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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 6, 2018
GFP CONTACT: Emily.Kiel@state.sd.us
TOURISM CONTACT: Katlyn.Richter@travelsouthdakota.com
South Dakota Fishing Opportunities Abound for Making Memories
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota departments of Tourism and Game, Fish and Parks are encouraging residents and visitors to take advantage of the vast amount of fishing opportunities in South Dakota this spring and summer.
“Our outdoor resources are such an important component of what South Dakota is known for,” said Jim Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “Residents are proud of them. We use them. We like to show them off. Fishing is at the top of that list and the quality of our fishing is second to none. With the Missouri River and the vast amount of prairie lakes in South Dakota, the state has more coastline than California.”
With the passage of HB 1081 to make the non-meandered waters arrangement more permanent, the departments want to clear up any confusion that may remain on which lakes are open and which lakes require landowner permission to access.
“Of the approximately 244,000 acres of publicly accessible non-meandered lakes mostly in eastern South Dakota, only two percent have been marked ‘closed’ and are open through landowner permission,” said Kelly Hepler, Secretary of the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. “Combine that with the approximately 246,000 acres of meandered lakes that remain open to anglers, the massive Missouri River system and the reservoirs across this state, South Dakota remains, and will remain a place to visit, catch fish and make memories with friends and family.”
Hagen and Hepler agree that work remains on the non-meandered waters issue.
“This is an important topic for all anglers, both residents and nonresidents, who are planning to travel and enjoy our great lakes,” said Hagen. “I like to tell them, ‘Look, come on out and fish. I think you are going to find that most, if not all, of your favorite spots are open and you won’t see a change at all.’ That is the take home message.”
Hepler agrees, and is also committed to finding a good balance.
“Providing recreational opportunities while addressing the concerns of the landowners will continue to be the primary focus. I have tasked department staff to work together with landowners on agreements to keep waters open and open up the waters that have been closed,” stated Hepler.
Hepler continued, “Many areas of South Dakota are true hunting and fishing treasures. Access to these areas takes an investment of time, compromise and an honest, respectful approach. Striking a balance between the public’s interest in recreation and respect for private property rights is a top priority for the department and this state. This means respectful dialogue must continue between landowners and sportsmen and women to ensure recreational opportunities remain strong.”
For more information on the non-meandered waters, including water closures, visit:https://gfp.sd.gov/fish/.
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