The Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, located near Waubay, South Dakota, is due for some much needed improvements. Fortunately, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has a project underway to greatly improve the hatchery, and further enhance the hatchery’s capabilities to maintain a number of fisheries.
Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, which began operations in 1982, is currently the primary producer of walleye in the state. Over 70% of walleye fisheries in South Dakota are supported by stocking efforts, and in 2025 GFP stocked 44.4 million walleye fry and 5.1 million juvenile walleye across the state.
In addition to supporting walleye fisheries, other fishing opportunities such as chinook salmon and muskie fisheries are supported exclusively via stocking. Additionally, 99% of trout fisheries are supported via stocking.
“Stockings keep our fisheries strong, and last year we stocked nearly 300,000 pounds of fish across the state,” said John Lott, Aquatics Section Chief in a press release. “This project will ensure anglers across the state have access to waters where they can catch fish and keep our sport strong for future generations.”
In 2025, 247,000 adult catchable-sized fish were stocked in South Dakota. Many of these fish support local community fisheries, which are managed for high catch rates exclusively via stocking efforts.
To support all of these efforts, several improvements are planned for Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. These improvements are focused on hatchery infrastructure, including well development and rehabilitation, water treatment improvements, a new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) building, and liquid oxygen distribution system.
The project will cost approximately $8 million, which will include funding from Dingell-Johnson federal grant dollars, license dollars, and private donations. The fundraising goal for the donations is $3 million.
The fundraising campaign kicked off Tuesday, May 26, with Governor Larry Rhoden and GFP staff stocking a local Watertown fishery, Forsberg City Park Pond, and hosting a youth fishing event in conjunction with the stocking.
“Enjoying the great outdoors and going fishing is a strong South Dakota tradition. I am committed to making sure our future generations can enjoy excellent fishing across our state,” said Governor Larry Rhoden in a press release. “I am proud to support the much-needed improvements for Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery.”
The event captured the importance of providing fishing opportunities within local communities across the state, and providing youth and first time anglers the chance to easily hit the water with a realistic opportunity to catch fish.
GFP’s First Catch Center, which includes dozens of fishing rods, reels, and tackle, was also present. The First Catch Center is another component of recruiting new anglers to the sport, hosting fishing events across the state.
Supporting local fisheries through stocking, providing fishing equipment and guidance, and highlighting these fishing opportunities all play a critical role in the recruitment and retention of anglers across the state. These anglers in turn purchase licenses and equipment, and support fisheries management including hatchery operations.
Individuals interested in learning more about Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, and supporting the project, can learn more on the GFP website.
(Images Courtesy South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Facebook Page)
