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Boating At Lake Sharpe In South Dakota

By AA-Boats & Boating Staff Writers

Lake Sharpe, South Dakota

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Meandering along the majestic Missouri River in South Dakota, Lake Sharpe offers an idyllic setting for boating enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite water activities. Boasting ample space for boating, the lake provides a perfect playground for boaters of all skill levels to cruise its vast waters and take in the surrounding natural beauty. With convenient boat launch ramps dotting the lake's shoreline, accessing the water is hassle-free, allowing visitors to embark on their aquatic adventures with ease.

Lake Sharpe's popularity is further enhanced by its offerings of rental boats available by the hour or the day. This feature is particularly appealing to those who don't own boats or travelers looking to explore the lake without the burden of boat ownership. Renting boats by the hour or the day allows for greater flexibility, enabling visitors to tailor their boating experiences to their preferences.

The presence of a marina on Lake Sharpe adds to the convenience and amenities available to boaters. The marina serves as a central hub, providing boaters with necessary supplies, fuel, and docking facilities. It also serves as a gathering point for like-minded water enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community among those who share a love for boating and water sports.

Boasting an extended boating season that typically spans from spring to late fall, Lake Sharpe invites visitors to enjoy its recreational offerings throughout much of the year. The warm and pleasant South Dakota weather during these seasons provides ideal conditions for a variety of water sports, such as water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing, ensuring an adrenaline-pumping experience for adventure seekers.

Aside from water sports, Lake Sharpe is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck at catching various fish species that inhabit the lake, making it a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced angler seeking a trophy catch or a beginner looking for a relaxing fishing experience, Lake Sharpe promises a rewarding time on the water.

For those looking to extend their stay, camping facilities are available nearby, offering an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the lake's surroundings. Camping along the shoreline offers stunning views, serene evenings by the water, and the chance to connect with nature.

Lake Sharpe in South Dakota provides an inviting and picturesque setting for boating enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite water activities. With boat launch ramps, rental boats, a marina, and a plethora of water sports and fishing opportunities, the lake offers a complete boating experience for visitors of all interests. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures on the water or a peaceful retreat in nature, Lake Sharpe has something to offer to everyone who sets sail on its serene waters.

Boating, camping and fishing at Lake Sharpe

Notorious as a great fishing lake, Lake Sharpe is also a great destination for boating and water sport activities. Sharpe Lake is located in the central part of the state, running from Pierre to Fort Thompson. There are plenty of camping and lodging options, mostly gathered nearby the cities at the two ends of the lake. Boat ramps are located at numerous spots around the lake. Fishing enthusiasts can pursue bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, white bass, perch, salmon, pike and sturgeon in this 80-mile long impoundment of the Missouri River. There are over 55,000 acres, and 200 miles of shoreline, so there are plenty of places to wet a line. There are plenty of places to fish from the bank at recreational areas, campgrounds and other public access areas.

Lake Sharpe Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area Campground - 605 223-7722

Farm Island Recreation Area Campground - 605 773-2885

Fischers Lilly Park Campground - 605 223-7690

West Bend State Recreation Area Campground - 605 773-2885

Left Tailrace Campground - 605 245-2173

River View RV Park - 605 280-6266

Lake Sharpe Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Sharpe include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, white bass, yellow perch, Chinook salmon, northern pike, sauger and sturgeon.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye White Bass Yellow Perch Chinook salmon Northern pike Sauger Sturgeon

Click here for a South Dakota Fishing License.

Local Contact Information

Downs Marina
800 S Washington Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
605 224-5533

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