KWAT’s Outdoor Report for week of January 11, 2021
Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report
Richmond: There is still open water by the north and west bridges. Anglers have been catching some perch, crappie, and walleye.
Mina: Anglers have been catching small perch and walleye. The ice by the east boat ramp is only 2-4 inches.
Elm: There are weak spots by the resort bridge and west arm of the lake. Anglers have been catching some perch and walleye.
Hosmer Slough: Anglers have been catching some small perch.
James River and Elm River: The ice is not safe to fish.
Hunting Report
Pheasants: Hunters that are walking cattail sloughs are having the best luck.
Squirrel and rabbit: The cottontail rabbit and tree squirrel seasons are open until Feb 28, 2021. With the mild winter this is a great time to get a young hunter in the field.
Clark County
Fishing Report
Dry 2: Some walleye and a few perch being caught. The high intense angling pressure is really shutting the fish off. Some anglers struggling to find the fish.
Reid: A few walleyes being caught in the 12-14 range.
Dry 1: Angling pressure increased over the weekend but doesn’t appear to be seeing very many fish coming off the lake.
Cottonwood: Open water in two big spots on the lake.
Swan: A few pike and a bonus walleye from time to time.
Codington County
Fishing Report
Goose: Fishermen are catching 13-15 inch walleye. The State ramp in the NW corner of the lake is now open for use.
Kampeska: Fishermen are catching a few walleye, blue gills, perch and crappies.
Pelican Lake: Little fishing activity.
Blythe Slough: Fishermen are catching a few perch and walleye. A gravel launch has been added in the NW corner of the lake.
Long Lake: Fishing has been hit or miss. Fishermen are catching 15-18 inch walleye and the occasional perch at times.
Hunting Report
Pheasant: Hunters are averaging about 2– 2.5 birds per hunter this past week.
Day County
Fishing Report
Waubay: Anglers are having some success catching walleye and perch.
Bitter: Anglers that are moving and drilling lots of holes seem to be having the best success catching perch.
Pickerel: Both north and south ends of the lake are seeing fishing pressure. Anglers are catching a few perch, bluegill and walleye.
Hunting Report
Pheasant: Mild weather is providing hunters with some fantastic late season pheasant hunting.
Hamlin County
Fishing Report
Poinsett: Anglers have reported a mix bag of fish being caught. (walleye, perch, and crappie)
Albert: Minimal traffic as of right now.
Clear Lake: There has been reports of a few walleyes being caught.
Marshall County
Fishing Report
Roy: Decent pike fishing near the resort.
Clear: A few anglers ventured out and found some panfish and the occasional walleye.
White: A few crappie and walleye have been caught in the mornings and evenings.
Opitz: A few small walleyes and a few perch were caught over the weekend.
Buffalo lakes: A few panfish and pike have been caught.
Piyas: Decent walleye and perch bite near main lake points.
Hunting Report
Pheasant: Hunters focusing on cattails near harvested fields seems to be having rhe best success.
Park Report:
Don’t let the colder weather deter you from getting out and enjoying our State Parks! As always, our parks are open year-round so take some time to get out and enjoy South Dakota’s State Parks! The electricity is on year-round and the camping cabins and lodges have heat. Reservations can be made at campsd.com or 1-800-710-2267.
The 2021 Park Entrance License is currently for sale. Pick yours up today at any of our participating vendors in Watertown, Aberdeen and surrounding areas. These include The Cowboy Country Stores, Hy-Vee, Little River City and Gas n Goodies in Watertown. Aberdeen vendors include Ken’s Superfair Foods, Runnings, Kessler’s, and any GFP office.
Pelican Lake Recreation Area
Back by popular demand… OPERATION ADVENTURE! Join us on our 19-week, 10 program series designed for the families that love the outdoors or are ready to get involved. Every other Thursday throughout the series, we will cover diverse outdoor recreation topics that everyone can learn from, whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong sportsman. Programs go from 6-7:30 PM. All equipment will be provided. Our first program is January 14th and will be skiing and snowshoeing. We will meet at the picnic shelter and go from there!
Richmond Lake Recreation Area
The gates to Forest Drive have been locked for the season to start getting a base for the cross country ski trails. New this year, cross country skis are now available for check out. To reserve yours, give the park a call at (605) 626-3488 at least a day prior to set up a time to get them.