Missouri River near Springfield
Fishing Have some reel fun More than 175 fishing lakes, ranging in size up to 29,000 acres, make southeast South Dakota a fisherman’s paradise. Glacial lakes exist in this region in addition to numerous man-made lakes. With three major rivers, the Big Sioux, the James and the Missouri River, which includes Lewis and Clark Lake, a 30-mile-long reservoir, coursing through this region, the youngest to the oldest can go home with a whopper of a fish story. 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 include walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, bluegill, perch and crappie. Walleye and bass compete for top honors. Lewis and Clark Lake, above the Gavins Point Dam, draws anglers from across the nation with its alluring combination of largemouth and smallmouth bass. 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. 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 19
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