entries or have a different format. Check the tournament rules packet or ask the host when you register. If you don't have a partner, some tournaments have a board where anglers can find teammates.
What happens if I'm late to weigh-in?
Most tournaments disqualify teams that miss the weigh-in window, even by a few minutes. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you have a mechanical problem or emergency, contact the tournament director immediately — some hosts will work with you, but waiting until after weigh-in closes usually means you're out.
Can I keep the walleye I catch in the tournament?
That depends on the tournament rules. Some tournaments allow you to keep your fish after weigh-in; others require release or donate the catch to a food bank or charity. The rules packet will state the policy. If you plan to eat your catch, confirm the rules before you fish.
What's the best time of day to fish Lake Sharpe for walleye?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon to sunset) are typically most productive, especially in spring and early summer. Walleye feed in low light and retreat to deeper water during bright midday hours. If the tournament runs all day, focus on shallow structure at dawn and dusk, and deeper structure or slower presentations during midday.