2017-01-14 06:13:39
Southeastern South Dakota has more than 175 fishing lakes ranging in size from three to 29,000 acres. Glacial lakes exist in this region in addition to numerous manmade lakes. Three major rivers course through the region: the Big Sioux River, James River and Missouri River, which includes Lewis and Clark Lake, a 30-mile-long Missouri River reservoir. This region welcomes fishermen year-round with open seasons on most species of fish. Along with private and city campgrounds, 10 state parks and recreation areas provide over 1,000 campsites to fishing visitors. A host of resorts and hotels are available for those who prefer the comforts of soft beds and cable TV. The most fished species in this region includes walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, bluegill, perch and crappie. Walleye and bass compete for top honors in this region. Lewis and Clark Lake, above Gavins Point Dam, draws anglers from across the nation for its alluring combination of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Backwater bays, sandbar drop-offs, creeks and stands of rushes provide habitat for both species. Walleye, sauger and catfish also make up the catches for Lewis and Clark anglers. Panfishermen will want to look for shallow weed beds during the spring and drop-offs during the summer. Stillfishing with a small jig or fly fishing with wet flies or small poppers is effective for bluegills. For young and old alike, nothing keeps fishing attention longer than bullheads. Good bullhead waters include most lakes and the Big Sioux and James Rivers. Other popular fishing waters: Splitrock Creek, Marindahl Lake, Lake Madison, Lake Herman, Lake Mitchell, Lake Yankton, Vermillion Lake, Lake Alvin, McCook Lake, Lake Lakota and Lake Henry. ACCESSIBLE FISHING DOCKS Handicap accessible fishing docks have been installed in a number of state parks, including Lake Herman, Newton Hills, Lake Vermillion, Lake Alvin, Lewis & Clark and Springfield Recreation Areas. These docks feature low railings, accessible ramps, sidewalks and nearby parking. FREE FISHING WEEKEND South Dakota fishing waters, excluding tribal trust land, are open to anyone May 19-21, 2017 to fish without a license. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce someone to the sport of fishing or to try it for the first time. PADDLEFISH Paddlefish fishing in South Dakota is as unique as the prehistoric fish that is the quarry. Anglers interested in paddlefish have two options: a summer archery season or a fall snagging season. A limited number of licenses are available to both residents and nonresidents to either snag or use archery equipment to take one of these large fish between Gavins Point Dam and the Big Sioux River. GAVINS POINT NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY AND AQUARIUM Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, near Yankton, raises the endangered pallid sturgeon and the paddlefish, which is a “species of concern” in many states. The fish are spawned and later released to increase or maintain fish populations in the wild. The pallid sturgeon is an ancient fish that can grow up to six feet long and weigh 85 pounds, with a lifespan of up to 100 years. Portions of the hatchery are open to the public. Guided tours may be arranged for groups by calling 605-665-3352. For more information visit www.fws.gov/gavinspoint/. ICE FISHING South Dakota’s fishing season never closes. Your annual license is good year-round. For the true sportsman with a warm disposition and a good down parka, ice fishing can be a great relief to cabin fever. You’ll find plenty of frozen lakes to explore with good fishing all winter long. For more information, contact S.D. Game, Fish & Parks, at (605) 223-7660223-7660) or visit www.gfp.sd.gov.
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