The fall season continues to progress, and that means additional seasons continue to open. Notably for October, in South Dakota that means paddlefish snagging season below Gavins Point Dam! That was the focus of this week, and we have some other important information to share as well!
Gavins Point Paddlefish Snagging Season
The 2024 South Dakota Paddlefish Snagging season below Gavins Point Dam in Yankton is open October 1-31 for anglers who were fortunate to have drawn a license. This is a favorite among anglers, that draws both boats and shore anglers from across the state to take advantage of this opportunity.
The 2024 season has gotten off to a slow start for many anglers, as there is a significant amount of flow coming through the spillway. Traditionally, boat anglers prefer to tie up to the wall, which is legal when water is not flowing, but conditions are currently not allowing for this.
While conditions have been difficult to start the season for many snaggers, there are anglers who are hitting their fish…literally! Shore anglers have been doing best, and boat anglers fishing closest to the no boats line are snagging fish as well.
Lake Thompson Boat Ramp Temporarily Closed for Maintenance
Beginning October 2, the main boat ramp at Lake Thompson Recreation Area has been closed for a complete boat ramp replacement. The ramp is expected to be closed for 4-6 weeks, and anglers are encouraged to utilize Southwest Public Water Access (Jerry’s Access) or the Lake Thompson Lakeside Use Area on the northwest side of the lake.
2025 South Dakota State Park Entrance License Available
October 1 is when the next year’s South Dakota State Park Entrance License becomes available, and that means the 2025 park entrance license is now available for purchase. This license will remain valid until May 16, 2026, which means there is plenty of time to enjoy South Dakota state parks, recreation areas, and lakeside use areas.
Black Hills National Forest Service in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
The Black Hills National Forest currently has a Stage 2 Fire and Smoking Restrictions Special Order in effect from October 4, 2024, until December 25, 2024.
According to the US Forest Service, this means the prohibitions of Special Order 118 currently include:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, unless the device is solely fueled by liquid gas that can be turned on and off (this includes in developed Forest Service campgrounds and picnic areas).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
3. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine (e.g. chainsaw, generator, ATV) without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
4. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
5. Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
6. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest Service roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle.
7. Violating South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) § 34-35-15 and/or Wyoming Statute 35-9-301 concerning burning, fires or which is for the purpose of preventing, or restricting the spread of fires.
Western South Dakota is currently experiencing drought conditions, which has led to dry fuels and increased risk of wildfire. Everyone should be mindful of these conditions, and do their part to reduce the risk of wildfire in both the Black Hills and across South Dakota.
