KWAT’s Outdoor Report for week of May 3, 2021

Aberdeen Area

Fishing Report
James River: Fishing pressure and success have been picking up. Anglers have been having very good success catching northern pike. Anglers are also having success catching catfish, and the occasional walleye. The water levels remain significantly lower than previous years, making it tough for anglers.
Mina Lake: Fishing pressure has increased with the warm weather. Anglers have been having success catching a few walleyes during the early morning and evening hours. The last 45 minutes of the daylight have proven to be the most effective.
Richmond Lake: Fishing success has increased as the water temperatures have started to rise. Anglers are reporting the best success during the early morning hours and during the last 45 minutes of daylight.
Elm Lake: Fishing has been slow, not much fishing activity has been observed.

Hunting Report
Snow Geese: A small amount of snow geese remain in the area; although there are still huntable pockets of juvenile snow geese that can be found in the northern part of the county.

Clark County

Fishing Report
Dry 2: Walleye bite is tough during the day hours but seems to be better at dusk. Fish have not seemed to be moving up into the shallows yet. A lot of small northern are being caught.
Dry 1: A few walleye are being caught from both shore and boat. Reminder not to park on road between “No Parking” signs
Indian Springs: Walleye bite is very slow.
Reid: Some walleye activity reported.

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; fishermen are catching a mixed variety.
Pelican Lake: Little fishing pressure.
Blythe Slough: Little fishing pressure.
Long Lake: Boaters have been using the new ramp in the NW corner of the lake. Walleye are starting on the bite.

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: The bite is on at Waubay anglers are landing 14” to 18” walleye. Reminder that there is no pedestrian traffic allowed on the Grenville grade 132nd St.
Bitter: Anglers are testing their luck and rolling in average size walleye.
Blue Dog: The bite for walleye is hit and miss as of now.

Hunting Report
Turkey: If you’re willing to scout and patiently wait you should have a successful harvest.

Hamlin County

Fishing Report
Poinsett: Fishing is starting to pick up. The bite for walleye fish is starting to produce good results.
Lakes Mary; Norden; John: Fishing has been steady on these bodies of water. A few are being caught.
Clear Lake: The bite is steady, right before dark anglers are finding success.
Three Buck: A few walleye have been caught from the 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: The flow of hunters has been steady. Hens are starting to nest; hunting has been moderately successful.

Marshall County

Fishing Report
North and South Buffalo Lakes: Slow on the walleye bite; but anglers have caught a few northern.
Cattail and Kettle Lakes: It’s a slow go, with an occasional walleye being caught.
Opitz Lake: Barely a walleye bite; with little to no perch bite.
Roy: Slow bite on walleye; but an occasional bass is being caught.

Hunting Report
Turkey: Hunters are finding some nice Toms to fill their tags.

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. 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. We will also 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!

Pelican Lake Recreation Area: Things are warming up! The park is in good shape, the dock and fishing dock are in, the trails are looking great with lots of birds and critters out and about, and we are turning the dump station back on! For more updates on facility openings please follow our Facebook page at “Pelican Lake, Sandy Shore, and Lake Cochrane Recreation Areas”.