GFP News - July 12, 2012
- Lake Oahe Fishing Exceptional This Summer
- GFP Commission Proposes Waterfowl Seasons
- GFP Commission Proposes Changes for Wildlife Rehab, Muzzleloaders, Taking Bait and Hunter Accompaniment
- Registration Open for Farm Island Triathlon
- State Parks Offer Weekend Events
Lake Oahe Fishing Exceptional This Summer
PIERRE, S.D. - Lake Oahe has a national reputation for some of the finest fishing in the country, but the past several months have been exceptional even by standards set by the popular Missouri River reservoir.
Boat ramps and fish-cleaning stations along the central South Dakota lake have been very busy with anglers enjoying a walleye bite that began last year, continued through record flooding, and is still going strong.
Some anglers are wondering what changed on the big lake.
"We currently have a lot of 13- to 16- inch fish in Lake Oahe that were produced since water levels rose at the end of the drought in 2008," said Mark Fincel, senior fisheries biologist for the Game, Fish and Parks Department. "Fish over 20 inches were common in angler catches this spring, but as the water has warmed, the young fish are now dominating the catch."
Fincel said providing answers to angler's questions about how the fishery in Lake Oahe is fairing can be complex.
"The system is very dynamic," he said. "It's not uncommon for Lake Oahe to experience periods of high fish production when water levels continually rise for a few years following a drought. The system is very productive then, as the influx of water brings in a lot of nutrients and flooded vegetation makes great spawning habitat and places to hide for young fish."
The most complex and unknown factor in the environment of Lake Oahe is the fallout from the record flooding of 2011. A lot of smelt were lost from Lake Oahe when they were flushed in heavy downstream flows into Lake Sharpe. GFP biologists have found that most of the lost smelt were young fish hatched in the spring of 2011.
"We still have some adults left to spawn next year and smelt could bounce back," Fincel said. "Unfortunately, the run in 2012 was one of the smaller ones we have monitored. However, Lake Oahe is very productive right now because of the high water and flows of 2011. There is a lot of food for bait fish and young fish of other species, which all serve as food for walleyes. Those young fish should start to enter walleye diets soon."
GFP staffers have added to the potential food base for game fish in Lake Oahe by placing about 1,800 adult gizzard shad into the lake this past spring.
"The plan was to stock pre-spawn adult shad with the idea that their offspring could provide food resources in localized areas of Oahe. The adults began spawning in June and newly hatched, or larval, shad are being caught in small-mesh trawls, (nets towed behind a boat) at most locations where adults were stocked," Fincel said.
GFP staffers have spoken with some anglers who report seeing walleyes that they consider to be skinny, but other anglers think the fish look fine.
"When you look at the whole reservoir and all the fishing trips that occur on it, fish caught at some locations on a specific angler trip may be skinnier than fish caught elsewhere on a different trip. This range in fish condition indicates food resources are adequate in some locations and more sparse in other locations. Anglers also report seeing clouds of baitfish on their graphs," Fincel said.
GFP has received inquiries from anglers on the possibility of raising the daily and possession limits for walleye on Lake Oahe. Daily limits as high as 14 fish were used in the early 2000s in an attempt to reduce walleye abundance and thus reduce predation on a low density of rainbow smelt, to help increase smelt abundance.
"You hear rumors at fish-cleaning stations, bars, and coffee shops up and down the reservoir about GFP raising the limits, but there are no immediate plans to do so," Fincel said. "Raising the limit is not always needed if you want to harvest a lot of fish. In 2011, we harvested almost as many walleyes with a four-fish daily limit as we did in 2001 with a 14-fish limit because of the high number of fishing trips and the high percentage of anglers keeping a daily limit of four fish. Walleye harvest estimates for April through June this year have been the highest recorded, surpassing the harvests in 2001 and 2011."
Fincel summed up fishing conditions on Lake Oahe by noting that the current level of fishing is providing exciting opportunities for anglers of all ages and all experience levels.
"The Oahe walleye fishery currently has a lot of fish that are easy for anglers to catch, and they are abundant enough that keeping them will not hurt the fishery," Fincel said. "We have learned a lot about the current status of this fishery since the flooding, but there are still some important surveys that need to be completed to help determine the current status of the Lake Oahe fishery."
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*Story contact: Mark Fincel 605-223-7704, mark.fincel@state.sd.us
GFP Commission Proposes Waterfowl Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed 2012 waterfowl hunting seasons with few changes from the 2011 season.
South Dakota's waterfowl hunting seasons are subject to guidelines set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The guidelines will not be finalized until late July, but the Commission proposals fall within the expected season structure.
The proposed duck hunting season would have one change from 2011. If approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the daily limit for redhead ducks would be increased from two to three.
The season dates for duck hunting would be: High Plains Zone, Oct. 13-Jan. 17; Low Plains North and Middle Zone, Sept. 29-Dec. 11; and Low Plains South Zone, Oct. 13-Dec. 25.
With the proposed change for redhead ducks, the daily duck limit would be a total of six, with no more than five mallards (of which no more than two could be hens), three wood ducks, three redheads, two scaup, two pintails, and one canvasback.
A proposed change for the Canada goose season from 2011 would increase the bag limit from three to five daily and from six to 10 as possession limit.
The increase would be part of continued efforts to reduce the Canada goose population, which has increased beyond management goals.
Another proposed change for the Canada goose season is a correction to the unit descriptions for Units 1 and 2, removing Perkins County from the Unit 1 description and changing U.S. Highway 14 to U.S. Highway 34 in Hyde County in Unit 2.
The Canada goose season dates would be: Unit 1, Oct. 1-Dec. 16; Unit 2, Nov. 3-Feb. 15; Unit 3, Jan. 12-20. The season for light geese would be Sept. 29-Dec. 23.
More information and highlights from the May GFP Commission meeting are available online at http://www.gfp.sd.gov/agency/commission/default.aspx
People who wish to provide written comments on those commission hunting proposals may do so until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Comments may be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD, 57501 or emailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us . Comments must have the sender's full name and address in order to become part of the public record.
Comments may also be made in person at the next GFP Commission meeting during a public hearing at 2 p.m. CDT on Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Community Center in Milbank.
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GFP Commission Proposes Changes for Wildlife Rehab, Muzzleloaders, Taking Bait and Hunter Accompaniment
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission is proposing rules that would provide a formalized program for the temporary care, rehabilitation and release of some resident wildlife species.
Currently, the only allowance for such care is for the rehabilitation of migratory birds through a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Commission measure would create rules giving GFP authority to issue permits that allow approved rehabilitation facilities to care for non-migratory wildlife.
The Commission has also proposed rules about taking bait from certain waters, restrictions for muzzleloading firearms, and the accompaniment of hunters in the field.
A temporary, emergency rule is in place prohibiting the commercial and non-commercial taking of bait from the East Vermillion River, West Vermillion River, and Firesteel Creek below Lake Mitchell. The Commission has proposed establishing those closures in a permanent rule.
Another Commission proposal would ease restrictions on the types of muzzleloading firearms that can be used for seasons with muzzleloader weapon restrictions.
The changes are in response to requests received through GFP to allow peep sights and other optics that do not use magnification on muzzleloading rifles during seasons restricted to those weapons. Currently, only open sights may be used. Peep (aperture) sights are not considered open sights and are therefore illegal to use during the muzzleloader season. Past advancements in muzzleloader technology have improved the effectiveness of those guns, and they are no longer a primitive weapon. Muzzleloader enthusiasts desire the use of optics (red-dot scopes, aim points, etc.) that improve their sight picture but do not magnify the object (i.e. 1x maximum).
Additionally, restrictions on smokeless powder would be lifted, allowing commonly marketed products such as Blackhorn 209 to be used during muzzleloader-only seasons.
Finally, a rule that makes allowances for individuals accompanying hunters in the field may be changed to shift the responsibility for adherence to the rule from the hunter to the individual accompanying the hunter.
Currently, a person licensed in a firearm big-game season cannot be accompanied in the field by another person carrying a firearm or bow and arrow unless that individual has a firearm big-game license valid for the same geographic area and time of year as the licensee. The licensed big-game hunter is held as the responsible party if other armed individuals accompany him/her and do not have the same type of license.
The Commission proposal would place the responsibility for adherence to the rule on the unlicensed big-game hunter(s). In addition, the rule would allow a person who is legally licensed to hunt small game the ability to accompany a licensed big-game hunter in the field, if the person hunting small game uses only a shotgun and shotshells.
That proposal would also clarify that a person hunting small game may not use dogs in the field while accompanying a licensed firearm big-game hunter.
More information and highlights from the May GFP Commission meeting are available online at http://www.gfp.sd.gov/agency/commission/default.aspx
People who wish to provide written comments on Commission hunting proposals may do so until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Comments may be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD, 57501 or emailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us . Comments must have the sender's full name and address in order to become part of the public record.
Comments may also be made in person at the next GFP Commission meeting during a public hearing at 2 p.m. CDT on Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Community Center in Milbank.
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Registration Open for Farm Island Triathlon
PIERRE, S.D. - Registration is open for Farm Island's Riverman/Riverwoman Triathlon scheduled for Aug. 4. The event was not held last year because of Missouri River flooding in the Pierre-Fort Pierre area.
"The course will be the same as it has been in the past," said event coordinator Jessica Callahan. "It will be just under a half-mile swim, an 18-mile bike ride on Highway 34 and a three-and-a-half mile run on the island trail."
The competition will be divided into several divisions with separate classes for men, women and teams.
Registration postmarked by July 20 is $20 a person, and $40 per team (comprised of any age men, women or youth). Early registration comes with a free T-shirt. After July 21, registration is $30 a person and $60 per team.
The RiverKid triathlon will be held Aug. 11. There is a $10 entry fee, and the race is open to kids ages 6-14. Registration for the RiverKid triathlon will be taken until race time.
For more information or a registration forms, call Farm Island Recreation Area at 605-773-2885 or visit www.gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/farm-island/
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State Parks Offer Weekend Events
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota state parks are offering a variety of weekend events for visitors to enjoy July 20-22. The free activities are a great way for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors.
Make plans to attend the following:
- Halloween in July, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Bruce, July 20-22. Decorate your campsite for Halloween, bring costumes for a fashion show and go trick-or-treating. Be sure to bring candy for the trick-or-treaters! Info: 605-627-5441.
- Sand Sculpture Showcase, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington, July 21, 10 a.m. CDT. Great for all ages! Build a sand castle, animal or other creative sculpture by yourself or with a team. Prizes for all! Info: 605-983-5085
- Field Day Fun, Pierson Ranch Recreation Area near Yankton, July 21, 10 a.m. CDT. Enjoy the park and participate in outdoor activities on the field at Pierson Ranch. Meet at the amphitheater and be dressed to play! Info: 605-668-2985
- Dakota, Nakota and Lakota Life, Roy Lake State Park near Lake City, July 21, 10 a.m. CDT. We will examine the history, culture and traditions of the Dakota, Nakota and Lakota people of South Dakota. Info: 605-448-5701
- Parrot Program, Newton Hills State Park near Canton, July 21, 11 a.m. CDT. Bring the family and your lawn chairs to campsite 85E to learn about the Ensz family's eight parrots from all over the world. Children under 12 years old need to be accompanied by an adult. Info: 605-987-2263
- Get Your Tail on the Trail Hike, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton, July 21, 9 p.m. CDT. A hike designed for you and man's best friend. Join other dog lovers and hike the Gavins Point Nature Trail. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Info: 605-668-2985
- Newton Hills Night Sky, Newton Hills State Park near Canton, July 21, 10 p.m. CDT. Check out the Newton Hills night sky. This is a great opportunity to learn about some constellations, stars, planets, and any other celestial bodies hanging above the campgrounds. This will qualify as a Junior Naturalist Program. Info: 605-987-2263
- Oakwood Lakes Canoe/Kayak Tour, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Bruce, July 22, 12:30 - 4 p.m. CDT. Meet at the swimming beach for this annual tradition. All ages welcome. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one. Registration: 12:30 p.m. Poker Run: 1:30 p.m. ($9/person) Blindfold Canoe Race: 3:30 p.m. Prizes: 4 p.m. Info: 605-627-5441
There is no cost to participate in any of the programs, except the Canoe/Kayak Tour; however, a park entrance license is required to enter the parks. The programs are held in addition to regular activities hosted by individual parks on summer weekends.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring bug spray and plenty of drinking water.
For more information on South Dakota state parks and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.gfp.sd.gov or call 605-773-3391.
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