KWAT’s Outdoor Report for week of July 6, 2020

Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report

Richmond: With all the recreational boating activity during the 4th of July weekend, it was a little difficult to fish. Kids were catching bluegill and crappie from the docks.
Elm: 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: Anglers have been catching some northern pike.
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: With all the recreational boating activity this past weekend, it was difficult to fish.

Clark County
Fishing Report
Fishing has been hit and miss in Clark County. Lots of anglers trying different lakes, with little success.
Dry 2: The road is open and accessible to the ramp.

Codington County
Fishing Report

Goose: Weed growth has made shore fishing difficult. Boat fishermen are catching walleye.
Kampeska: Fishermen are still catching a mixed bag of fish from shore and by boat, including (northern pike, white bass, perch, crappie and walleye.)
Pelican: Fishing has slowed down over the past couple of weeks.

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: Anglers are still having some success catching a few nice walleyes.
Waubay: The walleye bite remains pretty good while the white bass bite has slowed significantly.
Bitter: Fishing pressure and success continues to rise as anglers try their luck for some mid-summer walleye and perch action.

Hamlin County
Fishing Report

Poinsett: Fishing was slow this past week with all the recreational boaters out and about. Reports of a few walleyes being caught.
Albert: Reports have slowed down to a few northern pike 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 good walleye bite near main lake structure.
Clear: Good bass bite near main lake points. Good panfish bite near sunken islands.
Buffalo lakes: The panfish bite has been sporadic at best. 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:

Pelican Lake Recreation Area:
Park Entrance Licenses are required to get into our state parks. They are available online at campsd.com and at a number of local vendors. The park entrance booths are only being staffed on weekends to focus more time and effort to maintaining our parks for your enjoyment, so plan ahead and get your entrance license before you arrive!

Fort Sisseton State Park:
Murder Mystery at Fort Sisseton- COVID Style – July 1st- July 15th. There’s been a murder at the Fort! The staff at Fort Sisseton were excited to have a new intern on board this year, but instead it’s been nothing but a disaster!
Explore the buildings at the park while looking for clues related to the murder suspects, weapons and crime scene. Use your detective skills and the checklist to help you solve the crime. Once you have solved the crime, PM us on Facebook with the crime scene location, the murder and the weapon. Detectives that correctly solve the crime will win a prize and will also be put into a drawing to win a Fort Sisseton Gift Basket! More details and your Detective Sheet are available on the Fort Sisseton Facebook page!
Virtual Lantern Tour Saturday, July 11th. Ever wonder what Fort Sisseton looked like at night without electricity? Ever wonder if it was haunted by ghost? See Fort Sisseton in a different light by joining us for one of our Zoom (Virtual) Lantern Tours of the buildings. Listen to the history of the Fort from a first person viewpoint as you travel from building to building. Who knows you might even hear some stories about those who might remain…Zoom Link and times are available on our Facebook page.

Mina Lake Recreation Area:
Due to the recent storm that came through the area, the handicap fishing dock at Mina Lake Recreation Area will be closed until further notice.