The Missouri River divides the state of South Dakota almost in half running south from North Dakota down to Sioux City Iowa. The Missouri River has a series of dams which create large reservoirs throughout the state, and it is a vital waterway to both sportsmen and businesses in South Dakota and other states.
The Missouri River was a vital source of commerce for most Native American villages in the Plains long before settlers from Europe arrived. The French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet passed the mouth of the river in 1683 and the Canadian explorer Vérendrye visited the upper reaches of the river in 1738. David Thompson, a Canadian fur trader, explored part of the river in 1797.
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark followed the Missouri River on their journey to the Pacific Ocean and documented their travels along the Missouri River in detail in what is now known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The Missouri River is a great source of recreation, especially in South Dakota. We offer great walleye fishing on the Missouri River during the warmer months and when the cold sets it you can experience some awesome ice fishing for walleyes too!
