Outdoor Report for week of February 3, 2020
Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report
The James River is open in many spots or it has a thin layer of ice, because of the water flow. The area lakes ice thickness varies across the lakes and because of the snow, on the lakes, we are seeing large slush pockets. Anglers need to use extreme caution around the ice because of the weather and water conditions.
Richmond: Anglers are catching walleye and perch. Most of the walleye are 12-13 inches. Some anglers have caught walleye in the 15 -18-inch range. The perch range in size from 6-9 inches. The best bite has been in the afternoons and evenings.
Elm: Anglers have been catching walleye, northern pike, crappie, and perch. The walleyes are ranging in size from 13-18 inches and the perch range in size from 6-10 inches. The best bite has been mornings and evenings. The ice thickness varies around the lake and there are lots of slush pockets.
Hosmer: Anglers have been catching perch. The perch range from 5-11 inches. There has been a good bite going all day long.
Mina: Anglers are catching some walleye and perch. Most of the walleye have been in the 12-14-inch range.
Roscoe: Anglers have been catching a few perch, but the bite has been inconsistent. Access onto the lake has been difficult with the drifting snow. Anglers with tracked ATV’s/UTV’s or snowmobiles can access the lake.
Clark County
Fishing Report
Dry Lake 1: Still getting quite a few anglers, however the perch bite has been slow as of lately. Anglers willing to stay mobile to find fish are able to pick up a few. Very few walleyes being caught.
Dry Lake 2: A few anglers reporting that fishing has been slow and unsuccessful for them.
Indian Springs: A few anglers out over the weekend, fishing being mostly slow but some parties picking up a mix of walleye and perch.
The majority of slush areas on local lakes have become soft again with the recent warm temps. There are some anglers managing to get around on ATV’s and side-by-sides with tires, however tracked machines would still be recommended.
Codington County
Fishing Report
Travel has become difficult due to snow depth and drifts.
Goose: Anglers are catching a few walleye in the mornings and evenings.
Blythe: Anglers are catching a few walleye and perch, some moving around may be required to find the schools. A few bigger fish are being caught in the mornings and evenings.
Kampeska: Anglers are catching a mixed bag of walleye, perch, crappie, bluegill and northern pike.
Pelican: Anglers are catching a few walleye, crappie and northern pike.
Day County
Fishing Report
Warm weather has reduced the depth of the snow pack on area lakes. This may help with ice travel.
Waubay: Not a lot of action. Anglers are having to work for fish.
Bitter: Anglers were out in good numbers and were having success with both perch and walleye.
South Rush: Seeing an uptick in fishing pressure recently with anglers having some success with walleye.
Hamlin County
Fishing Report
Poinsett: Travel remains difficult out there. Anglers are reporting a few perch and walleye being caught.
Marshall County
Fishing Report
White: Snow has been removed from boat ramp area. A few anglers have caught a few crappie and walleye.
Six Mile: Snow has been removed from ramp area. Anglers are catching a few panfish and northern.
Cottonwood: Snow has been removed from ramp area. Anglers have caught a few northern and walleye.
Roy: The access near the resort is good. Angers have caught walleye, perch and northern.
Clear: Access to the lake is by foot or tracked machine. A few anglers have caught panfish and walleye.
Park Report:
Pelican Lake Recreation Area:
Week three of “Operation Adventure” is next week! Operation Adventure is open to everyone at any age. Join us at the Pelican Lake Recreation Area picnic shelter at 6:00 PM Thursday, February 6 for a fun and informative session on snowshoeing/skiing. Equipment will be provided for the program. A Park Entrance License is required.
For more information, follow our Facebook page @PelicanLakeSandyShore.
Oakwood Lakes State Park:
Oakwood Lakes State Park will be hosting an Owl Moon Hike on Saturday, February 8. Meet at the Welcome Center starting at 7pm. All ages are invited to join us for a nighttime hike in the park. Snowshoes will be available at no charge. A Park Entrance License is required.
