KWAT’s Outdoors Report for the week of January 18, 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: Minimal fishing activity due to the poor ice conditions.
Elm: There are weak spots by the resort bridge and west arm of the lake. Anglers have been catching some perch, walleye and crappies.
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: Still seeing some perch and walleye, but ice conditions are sketchy to say the least. Another ranger went in last weekend.
Dry 1: Minimal activity, but seeing a few small walleyes getting caught.
Indian Springs: Ice conditions vary from open to 10 inches. Minimal angler activity.
Reid and Swan: Seeing minimal activity. A few fish getting caught on Reid Lake. Use extreme caution on Reid Lake.
Codington County
Fishing Report
Goose: Anglers have been catching 13-15 inch walleye. The State ramp in the NW corner of the lake is now open for use.
Kampeska: Catching a few walleye, blue gill, perch and crappies.
Blythe Slough: 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. Anglers 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: Still seeing some fishing pressure, anglers are having marginal success catching perch and walleye.
Bitter: Anglers that are moving frequently are having the best success catching perch with occasional walleye.
Pickerel: Blue gill bite has slowed down for the most part.
Hunting Report
Pheasant: Fresh snow on the ground should help with the success for pheasant hunters.
Hamlin County
Fishing Report
Poinsett: Fishing has slowed down. Reports of walleye continue in the morning and evening hours.
Albert: Minimal traffic as of right now.
Clear Lake: There has been reports of a few walleyes being caught.
Marshall County
Fishing Report
Roy: Good pike fishing near the resort using tip ups and dead sticks.
Clear: Anglers found some panfish and the occasional walleye.
White: 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 the 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 was postponed due to weather. January 21st is our new date and will be skiing and snowshoeing. We will meet at the picnic shelter and go from there!
Oakwood Lakes State Park
Join us at Oakwood Lakes for the annual Cool Kids Classic Fishing Derby on Saturday, January 30th! Registration runs from 10am – 11am on Oakwood East with fishing from 11am – 12:30pm. Changes have been made to the program this year to follow covid-19 safety measures. One of those changes is with the Liability Waiver. This can be signed ahead of the event by going to www.eventbrite.com and registering for the Cool Kids Classic Ice Fishing Derby. You will need to use Chrome or Microsoft Edge; Internet Explorer will not work. Contact us at 605-627-5441 for more info or with questions.
