Missouri River at Bon Homme SOUTHEAST REGION Find Cool, clear waters Exceptional Fishing 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 man-made 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 cat-fish also make up the catches for Lewis and Clark anglers. 228 // #sesouthdakota Panfishermen will want to look for shallow weed beds during the spring and drop-offs during the summer. Still-fishing 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. spearing and archery The spearing/archery seasons allow licensed anglers to take fish with a legal spear, legal speargun, legal crossbow or bow and arrow, with some restrictions for specific seasons and dates for game fish and rough fish. To take game fish by these methods in areas open to the taking of game fish, a Game Fish Spearing and Archery Fishing Permit is required. Fishing Continued on page 230 Order the free South Dakota Sportsman's Guide: 888-353-7382
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2022: Page 228
