Pierre - Farm Island

[tj1n]

Need some advice- Thanks in advance!!!

I'll be leaving Sioux Falls this afternoon heading to "Farm Island" state park in Pierre traveling in 26' Class C Motor home and pulling a 20' boat.

I have stayed at Farm Island once before (last year.)

My questions
1. Last year hwy 34 was under construction so therefore we took I90 to Vivian then headed up hwy 83. With hwy 34 now being complete, is this a better route keeping in mind what i'm driving and hauling? This way has some pretty steep hills if I remember correctly.

2. I'm meeting my father whom used to be an avid fishermen and over the years has lost touch with the outdoors. I need to put him onto some good fishing, Any suggestions on where the eye fishing is good or where we should start. It's ok if we have to trailer the boat a little as he's meeting me with a tow unit. Please indicate where you would launch as well. (Sorry I'm not too familiar with the river or the lake in Pierre.)

Thanks a ton to any that reply,
Travis Joritz

[Mike]

I-90 may be the way to go.
Stop in at Carl's Bait Shop on the way by and ask about the fishing.
Mike Reilly
Mike's Maps

[Ray McClelland]

Travis,
There is a lot of construction work going on in Ft. Pierre right now that is kind of a pain to drive through, even for a personal vehicle. If you can handle a couple of hills on 34, then that's the way I would come in.
As far as a boat ramp to launch from, well....You would have a tough time getting out of Farm Island if your gonna fish upper Sharpe(if your not that familiar with the area). I'm not saying you can't get on to the main channel from there, but you'd have to keep your boat on plane, and hook a hard right around the point of Farm Island(very narrow, with little room for error/ you could end up on the sand bar quick!). If you are gonna fish upper Sharpe, I would launch at Down's Marina. Also you for your trip, you could check out the fishing and weather report for the area at: http://fishingreport.mcclellandoutdoors.com/fishingr.htm

Ray McClelland
of McClelland Outdoors

[tj1n]

Mike & Ray,
Thanks for your advice!

Ray,
I'm familiar with the challenge at the end of the finger at Farm Island and thought that might be a difficult spot due to water levels. Last year when the water was higher it was tough with my bathtub boat, so I doubt we'll be launching at there to go fishing anyway.

Do you have any suggestions on where to launch? Up on the lake, down at West Bend, etc.... where can we get into some fish? I will go purchase lake maps for one or the other if you can give me any direction. Otherwise, I appreciate the info you've given so far and have a GREAT weekend! Also, I have been watching your(?) website for the past couple weeks. I like it!

Thanks again,
Travis Joritz

[Ray McClelland]

They have been catching good numbers of fish on either lake. So I guess the choice would be up to you. On Oahe you have a limit 10 walleye per person verses 4 on Sharpe. Oahe will be closer for you then West Bend. Also if your going to Oahe, it's a lot easier to stop in at the 1804 Store to get boat gas, bait, tackle, refreshments, licenses, and the fishing report all in one stop. The thing about Carl's bait shop is that you would have to go through all that Ft. Pierre road construction, and they don't sell gas. Other then that, Carl's has a very good reputation as a bait shop.
Oh, and Thank You for the complemants on the website. I put a lot of hard work into it to help everyone out, and it's nice to hear that you like it.

Ray McClelland
of McClelland Outdoors

[tj1n]

Thanks Ray and Keep up the GOOD work. Your website is appreciated.

Good fishing to you and your clients!

Travis Joritz