KWAT’s Outdoor Report for week of August 3, 2020

Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report

Richmond: Anglers have been catching walleye, bluegill, crappie, and perch. Fishermen are catching panfish bobber fishing with worms from the docks. Great opportunity to take a kid fishing.
Elm: The high water is still going down, so please be courteous on the lake. Anglers have been catching walleye and northern pike. Anglers that have been pulling plugs and spinners with worms are having the best luck.
Wylie: The Game, Fish and Parks has recently stocked bluegill, smallmouth bass, and white bass into the lake. This is a great area to take kids fishing.
Elm River: Fishing has been slow due to the high water.
James River: Anglers are catching northern pike. The walleye bite has been slow. Bow fishermen are having good luck shooting carp. Anglers shooting carp need to pick up shot fish and dispose of them properly.
Mina: Anglers have been catching walleye, northern pike, catfish, perch, and bluegill. The walleye bite has been better in the evenings.

Clark County
Fishing Report
This weekend proved that some fish can still be caught on the right lake at the right time. Some fish finally removed the masks and showed up at Dry 2, Indian, Swan and Reid Lakes. It seems to vary day to day speaking with the anglers. Appears that early mornings have been the best times to get out and catch the bite, tremendously slowing off during the evening hours.

Remember hunting seasons are coming up a month away. Make sure to get all the proper license before your season of choice starts up.

Codington County
Fishing Report

Goose: Weed growth has made shore fishing difficult. Boat fishermen are catching walleye, most of which have been under 15 inches.
Kampeska: Anglers are still catching a mixed bag of fish from shore and by boat, including (northern pike, white bass, perch, crappie and walleye.)
Pelican Lake: Little fishing activity. Anglers are targeting the weed lines and open patches in the weeds.
Blythe Slough: Closed to boating from March 1st, 2020 to August 31st, 2020.

Day County
Fishing Report

Due to the high water and safety hazard of a potential vehicle and pedestrian accident, the county is no longer allowing pedestrians on the Grenville grade, Day Co 1 north of Hwy 12 to 140th St., and Yellowstone trail from Main St. to Day Co 1. Also, if you are shore fishing make sure you are parked in a legal parking spot and it is not posted as no parking.

North Rush: Fishing pressure has been low, along with success.
South Rush: Conti
nuing to see high fishing pressure with marginal success for walleye, some anglers catching a few crappies.
Waubay: Some anglers have been having some luck catching walleye with the occasional perch and smallmouth bass.
Bitter: Still seeing some good fishing pressure with anglers catching walleye and perch.

Great time of year to switch gears and try some of the other lakes for other species like bluegill and bass.

Hamlin County
Fishing Report

Poinsett: Reports of a mix bag (walleye, perch, and crappie) being caught.

Marshall County
Fishing Report

Opitz: Good walleye fishing in the morning and evenings near timbered main lake points. This would be a great lake to take a kid fishing.
Roy: Good bass and decent walleye bite near main lake structure.
Clear: Great bass bite near main lake points and near shore edges. Good panfish bite near sunken islands.
Buffalo lakes: The panfish bite has been sporadic at best. The anglers moving around to find the best bite are doing really well.

If you’re reading this report and would like to get the entire family involved in the incredible fishing we have in the area, today is your lucky day!!! SDGFP is trying something new and would like to take a few families out fishing this summer. You will learn easy to access fishing areas and how to clean and cook what you catch. Space is very limited, so call today. Please contact GFP Conservation Officer Casey Dowler at (605) 881-3775 to learn more.

Park Report:

Fort Sisseton State Park:
Talk with an 1800’s Army Soldier: Join us at Fort Sisseton with Bill as he brings to life the Fort with his reenactment as a 1800’s Frontier Army Soldier. Bill will do a special presentation on August 8th at 3pm and at 6 pm, while making camp and willing to talk about the life of a soldier on the Frontier Army. Camp will be made between the Dr. Residence and Commanding Officer’s House.

Richmond/ Mina Lake Recreation Areas:
The handicap fishing dock in the park at Mina Lake Recreation Area is repaired and ready for use.
It’s not too early to book your campsites, cabins or the modern cabin for resident only pheasant on October 10th- 11th and pheasant opener on October 17th- 18th. Campsites are available at Richmond and Mina Lake Recreation Area. The cabin at Richmond Lake Recreation Area and the cabin and modern cabin at Mina Lake Recreation are still available for rent.
Richmond and Mina Lake Recreation Areas are looking for people to fill maintenance and campground attendant positions for fall 2020. Please go to https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/seasonal/gfp/summer.html to apply. Contact Robert Teachout at 605-626-3488 if you have questions.