Northeast SD Fish Sampling Results
The links below will exhibit graphs showing the results of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) sampling during the past summer in northeastern South Dakota, as well as the most recent lake survey, and angler use and harvest (creel) survey reports for a given lake. Fisheries management questions in NE South Dakota can be directed to Mark Ermer, Brian Blackwell, or Todd Kaufman (SDGFP-Webster 605.345.3381)
Past summer's sampling results
- Walleye Nettings
- Northern PIke Nettings
- Perch Nettings
- Bluegill Nettings
- Black Crappie Nettings
- Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Electrofishing
The graphs show the average number of a given species that was caught per net at each lake. For each lake, the sample of a given species is divided into different length categories. Generally speaking, high net catches and large sizes should indicate good fishing, whereas high net catches and small sizes may indicate future angling opportunities.
If you do not see a lake on the graphs it does not mean that the lake does not have fish, but that it probably was not sampled during the past year. The graphs will provide anglers with an idea of the abundance and available sizes of a given species in each sampled lake. Just because fish are present is no guarantee that the fish will bite. Anglers should consult the South Dakota Fishing Handbook to know the fisheries regulations for the waters that they intend to fish.
Lake surveys provide information on fish communities. Some lakes are surveyed on an annual basis and others are surveyed less frequently. A variety of fish collection gears may be used during a survey, including, but not limited to, gill nets, trap nets, and electrofishing. In general, gill nets are used to sample walleye and yellow perch; while trap nets sample bullheads, bluegills, catfish, crappies. Electrofishing is used to sample largemouth and smallmouth bass, and to sample young walleye to assess natural reproduction or success of stocking.
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Angler use and harvest (creel) surveys provide information on fishing pressure, catch and harvest of fish species, and angler demographics and preferences. Fishing pressure is calculated from counts of boat and shore anglers. In the winter, occupied ice houses and open-ice anglers are counted. Harvest rates (number of fish harvested per hour of fishing) and catch rates (harvest + release rates) are calculated from angler interviews. An interview consists of questions about the length of time fished, the number and species of fish harvested and released, fishing methods, targeted species, and angler residence and preferences. Total catch and harvest are calculated by multiplying the average catch or harvest rate by the total fishing pressure.
Technical terminology mentioned in the lake survey reports
Stocking Information
| 2003 | 2006 | 2009 |
| 2004 | 2007 | 2010 |
| 2005 | 2008 |
Most Recent Creel Reports
| Bitter Lake | Cattail/Kettle Lake | Enemy Swim Lake | ||
| Pickerel Lake | Waubay Lake |
Anglers should consult the South Dakota Fishing Handbook to know the fisheries regulations for the waters that they intend to fish.