Lake Oahe

Lake Oahe is a large reservoir on the Missouri River created by Oahe Dam and straddling South Dakota with much of its length extending north into North Dakota. The dam and reservoir were constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are a major storage and flood-control facility on the Missouri River.

The lake provides extensive recreational opportunities including boating, camping and fishing for species such as walleye and catfish; multiple state parks and Corps recreation areas line the shore. Several towns and marinas along the reservoir provide public boat ramps and services for anglers and visitors.

Oahe Dam was built as part of mid-20th century water-management projects under the Pick-Sloan plan, with construction completed in the early 1960s. The reservoir altered the Missouri River valley, creating a long impoundment used for irrigation, power generation and recreation.

The reservoir lies on the Missouri River in central United States, with its southern portions in central South Dakota near Pierre and its northern reach extending well into central North Dakota. The lake follows the original river valley, filling broad stretches of the Missouri River channel.

• Oahe Dam completion: Created by Oahe Dam, completed in 1962 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program.
• Recreation and fishing: Known for large walleye fisheries and extensive boating opportunities; public recreation areas and marinas are located at several state and federal sites along the shoreline.