KWAT’S Outdoor Report for week of April 19, 2021
Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report
The fishing remains slow in the area, there was not much fishing pressure this week due to the weather. Expect fishing pressure and success to increase as the temperatures warm up.
James River: Anglers have been having success catching northern pike, Anglers are also having success catching, the occasional walleye. The water levels remain low for this time of year.
Mina Lake: Fishing has been slow; anglers have been catching a few walleye during the evening hours.
Richmond Lake: Fishing pressure was slow this week due to the cold weather, anglers have been having very good success catching walleye during the evening, the last 45 minutes seem to be the best as of now.
Elm Lake: Fishing has been slow, not much fishing activity has been observed. The dock is in at the SDGFP boat landing.
Hunting Report
Snow Geese: A few snow geese remain in the area, but a vast majority of the birds left the area last week. Hunters that are finding juvenile birds are having good success.
Clark County
Fishing Report
Dry 2: Fishing has been slow as the water has not reached over temperatures of 44 degrees.
Dry 1: Some walleye are being caught from the boat.
Indian Springs: Fishing has been extremely slow.
Codington County
Fishing Report
Goose: Fishermen continue to catch a few walleye from shore and boat. Most of the walleye are in the 14-15-inch range with a few over 20 inches being caught as well.
Kampeska: Fishermen are doing some fishing by North Shore; anglers seem to be catching a mixed variety.
Pelican Lake: Little fishing pressure
Blythe Slough: Little fishing pressure.
Long Lake: Little fishing pressure.
Dry Lake: Little fishing pressure.
Hunting Report
Snow Geese: Most Snow geese have left the area
Turkey: Birds are still spreading out and hunters are having some luck.
Day County
Fishing Report
Waubay: Not seeing much for fishing pressure.
Bitter: Shore fishing and boat fishing are seeing some pressure. Success depends on the weather.
Blue Dog: The bite has been slower on cooler days.
Hunting Report
Turkey: Everyday activity has started to increase.
Hamlin County
Fishing Report
Poinsett: Fishing activity has been very steady at the lake; walleye fishing has picked up and more fish are being caught closer to sunset. Fishermen are catching crappies and a few perch on north side of the lake.
Lakes Mary; Norden; John: Fishing has been somewhat steady on these bodies of water. More than a few fish are starting to be caught.
Clear Lake: Activity on the lake has picked up in the last week. A few people are catching fish right before dark; fish are being caught but are small.
Three Buck: Some walleye are being caught from shore. Fishermen need to be mindful of property rights when accessing the lake for fishing.
Hunting Report
Snow Geese: Most of the snow geese have moved out of the area.
Turkey: Turkey hunters are out more in the last week or so; with reports of some success. Warmer Temperatures should encourage the Turkeys to be more responsive when being called.
Marshall County
Fishing Report
North and South Buffalo Lakes: Producing some northern pike and very few walleye.
Cattail and Kettle Lakes: Producing a few walleye, however action is slow.
Opitz Lake: Lake is slow for walleye and perch.
Piyas Lake: Slow for walleye and perch.
Hunting Report
Snow geese: Nothing to report, seems the snow geese have left the area.
Turkey: Turkey hunters are experiencing a good hunting season as of now.
The upcoming weather looks great to get out for some hiking, fishing, and early season camping! Comfort stations and other facilities may still be winterized at our state parks. You can follow facilities openings on each parks Facebook page. Reminder for May to make reservations for the upcoming Mother’s Day and Open House Weekend and reservations can be made at campsd.com.
Roy Lake State Park: Is excited to show off their hard work over the last couple months by inviting you to an open house the weekend of May 22nd. At the open house, we will have tours running through our cabins, suites, and lodge to show the improvements that have taken place. At the open house, we will be able to take reservations and answer any questions about reservations, camping rules, or anything you wish to know more about. For times and information, stay tuned to our Facebook page, “Roy Lake State Park”, to find out more about our open house weekend!
Fort Sisseton State Park: Will be hosting an Earth Day event on April 24th, from 7:30 am until 3 pm. Everyone is welcome to come to Fort Sisseton State Park and participate in some hands-on activities. At 7:30 am there will be a guided bird watching tour, after that the event it will be come and go as you please. Pollinator balls, bird feeders, animal tracks, leaf prints, a coloring contest and more will get your family excited for Spring and Earth Day! The event will be held outdoors, so dress for the weather. If it is raining, it will be in the South Barracks. Bring a sack lunch, if you want to stay the whole day, though snacks will be available. A Park entrance license is required.
