Each fall, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists conduct their annual fall lake sampling. This data is then made available to anglers, who may use it to learn more about their favorite fisheries and discover new ones as well.
“Beginning in late-summer, and into early-fall, our fisheries crews begin their annual lake sampling efforts across the state,” explained Jake Davis, GFP Fisheries Program Administrator, in a press release. “This is a very large undertaking which provides critical data for how we develop lake management plans.”
These surveys range from the large, expansive reservoirs of Lake Oahe or the smaller, Glacial Lakes waterbodies in eastern South Dakota. Regardless the waterbody, fall lake surveys are critical for ensuring lakes are healthy, and receive adequate stockings if necessary come spring.
“We really have a lot of work to do in the fall,” said John Lott, GFP Fisheries Section Chief, in a press release. “Lake surveys set the population bar on specific lakes. We need to know the type, size, and number of fish in these lakes to set our stocking schedule for next year. There is a lot of water out there, and we try to survey as much as possible every year.”
The reason GFP conducts these surveys at this time of year, is because it provides fisheries staff the best possible information on the status of the fishery as spawning is complete, the primary growing season is wrapping up, and also the majority of the angler harvest of the season.
“The three most important elements in fisheries management are recruitment, growth, and mortality,” elaborated Davis. “We want to see new fish coming into a system, those fish growing to desirable sizes, and monitor the mortality of the population through both angling efforts and natural mortality.”
The data gathered through all of these sampling efforts is essential as GFP fisheries biologists development management plans, stocking requests, and additional surveys for the coming season.
The information gathered from these surveys is a critical aspect of fisheries management, and utilized to develop management plans, submit stocking requests, and additional surveys for the coming year. When completed, the reports for each fishery can be found in the Fish Surveys, Reports, and Maps database. Here, anglers can find information on specific waterbodies, and can sort by their favorite waterbody, local county, or browse lakes across the state.
“This database provides significant information to individuals interested in fisheries management,” stated Lott. “Whether looking at their favorite waterbody or for a new hot spot, anglers can find lake survey, creel survey, and stocking reports in this database.
This provides a fantastic resource for anglers, and greatly aids in off season scouting and planning for upcoming fishing trips.
“We are fortunate to have some truly incredible fisheries across the state,” concluded Davis. “Our goal is to continue to ensure these angling opportunities are available both for our current anglers and future generations of anglers, as well.”
Additional information regarding fishing in South Dakota can be found at gfp.sd.gov/fish/.
