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New website with Travel Ideas

Through our experiences we have traveled this great state. Make sure to stop by our new website http://southdakotatravelguide.info/ . This website provides great ideas for your next vacation. Check it out on your next trip to South Dakota.

A simple guide to understanding South Dakota lakes.

South Dakota has three main types of water bodies.

Prairie glacial or man made reservoirs. 

These lakes are scattered across both  Eastern and Western South Dakota. The majority of glacial lakes reside in the north eastern part of the state. Day and Roberts counties host some of the highest densities of glacial lakes. South Dakota residents also store their water in man made reservoirs or dams.This water is used for civil and agricultural use. Lucky for us stocked with game fish like large mouth bass and walleye. The prairie wildlife has come to love these water holes. A large portion of the natural wetlands have been destroyed or damaged.

Rivers and streams. 

There are many rivers and streams meandering the state of South Dakota.The most notable is the Missouri River. Starting for the rocky mountains in Montana. The Missouri river flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. With four distinct reservoirs within South Dakota's boundaries. This large body of water hosts more species of fish including lake trout and salmon. Other rivers in South Dakota include the James and Sioux. Rivers are the life blood to eastern South Dakota.

 

Mountain Lakes and Streams.

The Black Hills of South Dakota are located in the extreme south western portion of the state. The lakes are primarily created by precipitation. The water flows from the higher elevations through streams like rapid creek and spearfish creek. Several reservoirs were created to hold water for human use. Because of the source of water the lakes and streams are generally clearer then the rest of the lakes in South Dakota. Pactola reservoir located in the central Black Hills a great example. The water bodies in the Black Hills are stocked primarily with trout.

Spring has Arrived in South Dakota

Spring has arrived and the grass is getting greener. The time has come to pull out the boat. Get the tools out. Clean it up. What am i going to upgrade, trolling motor. No. The depth finder. Yes. I am still using a 1993 super sale special. Now what brand do i get. Hummingbird makes a good product. But the pros that I know use Lowrance. Both brands have the newer models loaded with a chart plotter, and sonar system. I wish i could afford the big touch screen version. But, the wife has a limit. There are many reasons why i am going to upgrade my depth finder this year. The most important being the chart plotter. Being able to it a button and save the locations is awesome. Too many times I have had luck or marked fish, then the wind pushed me. I know that the structure on the bottom can very even a few feet away. Snorkeling is a great way to understand bottom structure. Additionally new depths finders can be added on to. Down the road i can add a structure scan to the Lowrance. Or satellite weather and radio. It all comes down to priorities. Now that it is settled, I hope you all have a great spring. Get some upgrades, and kill it on the lake. Good luck fishing and please share your reports.

Lake Oahe Ice Fishing Report

The ice fishing on lake Oahe has been good. There have been several reports of walleye over 25 inches being caught near the Oahe Bridge by Gettysburg, SD. Using pop ups, or jigging, with chubs has been the most productive. The best fishing has been either in the pre dawn - dawn hours or right at dusk. The majority of fish have been caught between 12 and 17 feet of water with rocks on the bottom for structure. Some large northern pike have been caught as well as silver bass. The ice is thick enough for ATV's still, but there have been a few reports of people going through. So Be Careful. Avoid pressure ridges and white ice, and be careful if your traveling in the dark, it is easy to get disorientated. The best part of the ice fishing season is coming to a close in the next month, get out there and enjoy before it's gone.

Snorkeling in the Missouri River

Snorkeling in the Missouri River is one of our favorite things to do in the summer. You can really see the the lake bottom, structure, and how fish act in the wild. There are many times that we speared fish while snorkeling in lake Oahe. There are some restrictions so make sure to check with the Game Fish and Parks on current Regulations. I often preferred not to spear because the only fish I really like to eat are walleye, and you have to search hard for them while snorkeling. There is also an added danger factor while spearing, and it is wise to always have a good idea where your friends are at. We would often go snorkeling in Whitlock Bay or around the Oahe Bridge near Bob's Resort. There is nothing more spooky than swimming near the rocks and a giant Northern Pike comes swimming by. Or hearing the cars go across the bridge while snorkeling around the pillars. Catfish are the most interesting. They stick their heads under rocks on the lake bottom. Catfish move in schools and don't move rapidly. You can go just about anywhere and see catfish in the Missouri river. There are many great experiences that i can refer to, but I suggest that you go out and try snorkeling in the Missouri River for yourself.

The Lakes of the Black Hills

The lakes of the Black Hills of South Dakota are unique. In a region where the prairie is dominant a mountainous lake is a blessing. The water is acquired by rainfall and natural springs throughout the Black Hills. This causes the water to be clear and healthy. Unlike most of the lakes of South Dakota that are lower in the watershed, where by the time the water gets to the lake it has picked up silt and other contaminants. The lakes of the Black Hills have some contamination in the past, but from a different source, Mining. Many of the old time miners used mercury or cyanide to remove the gold or metal from ore. This in turn would make it's way into the watershed. The good news is that today only trace amounts of these chemicals can be found, in only a couple spots in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The majority of the water is clean and spring fed like Spearfish Creek. The picture below is of Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon. This great place is caused by little Spearfish Creek near Savoy, SD

The main fish Species in the lakes and streams in the Black Hills is rainbow trout. However brown trout, lake trout, and bass can be found at select locations. Fly fishing is a fun activity, and is a welcome change to the still fishing in many of the lakes in South Dakota. I recommend checking which species of flies are hatching, then try to match your lure to that insect. Some locations are over fished, and the trout will not bite no matter what you do. Other ways to catch trout include live bait like night crawlers. Some places do not allow the use of live bait.

The majority of lakes in the Black Hills of South Dakota do allow some watercraft. However at most locations only non motored traffic is allowed. The best lakes for boats with motorized boats are Pactola reservoir or Sheridan lake. Here you can do many water sports and boating in general is fun. There are many no wake zones that boaters need to be aware of, and lots of rocky lake bottom. The weather in South Dakota can be unpredictable so we recommend that you check it frequently.

The picture above is of an old gold mine in Pennington County, South Dakota. The mining culture in the Black Hills is rich. Some of our favorite activities is to go gold panning, metal detecting, and snorkeling for gold. Take your flippers, snorkels, and goggles with you on your next trip to the lakes of the Black Hills. The clarity provides a great place to explore under water. Most of the time the water is very cold so be prepared to toughen up. I have actually found gold while snorkeling in Pactola. Just make sure that you are aware of any boats in the area, because they are often used for water sports, and not paying attention to the snorkelers. In conclusion the lakes of the Black Hills are a great place to bring your family and experience. Whether your on vacation or just looking for something to do, get outside and explore. If you have any other questions check with the Black Hills National Forest.