Outdoor Report for week of January 6, 2020
Aberdeen Area
Fishing Report
Most of the area lakes are froze over. The James River will remain open for a while, because of the water flow. Anglers can still shore fish the open water by the bridges. Anglers should 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, and perch. The walleye 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 6-8-inch range.
Clark County
Fishing Report
Dry #1: Still receiving fairly heavy fishing pressure with anglers reporting an inconsistent bite. Tracked vehicles recommended as there is a fair amount of snow on the lake lots of slush pockets across the lake.
Dry #2: A fair number of anglers over the weekend, reporting an inconsistent and slow bite.
Indian Springs: Very few fishermen.
Reid: There has been a fair amount of angling pressure lately. Some individuals finding perch in numbers but on the small side.
*Be aware most lakes have enough snow cover and slush pockets now where travel by ATV w/o tracks is becoming difficult- foot travel or tracked machines recommended. Be safe, and happy fishing!
Codington County
Fishing Report
Goose: Fishermen are catching a few walleyes in the mornings and evenings. Most walleye are under 14 inches long. Fishermen are also picking up a perch here and there.
Blythe: Fishermen are catching a few walleye and perch, some moving around may be required to find the schools. Most walleye are under 14 inches, but a few bigger fish are being caught.
Kampeska: Fishermen are catching a mixed bag of walleye, perch, crappie and northern pike. The walleye are in the 15-20 inch range, when you find the schools.
Day County
Fishing Report
Always use caution while on the ice. Ice thickness may vary throughout the body of water. Also, several slush pockets and a couple of ice heaves have formed on Bitter and Waubay.
Waubay: Anglers are catching a few walleye and perch.
Bitter: Anglers are spread throughout the entire lake. Anglers are catching some walleye and perch.
Pickerel Lake: Anglers have had some success catching a few bluegill and perch.
Hamlin County
Fishing Report
Poinsett: Access around on the lake is tough. Reports are day to day but a few perch and walleye being caught.
Clear Lake: There has been some mid-week fishing pressure. Reports of some perch and walleye being caught.
Marshall County
Fishing Report
Ice conditions are very spotty across the county.
Roy: A few pike and walleye being caught in the morning and evenings.
White: A few crappie and the occasional walleye.
Park Report:
The 2020 Park Entrance License is currently for sale. Park Entrance License Fees are now $36 for an annual, $18 for a second, a transferrable is $80. Pick yours up today at any of our participating vendors in Watertown, Aberdeen and surrounding areas. These include Hy-Vee, Little River City, Gas n Goodies and the Cowboy Country Stores in Watertown. Aberdeen vendors include Ken’s Superfair Foods, Runnings, Kessler’s, and any GFP regional or district office.
Have you ever considered visiting a state park in your area?! Grab your binoculars and grab your snow shoes this Holiday season and plan a visit to a State Park near you and enjoy the solitude the parks have to offer this time of year. A few activities to enjoy are hiking, ice fishing, and bird watching! As always, thank you for visiting South Dakotas State Parks!
Pelican Lake Recreation Area: Week one of “Operation Adventure” is this week! Operation Adventure is geared towards children ages 7-16 but is open to everyone. Join us at the Pelican Lake Recreation Area picnic shelter at 6:00 PM Thursday, January 9th for an educational session on ice fishing, followed by ice fishing on Pelican Lake! We are also having an ice fishing program on Sunday, January 12th from 1:30-4:30 PM at Pelican Lake Recreation Area. Bait and some equipment will be provided for both of these programs, but supplies are limited so feel free to bring your own fishing poles. A Park Entrance License is required for both programs.
For more information, follow our Facebook page @SandyShorePelicanLake.
