KWAT’s Outdoor Report for week of November 23, 2020
Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report
Fishing pressure has been slow.
Hunting Report
Waterfowl: There are still huntable numbers of Canada geese and snow geese throughout the area. The large concentrations of snow geese are located in the Roscoe, Scatterwood Lake, and Cottonwood Lake areas. There are not many ducks in the area. We are waiting for the ducks to migrate from North Dakota into our area. Hunters field hunting have been doing the best. Remember scouting is the key to success while waterfowl hunting.
Pheasants: Hunters that are willing to get out and walk are having the best luck. Hunters hunting cattail sloughs and corn strips are doing well.
Deer: With the cooler weather the rut is in full swing. Hunters should be aggressive with antler rattling and grunt calls. The hunters who sat in their blinds had the best luck.
Clark County
Fishing Report
Dry 2: A few boaters have been seen on the lake with some success on walleye and a few perch. The ramp was still in this last weekend.
Reid: Closed to boating through December 31.
Hunting Report
Pheasants: Season is still going well with decent bird numbers being seen. Low hunter pressure as of right now. County harvest has been complete. Please use caution when road hunting and be aware of all surroundings when discharging a firearm.
Waterfowl: Strong number of snow geese, especially east half of county. Mallards have been slim, but still a decent number of divers around. Few more Canada geese showed up but seem to be moving swiftly.
Codington County
Fishing Report
Goose Lake: The boat ramp in the NW corner of the lake is now open for use.
Fishing pressure has been minimal on all area lakes.
Hunting Report
Geese: There are a good number of snow goose feeds going on around the area. There are also a few fields holding good numbers of dark geese as well. Especially the western portions of the county.
Ducks: Starting to see a good push of northern ducks into the area.
Swan: A few swans are still hanging around in the Western portions of the county.
Deer: Deer movement seems to be highest the first couple of hours in the morning and the last couple of hours of the day.
Pheasant: Hunters continue to average about 1.5 – 2 birds per hunter this past week.
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.
Fishing pressure has been minimal on all area lakes.
Hunting Report
Waterfowl: Still large numbers of snow geese spread throughout the county with pockets of ducks and Canada geese.
Deer: There was a successful east river deer opener with several large bucks harvested.
Pheasant: Still seeing decent numbers of birds. With the mild weather forecasted there is still plenty of time for some good late fall hunting.
Hamlin County
Fishing Report
Poinsett: Fishing pressure has been minimal with the past weather.
Hunting Report
Deer: Busy rifle opener this past weekend. There were a few nice deer harvested throughout the county. Sounds like the rut is still going strong.
Ducks: Minimal duck numbers in the area.
Canada Geese: Still a few geese in the area.
Marshall County
Fishing Report
Little to no fishing activity has been observed in the county.
Hunting Report
Waterfowl: Good numbers of Snow geese in the county. Decent pockets of Canada geese can be found in the eastern portion of the county. Below average duck numbers across the county for this time of year.
Pheasant: Hunters are having good success focusing on grass and cattails next to harvested corn fields. The birds are starting to get educated and planning a strategic walk with your group is helping with harvest of birds.
Deer: Deer hunters had great luck this past weekend. The hunters that GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK did really well. The rut is in full swing and deer are really on the move, it’s a great time to be in the stand or simply sitting on the ground in a tree belt. Be sure to have permission before entering private land, good luck and be safe.
Park Report:
Pelican Lake Recreation Area:
The Creatures of the Night Hike and Seek is still up at Pelican Lake Rec Area. Even though the contest is over, you can still enjoy finding the creatures that are hidden along the observation trail. What a great way to spend time over Thanksgiving than to come to the park and enjoy the outdoors.
The dump station has been winterized due to freezing temperatures. That doesn’t mean camping season is over! The west campground comfort station will remain open a while longer for those of you looking to enjoy some fall fishing, hiking, and a cool campfire at night. Follow us on Facebook at Pelican Lake, Sandy Shore, and Lake Cochrane Recreation Area’s for more updates!
Richmond, Mina, Lake Louise Recreation Areas:
The gates to Forest Drive are still open for the season.
The parks still offer many things to do in the month of December. With or without snow you can still camp, hike, biking, disc golf and just come out to enjoy nature. With a nice snow base the parks offer cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing.
New for this year Richmond Lake Recreation Area has cross-country skis to lend out and as in the past snowshoes. To reserve your skies or snowshoes call our office a day in advance at (605) 626-3488.