Fishing

Paddlefish

Anglers interested in paddlefish have two options, an archery season in June or a snagging season in October. Both seasons occur on the Missouri River between Gavins Point Dam and the Big Sioux River. Resident and non-resident anglers who wish to paddlefish must apply for a limited number of paddlefish tags.

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 at Gavins Point in their Sturgeon and Endangered Species buildings 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. The aquarium is open daily, May 1 through Labor Day, 10am - 5pm. The hatchery is open year round Monday-Friday, 7am - 3pm.

Ice Fishing

South Dakota’s fishing season never closes so 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.

For more information about fees, regulations game species and fishing areas, visit gfp.sd.gov/fish. For maps and atlases visit gfp.sd.gov/maps.

FISHING LICENSE FEES

Habitat Stamp

(required prior to purchase of any license, one per year) Resident: $10 Non-resident: $25

Combination License

(includes small game & fishing) Resident: $55*

Junior Combination

Resident: $27* (ages 16-18)

Senior Combination

Resident: $40* (65 and over)

Annual Fishing

Resident: $28* Non-resident: $67*

Annual Family Fishing

Non-resident: $67*

1-Day Fishing

Resident: $8* Non-resident: $16*

3-Day Fishing

Non-resident: $37*

Youth Fishing

Non-resident: $25* Nonresidents under age 16 do not need a fishing license when fishing with a parent/guardian who has a valid SD fishing license. Youth's fish must be included in the daily/possession limits of the parent/guardian. Youth wishing to take their own limit of fish may purchase a non-resident license.

Senior Fishing

Resident: $12* (65 and over)

Limited Licenses for Paddlefish

Resident & Non-resident: $25 Applications available from SD Game, Fish & Parks Apply online - gfp.sd.gov or call (605) 223-7660

*Does not include $4 agent fee ($8 non-resident small game) • Fees subject to change Refer to the S.D. Fishing Handbook for complete fees & regulations

Free Fishing Weekend: May 21-23, 2021

FISHING WATERS, FISH SPECIES & FISHING FACILITIES

Lakes & Reservoirs County Acreage

Beaver Lake Minnehaha 372.23 Beaver Lake Yankton 102.24 Brant Lake Lake 1046.23 Clear Lake Minnehaha 505.79 Corsica Lake Douglas 111.14 Covell Lake (Fishing Pond) Minnehaha 13.20 Diamond Lake Minnehaha 294.67 Dimock Lake Hutchinson 93.37 Ethan Lake/Dam Hanson 60.27 Freeman (Fishing Pond) Hutchinson 3.32 Island Lake Minnehaha 458.39 Island Lake South Minnehaha 125.11 Lake Alvin Lincoln 105.26 Lake Carthage Miner 211.18 Lake George Lake 245.31 Lake Hanson Hanson 59.06 Lake Henry Lake 509.51 Lake Herman Lake 1279.30 Lake Lakota Lincoln 60.98 Lake Madison Lake 2702.84 Lake Menno/Dam Hutchinson 38.69 Lake Mitchell Davison 689.97 Lake Yankton Yankton 296.77 Lewis & Clark Lake Yankton 48,773.59 Long Lake Lake 625 Loss Lake Minnehaha 94.66 Lost Lake Minnehaha 146.28 Marindahl Lake Yankton 146.66 Marion (Fishing Pond) Turner 3.66 McCook Lake Union 296.86 Outdoor Campus Pond Minnehaha 2.51 Scott Lake Minnehaha 114.52 Swan Lake Turner 183.46 Tripp Lake Hutchinson 9.62 Tuschen Slough McCook 102.22 Twin Lakes Minnehaha 303.73 Tyndall (Fishing Pond) Bon Homme 1.55 Vermillion Lake McCook 579.95 Wall Lake Minnehaha 222.40 Westside Park (Fishing Pond) Yankton 1.30

Lakes & Reservoirs Miles

Big Sioux River 390 James River 307 Missouri River 75 Split Rock Creek - Vermillion River 131

Largemouth Bass Fish Species Smallmouth Bass White Bass Bluegill Bullhead Catfish Crappie Northern Pike Perch Sauger Walleye Sunfish River Carpsucker White Sucker Bigmouth Buffalo Gizzard Shad Freshwater Drum Common Carp Camping Toilet Boat Ramp

DON'T DREAM IT, _____ IT! Fill in the blank with YOUR favorite outdoor activity!

Outdoor adventure - It's the original "social distancing" in the best sense of the word. Whatever your favorite recreational activity, explore and discover the best places to do it here at the Gateway to the American West in Southeast South Dakota.

This guide has a backpack full of information to help you plan, but we recommend that you take a closer look at our advertisers within these pages. You can be sure they not only understand your needs but are also knowledgeable about local legends, secret places to explore and how to find the perfect spot for your activity. Get to know them by name, you'll end up coming back again and again in the future!

In the Springfield area, Tim at Broken Willow Lodge and the listed members of Discover Bon Homme County are your "go-to" resources for fishing, boating, waterfowl hunting, paddling the wild stretches of the Missouri National Recreational River, golfing, ATV trails and more. Don't miss the friendly corgi greeters at Tim's place! (page 6)

Between Springfield and Tyndall just off winding Apple Tree Road, you'll find Holly and Greg at The Cogan House and Dakota Custom Hunt welcoming you with everything from glamping in a yurt to a B&B with a cliffside overlook of the Mighty Missouri which serves visitors and hunters alike. Ask them about the time Custer camped on their lawn! (page 6)

Just up the road near Dimock at Ringneck Country Lodge, Mike and his family can "guide" you to great hunting opportunities and lodging on-site, as well as some special "don't miss" stops nearby (cheese, anyone?). (page 6)

Not only famous for the World's Only Corn Palace, the Mitchell Convention & Visitors Bureau staff (inside front cover) are downright enthusiastic about serving your informational needs in one of our region's larger towns. Mike and Deb at Kuchera's South Dakota Guide Service know what the hunter wants, with years of experience collectively refining their business to cater to individuals. (inside cover & page 5)

Eric and his team at the Madison Chamber of Commerce work year-round to know what their community has to offer. With beautiful Lake Herman State Park among the gems of the area, contact them for the latest and greatest ideas. (page 7)

Sioux Falls, the state's largest city, welcomes visitors along the I-29/I-90 corridor with an amazing array of adventures, so make sure to contact Val at Clubhouse Hotel & Suites, which is an easy-access and comfortable overnight stay that is not only "hunter friendly" but also "hunter ready." (page 9) And you don't have to fly into town in order to stay with Rachel & Co. at Aerostay Hotel at the airport, but it’s more than handy to walk from the concourse straight to the lobby without going outside, unless you want to! (page 7)

To wind down or ante up, Tim and everyone at Flandreau's Royal River Casino have thought of everything your heart desires, maybe even before you thought of it yourself! Its nearly a self-contained city within itself (inside back cover), so why not roll the dice, you can't lose!

Kasi at Yankton Convention & Visitors Bureau always has new and innovative ways to make your stay in this historic town memorable. And for good reason. The friendly park staff at one of South Dakota's most popular visitor destinations, Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, on the Missouri River, and local folks like Ann and her staff at Holiday Inn Express are constantly helping make Yankton a mecca for a wide variety of year-round outdoor activities (back cover).

Bring your camera, your gear, your enthusiasm and your sense of adventure. From birding, biking, hiking, fishing, paddling, snowy winter activities, world-class archery and hunting, to camping, rock climbing and just connecting with nature, trust your well-deserved rest to us. Gary Keller, Executive Director, SSDTA

CAMPFIRES, STARS & RELAXATION AWAIT IN OUR CAMPGROUNDS

Sitting around a campfire under a clear sky, gazing up at the stars and listening to the sounds of the night can relax your body, pacify your mind and restore your spirit.

Area campgrounds offer everything from primitive tent camping to full service resort accommodations. Private and city sponsored campgrounds can also be found in most communities. Each campground offers a unique camping experience. Many of these campgrounds are open year-round for sportsmen or those who enjoy the quieter seasons.

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

Located near Yankton, this popular campground is situated along beautiful Lewis & Clark Lake and offers many prime waterfront campsites and camping cabins, equestrian camp/ trails, paved trail, mountain bike area and swimming beaches.

Springfield Recreation Area

If a smaller park setting is more your style, this park, located at Springfield, is known for its bass fishing and is a good base for waterfowl hunting in the fall. A nearby golf course overlooks the Missouri River. A paved biking/hiking trail connects to town.

Newton Hills State Park

Located near Canton, Newton Hills is a wooded oasis providing shaded campsites and scenic vistas. Its Woodland Trail is a National Recreational Trail and offers excellent bird watching. There is a multi-use trail, arboretum trail, and a lookout tower. The park offers equestrian campsites, corrals and equestrian trails as well as a fully equipped lodge.

Union Grove State Park

South of Beresford, Union Grove has secluded campsites, hiking/biking trail, bridle trail and equestrian camps/corrals. It features a large variety of trees for an impressive display of fall color. Wildlife and many bird species thrive in the park.

Palisades State Park

Colorful quartzite cliffs along with a colorful past, including a Jesse James legend at Devil’s Gulch, make Palisades, near Garretson, one of the most unique and scenic campgrounds in the area. Walking trails follow quartzite formations that rise 50 feet above Split Rock Creek. Canoeing and fishing on Split Rock Creek are also popular. The cliffs also provide rock climbing opportunities. A comfortable fully equipped lodge is perfect for large gatherings. The campground will soon be expanding.

Lake Herman State Park

History and water-based recreation attract many campers to this Madison park, with white sand beaches and tree covered rolling hills, on the shores of Lake Herman. Nearby Walker’s Point Recreation Area has a modern campground on Lake Madison with easy lake access. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. A trail leads through grass prairie, wetlands, and historic sites featuring a restored 1871 cabin and cemetery.

Big Sioux Recreation Area

A great canoer's haven, this park lies on the banks of the Big Sioux River near Brandon, with easy access to Sioux Falls. Facilities and services include wooded and prairie trails among some of the oldest trees in the state, GPS trail, disc golf, and an historic 1869 homestead cabin.

Lake Vermillion

Lake Vermillion, located southwest of Sioux Falls, is popular among fishermen, boaters, and swimmers in the summer. Fall sportsmen can find waterfowl and upland game nearby, making it an ideal hunting camp. Facilities and services include hiking trail, fishing dock, and canoe/kayak rentals.