Hunters, Anglers Score in Yankton By Jeremy Hoeck The Press & Dakotan No matter the month, no matter the season and no matter the interest, there are plenty of opportunities for local and regional outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a successful outing. The southeastern part of South Dakota boasts more than 175 fishing lakes, ranging in size up to 29,000 acres, according to the Yankton visitors website. Lewis and Clark Lake offers more than 29,000 acres of surface water, and has attracted anglers because of its abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Westside Park in Yankton also has a fishing pond for kids. Three major rivers that run through the region also make Yankton and the surrounding area a hotbed for anglers. The Big Sioux River, James River and the Missouri River — which includes Lewis and Clark Lake — are popular attractions during the summer for families. Harvest and length limits vary for fish taken on the Missouri River, but the most popular have been bass and walleye. Anglers have a daily limit of four and a possession limit of eight for walleye, and a daily limit of five and possession limit of 10 for largemouth/smallmouth bass. Paddlefish are also a popular target for anglers. There are two seasons for paddlefish, a summer archery season and a fall snagging season. Both occur in the Missouri River, downstream from Gavins Point Dam, which is located near Yankton. Anglers must apply for a paddlefish tag, but there is a limited number available. Even when the weather turns cold and those bodies of water freeze over, anglers aren’t out of options for fishing. Ice fishing is also very popular in the area, because of the amount of perch, bluegill, crappie and other species of fish who reside in nearby lakes. On the water isn’t the only area where South Dakotans and out-of-staters can get their fill of the outdoors. Hunters have access to nearly 4.5 million acres of public land, while many public land owners have been happy to allow hunters to use their property. Predator hunting consumes the winter months, while spring marks the start of turkey hunting as well as the snow goose seasons. Pheasant hunting is also a popular and financially critical part of South Dakota’s hunting tradition. According to statistics from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department GF&P), nonresident small game hunting licenses were down 4.3 percent compared to last year. Pheasant numbers may have been down in this state this year, but the financial benefits were still plentiful. According to information from the GF&P, a total of $1.3 million was spent in Yankton County by resident and non-resident hunters in 2010. There were a total of 6,661 pheasants harvested in the county, according to the report. The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department is also gauging public support for a potential East River bobcat season, following a report by GF&P and South Dakota State University that showed an increase in bobcats in the region. The West River portions of the state already have a bobcat season, which runs from Dec. 10 to Feb. 15. Whether it’s on the water or on land, anglers and hunters alike have plenty of options for a bountiful — not to mention enjoyable — outing in the southeastern corner of South Dakota. VISITORS GUIDE • YANKTON, SOUTH DAKOTA – 43