KWAT’s Outdoor Report for week of September 14, 2020

Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report

Richmond: Anglers have been catching bluegill, crappie, and perch. The perch bite has seemed to be taking off. Fishermen have been using minnows and a bobber. Lots of small ones being caught. Great opportunity to take a kid fishing.
Elm: Anglers have been catching walleye, perch, and northern pike. Anglers that have been pulling plugs and spinners with worms, seem to be 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. Reminder this is a youth fishing lake only.
Elm River: Anglers have been catching northern pike and a few walleye from time to time.
James River: Anglers are catching northern pike and good-sized channel catfish. The walleye bite has been slow.
Mina: Anglers have been catching walleye, northern pike, catfish, perch, and bluegill. The perch and bluegill bite is better earlier in the morning.

Hunting Report
Dove: There are still some doves in the area, but with recent cool temperatures a lot of them have been making there way south. If you still plan to hunt doves it would be in your best interest to get out now before they make their way south.
Goose: There are quite a few birds in Brown, Day, Marshall, and Clark counties. Seem to be seeing a few new birds coming down from the north. They are still targeting the wheat fields during the mornings and evenings as well as silage fields as they come available. Hunters have been successful hunting over decoys spread out in family groups.
Deer: Archery deer season has been open for a couple weeks now and the deer seem to be moving more with the recent cool temperatures. Bucks have started shedding their velvet and have seemed to go into their nocturnal modes.

Clark County
Fishing Report

Reid Lake: Has slowed down quite a bit with the perch bite but a few boats left. Remember the boat regulations will be on come October.
Swan: Has been producing some walleye and a few perch. Most walleyes seem to be in the 15 and under range.
Hunting Report

Goose: Still some geese around the county but seem to have been disoriented after a couple weekends of hunting. Most geese seem to be jumping different fields day to day.

Codington County
Fishing Report

Goose: Boat fishermen are still catching a few walleye, most of which continue to be between 14 and 16 inches. A few perch are getting mixed in as well. The boat ramp in the NW corner has been repaired and is functional, be advised that there is no approach going into the ramp at this time and access is through the ditch.
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 Lake: Little fishing activity.
Blythe Slough: Opened to boating on September 1st.

Hunting Report

Dove: Most doves have moved out of the area with the cooler temperatures last week, but a few decent pockets of doves can still be found.
Geese: There are a few good fields around the area, holding several geese in them. It appears,
geese are starting to move into the cut silage fields.

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: Seeing good fishing pressure with pretty good success for perch
Waubay: Not seeing a ton of fishing pressure yet but there has been reports of white bass starting to bite
Bitter: Not much for fishing pressure nothing to report on at this time

Hunting Report
Dove: Still plenty of doves in the area not seeing a ton of pressure.
Deer: Few hunters out during the cold snap but not much for stories of deer being harvested yet
Waterfowl: Looked like a good youth hunt this year plenty of ducks in the area. Goose hunting has been good in the area

Hamlin County
Fishing Report

Poinsett: It was a nice weekend to be out fishing. Reports of a few walleye being caught.

Hunting Report
Doves: There are a fair number of doves around. Wheat fields will to be good places to see them
Goose: Pressure for geese was low but still a few groups giving it a shot. As more silage is cut the opportunity to harvest geese will grow.
Ducks: Youth season opened up and reports of some quality hunts from this past weekend.

Marshall County
Fishing Report

Roy: Few walleye being caught. Decent bass bite.
Clear: Bluegill and Bass being caught in traditional areas. Occasional walleye
Opitz: Occasional limits of walleye. Perch up in the trees

Hunting Report
Dove: Most cleared out of area last week after cold snap. Few hanging around
Deer: Few people making their way out into the stands. Good time to take a youth out on a hunt
Goose: Still productive if you put in the time to scout
Youth Waterfowl: Last weekend was very good for some youth waterfowl hunters. Upcoming waterfowl season looks very promising. Get out and scout.

Park Report:

Richmond Lake Recreation Area:
Pheasant opener is a little over a month away. Book your lodging today at Mina Lake Recreation Areas 3- bedroom modern cabin.
Pelican Lake Recreation Area:
Fall is a great time for camping and using our state parks! The cool weather makes for great hiking and trails use, watching birds as they migrate, and enjoying a beautiful weekend of camping and sitting around a fire. We have campsite and cabin availability throughout the fall. Reservations are required year-round and can be made at campsd.com.