One of the most common descriptors of a legendary angler is the ability to “think like a fish”. This isn’t an accident, the best anglers are the ones that understand every aspect of the fish they are targeting and how that can translate to their success on the water. Find out everything you need to know to understand the fish you are targeting right here!
Walleye/Sauger Biology
Walleye are a favorite of anglers across the midwest and into Canada. This makes their populations and health a big concern to anglers and natural resource management agencies as well.
One of the most discussed topics is the walleye spawn. While it is one of the most discussed topics, it is also one of the most misunderstood. Find out everything you need to know about the walleye spawn in Understanding the Walleye Spawn.
One of the most common questions walleye anglers ask is “what is the hot color?” In reality, does color really matter to walleye? Nick Harrington evaluates three case studies and shares his thoughts on the importance of color in your presentation in Does Color Matter to Walleye?
Many anglers can get focused on the color and brand of their crankbaits, but is that really what is important? Nick Harrington breaks down a season of crankbait experimentation and answers the question of Crankbait Selection: What Really Matters?
It is very easy for anglers to make the claim that they “are on the fish” or “know what they want” or any other connotation we hear when out of the water. Patterns are developed, techniques are mastered, and fish are ultimately put in the boat. Yes, this is the nature of the most successful walleye anglers.
The Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota can produce some of the best bites of the season to start the year. Anglers flock to areas such as Pierre, Chamberlain, Mobridge, and Platte to take advantage of the year-round walleye season and excellent bite the areas can produce in the springtime. However, when Mother Nature decides to throw a curveball and brings heavy runoff, spring rains, and/or winds anglers may find a difficult bite when they hit the water.
Light intensity is one of, if not the most important factor when it comes to locating and triggering walleye. “Walleye chop” is a term many anglers are familiar with, but photoperiod and water clarity can all have an impact on fishing. Learn more in How Light Intensity Impacts Walleye Fishing.
Reservoirs often hold some of the best walleye fishing in the country. This isn’t an accident, these reservoirs often feature excellent spawning habitat and an abundance of forage for walleye to select from. The vast size of many reservoirs and the unique features can make locating walleyes difficult. Take a look into the life of a reservoir walleye and how that can help you find and catch fish in Life of a Reservoir Walleye.
The key to strong walleye populations and growing trophy caliber walleyes is abundant forage! While forage is vital for fish to grow and survive, anglers need to understand the various types of forage walleye feed on and how that can impact their bait selection and presentation. Learn all that you need to know in What’s on the Menu: Walleye Forage.
Find out everything there is to know about the walleye! Learn about your species of choice in Walleye Species Profile.
Often confused for walleye, sauger are actually a cousin of the walleye. Learn everything about sauger in Sauger Species Profile.
Fisheries Focus
Lake Oahe, one of the most prestigious walleye fisheries in the country, experienced an up and down year in 2022. Anglers were able to enjoy some of the best, if not the best, trophy walleye fishing in the country. However, anglers targeting “slot fish”, or fish between 15-20 inches, experienced difficulty locating these fish throughout the reservoir. Take a look at the history, dynamics, and every aspect of the reservoir.
After a tough year of fishing on the Lake Oahe reservoir, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) provided an update on the status of the Lake Oahe fishery. GFP held a meeting in the Mobridge area in October 2022 where anglers were able to receive a status report of the fishery.
Yellow Perch Biology
Similar to prospectors looking for gold, anglers targeting perch often follow many of the same patterns. Overall, the top perch fisheries can be classified as “boom or bust” and the best bite can vary widely from lake to lake, year to year, and even within the season. The variable nature of this fishing may make anglers think, “will the gold run out?” To answer this question, one must understand the dynamics of yellow perch in South Dakota.
Yellow perch are a favorite among anglers, especially ice anglers! The Dakotas are known for producing some absolutely monster perch. Learn everything you need to know in Yellow Perch Species Profile!
Bluegill Biology
One of America’s most popular fish, bluegill provide angling opportunities all across the country. Find out everything there is to know about bluegill in our Bluegill Species Profile.
As anglers, it is important we ensure the future of our fisheries for years to come. Bluegill anglers have a special responsibility to make sure they are returning the largest, best breeding males to the population. Found out more in Reasons and Science Behind Letting Big Bluegill Go.
