Category: News and Notes

Dry conditions have been persisting across South Dakota, particularly western South Dakota, and this has prompted both South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and the US Forest Service to issue reminders on how to prevent wildfire. Fall means hunting, fishing, and camping are all going strong and however individuals enjoy recreating across the state, […]

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) today announced the main ramp at Lake Thompson State Recreation area, sitting on Lake Thompson near De Smet, will be temporarily closed to the public for a complete boat ramp replacement. “This ramp will be closed beginning October 2,” stated Adam Kulesa, GFP Parks Planning Administrator, in […]

The fall season is here, and there is no better time to visit South Dakota State Parks. Fall is the perfect time for hunters, anglers, or campers looking to enjoy a quiet campground to visit the parks. “Whether you’re looking to set up the perfect base camp for your hunting trip, find the perfect spot […]

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 […]

Updated Information: The National Walleye Tour announced November 4, 2024, that the first event of the season will NOT be in Bismarck, North Dakota, but rather in Pierre, South Dakota. The event will be on the same dates, April 24-25. The below article has been updated to reflect this current information, and complete information regarding […]

The Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) has announced their 2025 season schedule. This schedule will include six regular-season events, the 2025 World Walleye Championship for 2024 season qualifiers, and the 2026 World Walleye Championship for the 2025 season qualifiers.  The 2025 season features six regular-season events across six different states. Teams that participate in three or […]

A new tournament is set to take place on Lake Oahe, with the Stockmen’s Livestock Fall Brawl scheduled for September 7-8 out of Spring Creek Recreation Area.  The tournament is open for 60, 2-3 person teams, with a $400 entry per team. The tournament will pay back 80%, plus an additional $5,000 added courtesy of […]

The 2024 Lip Ripper Fishing tournament season is complete, and one special highlight of the season included raising awareness for South Dakota’s Casting for Recovery organization.  “This year’s league season was dedicated to supporting Casting for Recovery in South Dakota,” said Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “This organization takes women battling breast cancer […]

The 50th Annual South Dakota Governor’s Cup is this weekend, July 20-21, and in addition to crowning the champions for the longest running known walleye tournament The Fishing Crew will also be hosting two National Team Championship (NTC) qualifying events within the format of the two-day tournament. “The 2025 NTC is going to be taking […]

The Fishing Crew is celebrating a major milestone for the premier walleye fishing tournament in South Dakota. The 50th South Dakota Governor’s Cup, which is the longest running known walleye tournament, will take place July 20-21. The event launches onto Lake Oahe out of Spring Creek Recreation Area north of Pierre.  “It is an absolute […]