walleyes hitting below dam at Gavins point

[huskereyes1969]

The walleyes are biting good below dam at Gavins point. Mostly on minnows on a bottom bouncer or a jig tipped. Best bight was in afternoon.

[afull]

I was there on sunday also and the walleye bite was non-existent for us...and the way it looked for almost everyone else. I would be curious on a little info. I got to school over at USD in Vermillion and plan on hitting the river a couple times this week. If you happen to be looking for another guy to fill the boat...or to tag along on shore I would be more than open for that. Post back

Austin

[mtelkhunter]

Ahh I remember the good 'ol days at USD fishing below the dam. Spent many an evening fishing off the wall.
One little hint that I learned over the years. When the buffalo start to spawn on the lake, fish Tyndall boat ramp up toward the colony in less than 4 ft of water. Guaranteed fast and furious action on a crawler harness, trolled right behind the boat.
No kidding, this really works, every year for about a week. Fun fun fun.

[afull]

mtelk,

Thanks for the tip. I assume you are talking about Lewis and Clark Lake and not Lake Yankton? I have not yet really gotten out and explored the area so I don't really know much about it. I do know that the skip-jack and Paddlefish are plentiful below the dam though!! I really want to get into some walleyes or crappies though...any help there? Do you have any idea when they start to spawn (buffalo)?

[mtelkhunter]

Yep, Lewis and Clark Lake, need a boat for that spot though. It was usually about first week of May when the fishing turned good, but varies a bit.
If you fish from the bank, fish the inlet where Lake Yankton drains into the river. After dark this can be a GREAT spot. SHHH!
It's been a few years (15) but I fished 200 days in a row during college and found a few decent spots. Will try to remember more.

[afull]

Well I guess I won't be able to get any of those buffalo then since I don't have a boat. How do I go about getting to that inlet you are talking about? You honestly fished 200 days?...I envy you. Yeah I am up for trying some different spots. Did you ever fish on the James or any smaller rivers/ponds in the area? I need to go out someday and try to find a few diff. spots to hit. Any info appreciated again.

[Murphfish]

Here are a couple spots I'd try if I did not have a boat:
-Go over the Vermillion - New Castle bridge and fish the Nebraska side under the bridge or by the wing dam up from the boat ramp. I'd fish with a light jig and a minnow or a split shot and a minnow.
-Below the #### at Yankton on the South Dakota side by where the current break comes to the bank. I'd fish it the same way. Jig/minnow or split shot/minnow.
-Over by the handicap dock on the Nebraska side.
-I have heard the paninsula by the marina up on the lake can be good.
-I have seen guys casting raps off the face of the #### and do pretty good on smallmouths.
-The inlet from Lake Yankton.

Hope this helps. I'll be the guy in the old blue lund with a britney spanial hopefully catching walleyes. I have been doing pretty well the last couple weeks.

[afull]

Thanks Murphfish,

I will have to check some of those spots out. We thought about trying the stone jetty by the marina on sunday but never got to it. How do you go about getting to the inlet to Lake Yankton? If you ever need another partner besides your pooch let me know.

[Murphfish]

The outlet is just past the boat ramp on the South Dakota side of the river. It's right before you go into the campground. Can't miss it. I've never really done anything there, but I've heard at times it can be good. I'd try fishing the current break on the South Dakota side or by the handicap dock at night. It seems that every year there are big fish caught out of these spots.

[afull]

What do you mean by the current break?

[Murphfish]

It is where the current meets the slack water.. It's pretty much in front of the fish cleaning station on the SD side.

[afull]

ok thats what I thought. Me and a buddy got down there last night and caught a mixed bag. I think we caught 8 fish and 6 were different types.