South Dakota Outdoors Blog — South Dakota Outdoors · Exploring the Great Outdoors of South Dakota

Jun

An escape from the commotion

by Justin Larson on June 12, 2013 · 1 comment

This post is provided by Jenna Carda, intern for South Dakota Department of Tourism
Founder’s Park – Rapid City

It has been “summer” for me for the past three weeks, and finally I was able to get in my first hike of the season! When my friend asked me to check out the trails at Founder’s Park in Rapid City, I was a little weary.

The park is located right off West Omaha – a very busy street. It has recently been remodeled with a big parking lot, nice bathrooms and a large memorial as you walk towards the center. I thought this hike was going to be a walk on manicured trails, but I was wrong!

To my surprise there were a lot of different trails you could start at. They ranked from easy to strenuous and intertwined with each other, which was nice because you could make the route as long as you wanted to. Of course some paths were nicely kept up and seemed to be easy for people to push strollers around. Others were tiny trails with rocks everywhere that weaved in and out of the trees.

Our first trail we hiked led us to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology “M”. Now, being a student at Black Hills State University, I’m not going to go into detail about that school since they are our rivals. I must say, though, the hike to the M was fun. It was an overall easy path – with options, of course, of path intensity – and the view from the top was awesome looking out over Rapid City.

After hiking the M trail, we wandered around for another trail head and started our way up. Instead of following the markers to that particular trail, we intertwined different paths together. After running into people jogging up parts of the trails that were more level – crazy, I know – and others walking their dogs, we ran into an intense bike trail. If you are someone who likes to mountain bike, you should check it out.

After four hours of wandering around in the hills, we made our way back down to the park. We decided to cool off and stick our feet in Rapid Creek which runs by the cemented running/walking/biking paths. It was freezing since it just decided to be summer in South Dakota a few weeks ago, but felt amazing after hiking around.

If you want an escape from the commotion going on in town, you should check out Founder’s Park. For literally being in town, you don’t even realize you are it once you head up the trails. It was a great hike with a good friend and I can’t wait to go back!

{ 1 comment }

Posted in General Outdoors,Hiking,Uncategorized

Jun

MWC-Lake Oahe Champs are Crowned

by Justin Larson on June 10, 2013 · 0 comments

Colorado’s Mark Schoning and Chad Kiefer led wire-to-wire to win the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit’s Lake Oahe qualifying tournament out of Spring Creek, South Dakota. After a huge bag of 18lbs 7oz on day 1 Mark and Chad brought in a respectable bag of 9lbs 15 oz on day 2 to win their 2nd MWC tournament in a row. They won the Pueblo tournament last month.

The South Dakota team of Mark Kulm and Rodney Abelseth had the biggest bag on day 2 with 16lbs 13 oz which gave them a total of 27lbs 9oz. This was good enough for 3rd place.

Overall South Dakota anglers represented their home state well as 6 teams finished in the top 10!

Check out all the results here http://masterswalleyecircuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Oahe-Final.pdf

{ 0 comments }

Posted in Fishing

Jun

Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit – Lake Oahe

by Justin Larson on June 8, 2013 · 0 comments

Sunshine and little wind greeted the anglers on the 1st day of this years MWC qualifier on Lake Oahe. The field consists of 43 teams from 9 different states.

Leading the way after day 1 is Mark Shoning and Chad Kiefer, Colorado natives, with a massive bag of 18.07lbs. Close behind in 2nd is a South Dakota legend, Bob Probst Sr. and his parnter Bill Hall, with a weight of 15.12lbs. Sitting in 3rd place are Iowa natives, Mark Ely and Jeremy Newburn, with a weight of 14.09lbs. The local team of Paul Steffen and Travor Diegel find themselves in 4th place after one day, weighing in at 14.07lbs. “We like where we are after day 1 and feel confident that our spot will produce again on day 2, just have to hope we can find the good slot fish again”, Diegel mentioned.

You can see the full standings after day 1 at www.masterswalleyecircuit.com

Day 2 weigh-in will once again be at Spring Creek Resort at 3pm.

Day 1 leaders

Bill Hall and Bob Probst Sr.

Travor Diegel and Paul Steffen

{ 0 comments }

Posted in Fishing,General Outdoors,Uncategorized

May

Outdoor Campus West – Rapid City, SD

by Justin Larson on May 29, 2013 · 0 comments

This post is provided by Jenna Carda, intern for South Dakota Department of Tourism

Experience what the South Dakota outdoors have to offer in a single building. Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City is filled with great displays, awesome informational screen videos and many options of outdoor activities to get a taste of what you can do in the “Mount Rushmore State”.

According to the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, “The Outdoor Campus’ mission is to provide education about outdoor skills, wildlife, and conservation and management practices of South Dakota…to all ages in order to preserve our outdoor heritage.”

The campus is open seven days a week with a lot to offer its visitors at no cost, and over 150 volunteers make that possible. In addition to their 4,600 gallon freshwater aquarium, the campus has a hands-on exhibit inside and countless outdoor programs throughout the summer.

Each of the programs are split into categories, each learning about different plants, animals and nature activities. From “Sprouts” (preschool age children) to “Teen Adventurers” (ages 13-17 years old) and family programs to group opportunities, the exploration of outdoor education doesn’t end.

The outdoor campus also offers special events.

June 15: The campus will hold an active outdoors event with a full variety of new and classic backyard games – Let’s G.O.! (Get Outside).

June 29: Get dirty learning about gardening, archaeology, underground creatures and so much more at the International Mud Day event.

July 20: The Outdoor University is an opportunity to get a well-rounded experience of the outdoors and what it has to offer. There will be archery stations, BB gun shooting, canoeing and kayaking and so much more at this family event.

August 10: This is a day just for preschoolers. They get the chance to go fishing, try archery and more.

August 24: The Women’s Try-It Day is an activity packed day for the ladies to try a hand at canoeing, kayaking, shooting, archery and a lot more.

Many of the programs are held outside on their 32 acre property. Visitors don’t need to be involved in a program to enjoy the outdoors, though. One option at Outdoor Campus West would be to follow their 1.6 mile, ADA compliant trail. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, guests are welcome to veer off the path into each of the four habitats offered at the campus.

Along the trail, you will see a tree house which is an observation deck for children to get a “bird’s eye view” of the property. This educational stop shows them what it looks like in the tree canopies as well as how small an insect is compared to a bird flying above.

Fishing is also an option outside of the campus building. The man-made pond is stocked regularly with fish such as: rainbow trout, brown trout, perch, blue gill, sunfish and more. Fish are about 10-11 inches, but can get even larger as they live in the pond.

There are so many things to do at Outdoor Campus West that will really give you an idea of what the South Dakota outdoors have to offer. Go check it out! You won’t regret it.

{ 0 comments }

Posted in Biking,Camping,Fishing,General Outdoors,Hiking,Hunting,Winter Sports

May

Missouri River Fishing Report

by Justin Larson on May 6, 2013 · 0 comments

SD MISSOURI RIVER FISHING/HUNTING REPORT – May 6, 2013

Provided by: Great Lakes of SD Tourism Association

info@sdgreatlakes.org

The weather report for this upcoming week couldn’t be better. Most days will be in the 70s, with possible showers later in the week. Looking out on Oahe this morning from the Great Lakes Tourism offices above it’s nothing but beautiful! Not a ripple on the lake and warming up!

We suggest you call one of our members listed at the end of the report, to see what is happening the day you are venturing up here. That way you’ll be assured of a great trip!

Lake Oahe

In the Pollock area, at Mobridge, at Akaska and at Gettysburg fishing is starting and will be picking up most likely this week with the great weather they have predicted for Central South Dakota! Anglers are using jigs and minnows. The water temp on the river should be going up this week, so watch for things to start happening. At Akaska anglers are pitching jigs, some using bouncers and all using minnows. Anglers need to go slow on the lake or they’ll motor right past the fish. Some northern are still being caught in these areas.

Around Spring Creek / Cow Creek from the Oahe Dam to the Cheyenne River and Miniconjou fishing was very good this past weekend with limits of nice fishing coming in. Anglers are using lights jigs and minnows. Walleye are close to spawning. There are plenty of fish! Northern are still being caught on chubs, smelt or herring. Night fishing has been good on the face of the dam by the intakes.

Lake Sharpe

Fishing on Lake Sharpe is very good from the Oahe Dam to Pierre and Fort Pierre and down to West Bend. Anglers are using light jigs and minnows in 10-20 feet. The walleye are just starting to spawn in this area. The fish are stacked up, so a good time to get out on Sharpe. Suggestion might be to come out during the week when it’s less crowded!

Francis Case

Around Chamberlain , on Francis Case the bite was very good this past weekend and everyone is geared up for this to last most of the summer! Anglers are jigging off the rocks, using jigs and minnows or pulling plugs in around 20-30 foot water depth. Outside of Chamberlain fishing is good from the rock to the channel. Good areas are Carpenter Bluffs and Crow Creek. Shore fishing has been good also. A few catfish are starting to show up too.

In the Platte area it was a busy weekend with Platte fishing tournament being held on Saturday. The winning total (weighing 7 fish per team) was just under 22 lbs. On Friday, which was the pre-fishing day an angler caught a 12 lb. walleye – quite sure he was thinking how great that would have been to have pulled that in on Saturday! Around the Dock 44 area fishing was very good this past weekend and also at Red Rock, Two Johns and Five Mile areas in about 30 feet of water. Pitching jigs into boulders about 7 to 8 miles north of the Platte bridge was also very good. Anglers are fishing in 8-12 feet of water in most areas using jigs & minnows. The spawn is pretty well completed here and the fish look very healthy and in excellent shape. It should be a super year of fishing in the Platte area!

At the Pickstown - Wagner – Lake Andes area fishing below Fort Randall Dam has slowed because of little water release. The bite is starting in this area above the Fort Randall Dam and again the water needs to warm up. The river here is deeper and will take a bit longer for the temps to go up. Anglers are using jigs and minnows in 20 feet of water or less. A few boats are coming in with bass, perch and northern. Walleye are starting to spawn.

On the Missouri River shore fisherman are at the wall, the bubble area, or near the handicapped dock on the Nebraska side. They are catching a few catfish, crappie, drum, northern, sauger and walleye. Boaters are doing a little better and jigs and minnows seem to be the best bait. Drifting with spinners tipped with minnows or worms, or pulling plugs are other tactics to try. Be careful around the rock reconstruction that is still going on.

Lewis & Clark Lake – The lake area is beginning to be fished. Most fish are in the shallow waters using your favorite color jig and minor or scented baits. In the Springfield area anglers are catching sauger, walleye and crappies.

Lake Yankton – Anglers are starting to catch a few bluegills, crappies and bass using minnows or worms.

*Please remember that the fishing conditions on the Missouri River change constantly and this report is simply a guideline – a snapshot in time.*

For more information and up-to-the-minute reports on fishing Lake Oahe, please call West Pollock Resort, 605-889-2448; Kemnitz MoRest Motel in Mobridge at 605-845-3668. At Akaska call Akaska Bait Shop at 605-649-7847. Call Bob’s Resort at 605-765-2500 or South Whitlock Resort at 605-765-9762 in Gettysburg. On the lower end of Lake Oahe, Outpost Lodge at 605-264-5450 and Lake Oahe/Lake Sharpe call Carl’s Bait Shop at 605-223-9453. On Lake Francis Case, contact Cedar Shore Resort at 605-734-6376 or Platte Chamber of Commerce at 888-297-8175 and Circle H Motel in Lake Andes at 605-487-7652.

{ 0 comments }

Posted in Fishing

Apr

Spring is here, I think!

by Justin Larson on April 30, 2013 · 0 comments

Thatching my yard one day and shoveling a foot of snow out of my driveway the next. Yep, South Dakota spring is here! Although the moisture is welcomed with open arms, I wouldn’t mind a little bit of a break from the weather to sneak out and try to catch a spring walleye. The good news is, it appears warmer temps are on the way and anglers from around the country will be enjoying hot summer days casting for trophy fish in South Dakota. Here is the latest fishing report from the Missouri River Reservoir system:

Above Oahe Dam sits Lake Oahe Reservoir and South Dakota Game Fish and Parks fish biologist, Mark Fincel says, “Lake Oahe is more dependent on reservoir elevation particularly for rainbow smelt, the primary food source for Lake Oahe sport fish. This latest spring snow storm may hopefully help produce a rising reservoir elevation that benefits most species in the Lake.” Lake Oahe has recorded a close to record harvest of walleye the past couple of years and this year should be no different.

The Cabela’s Master Walleye Circuit will be coming back to Lake Oahe this summer. June 7-8 the tournament will be headquartered out of Spring Creek Reservoir. More than $50,000 in cash and prizes were awarded at last year’s event. Don’t miss out on a chance to fish against the pros. You can register here www.masterswalleyecircuit.com

Fincel, says, “Lake Sharpe walleye recruitment is expected to be good as the water levels are the most stable throughout the reservoir system and is coming off the second highest Gizzard Shad reproduction on record.” With plenty of bait fish in the system anglers should expect great fishing all along Lake Sharpe this spring and summer. I must say the small mouth bass population is booming in Lake Sharpe as well. It was not uncommon to catch multiple 3-4 pound “smallies” last summer.

Lake St. Francis Case is also dependent on water levels and Fincel states, “The spawn outlook is very unpredictable until we know what the water levels will be later this spring.” However, anglers should experience great fishing this year. Speaking with anglers that participated in The Fishing Crew Team Tournament Trail on Lake St. Francis Case this past weekend was great. Although the weather was well below average the walleye that were caught were healthy and active. All the fish were released back into the reservoir to preserve the spring spawn.

{ 0 comments }

Posted in Fishing,General Outdoors

Apr

Fishing Update for the Missouri River

by Justin Larson on April 15, 2013 · 0 comments

Provided by: Great Lakes of SD Tourism Association

Well, it’s April in South Dakota and what an April is has been so far. From inches and inches of snow, to high winds, to ice storms, power outages and closed roads – we’ve seen it all. Spring is taking its sweet time getting here!

We suggest you call one of our members listed at the end of the report, to see what is happening with the weather before you venture up here. That way you’ll be assured of a great trip!

Lake Oahe

In the Pollock area, at Mobridge, at Akaska and at Gettysburg they received over a foot of snow yesterday (Sunday, April 14). And, the river has just opened. This week there is another front coming through on Wednesday, with more snow reported – of course the weather man at this point isn’t sure where it will hit, but we’re quite sure some areas along the river will have additional snow.

We need the moisture, so no one is complaining (much) about the wet heavy snow!

Around Spring Creek / Cow Creek from the Oahe Dam to the Cheyenne River fishing has been very good – walleye are biting – WEATHER PERMITTING. Northern are also hitting on smelt or herring on the bottom. WEATHER PERMITTING!

Lake Sharpe

Fishing on Lake Sharpe is very good from the Oahe Dam to Pierre and Fort Pierre and down to Fort George – WEATHER PERMITTING. Anglers are using a jig and minnow, pitching into the shallows. If you can get on the water the walleye bite has been good – but that’s the challenge – getting on the water.

Francis Case

Around Chamberlain , again – if you can get on the water there is a walleye bite. But the WEATHER PERMITTING seems to be the trend all up and down the Missouri River!

In the Platte area it’s the same report as you’ve just read – boats were on the water the last couple of Saturdays – walleye are going well – weather permitting!

At the Pickstown – Wagner – Lake Andes area fishing below Fort Randall Dam has been good all winter. Walleye are hitting on jigs and minnows. Above the dam between Pease Creek and North Point the fishing has been good in 30-40 feet, with anglers using jigs and minnows or pulling plugs. Here too, getting on the water is the challenge.

On the Missouri River around Yankton some walleye are being caught with a jig and minnow. Mainly from boats and below the dam.

*Please remember that the fishing conditions on the Missouri River change constantly and this report is simply a guideline – a snapshot in time.*

{ 0 comments }

Posted in Fishing,General Outdoors,Hunting

Apr

The South Dakota Kayak Challenge: A History

by Justin Larson on April 1, 2013 · 0 comments

By Jarett C. Bies

One die-hard racer.

That was the only registration that took place in the ill-fated first go-round for South Dakota’s premier kayak and canoe race, the South Dakota Kayak Challenge. In 2008, founders Steven Dahlmeier and Jarett Bies hoped to offer a race of true challenge.

They set the bar a bit high, picking one of South Dakota’s most challenging stretches of water before an audience that for the most part was a bit leery. Based solely on Lake Oahe, the initial plan was to have racers begin at the Highway 212 bridge and face the big, dark-blue waters of the state’s largest reservoir traveling to the Oahe Dam. In the remote area around what locals know as Little Bend, paddlers would face not only sea-like waves and amazing South Dakota winds, but the remote nature of the land known to be friendlier to rattlesnakes than to paddlers with nothing but fiberglass or plastic between them and the elements.

The race team recalibrated. They scouted other locations. They wanted moving water and infrastructure on either end of the race, so out-of-state racers might have the things they needed to make it more than a test of mettle. The allure of the wildest stretch of the Missouri River, between Yankton and Sioux City, made a tremendous amount of sense. In 2009, they announced a new South Dakota Kayak Challenge. And the response was tremendous.

In just a few weeks, more than 80 racers from 13 states and Canada sent in registrations for the 2010 inaugural run of the 72-mile event. The organizers made a key decision in adding Cory Diedrich to the team, and as a trio, they recruited a corps of stalwart volunteers that made the first year’s run of the race a fantastic success. The action on the water didn’t disappoint, with a blazing sub-10-hour completion of the course.

The race lived up to its name due to winds and high temperatures. Stretches of the river held standing waves, but more than 70 percent of those who started were able to reach the finish, some on Sunday morning. Regardless of finish times, racers applauded the event, volunteers celebrated the contact high of helping them, and plans were set to do it again in 2011.

Of course, Mother Nature has the final say on anything outdoors. A historic winter snowpack in Montana along with substantial spring rains led to flooding all along the Missouri River. Less than 30 hours before the start of the 2011 Challenge, the organizers had to pull the plug and contact all participants that it’d be impossible to hold the race. The response was bittersweet, but more than 80 percent of racers said “Hold my registration; I’ll be back in 2012.”

They did not lie. On May 26, 2012, nearly 160 racers claimed their spots along the starting line at Riverside Park in Yankton. While they faced overcast skies and South Dakota’s constant winds, they attacked the course. A new record – 8 hours, 50 minutes – was set, and again, a majority of participants were able to make the Challenge their own, finishing as they saw fit. A noteworthy figure among those returning participants was that same die-hard racer who signed up in 2008! She’s taken part in every one, and she’s already signed up for 2013’s race.

As this year’s Challenge approaches, dozens of new racers, as well as those returning, look to the event as a great way to start the paddling season. Many come to the course to confront their own limits and last year’s results. No matter the motivation, the South Dakota Kayak Challenge is a “big-tent” event, open to anyone with the desire to try, regardless of experience on big or small waters. The 100-percent success rate of its organizing team, along with the countless allies of the event, which include federal, state, county and local agencies, makes the anticipation for May 25-26 race palpable.

Steven, Cory and Jarett, as well as their entire volunteer team, hope you’ll consider the South Dakota Kayak Challenge in your plans for this spring. There’s plenty of room for you, whether it’s in a cockpit of a kayak, in the seat of a canoe or in a day-glow t-shirt of the volunteer army. Like the river that hosts it, the Challenge is one-of-a-kind. You can make it anything you want, so join us.

{ 0 comments }

Posted in General Outdoors

Mar

New Lake Oahe Walleye Limit

by Justin Larson on March 22, 2013 · 0 comments

Stretching just over 230 miles in length and covering more than 370,000 acres is a body of water waiting for you to explore. Walleye are the prominent species that anglers come to Lake Oahe for but also offers great Northern Pike, Small Mouth Bass and Chinook salmon fishing. With the walleye season open year round it is an attractive body of water for anglers whether it be by boat or ice shack.

Record spawns in past years have set the reservoir up for outstanding fishing for years to come. Anglers targeting walleye on Lake Oahe will be met with new regulations in 2013. In response to large numbers of small walleyes produced during concurrent high water years and forage issues stemming from the 2011 flood, Game, Fish and Parks has opted to provide additional opportunity to anglers while it is available through increased daily and possession limits.

The 2013 walleye regulations include a daily limit of 8 walleye with the following size restrictions: no more than 4 walleye can be 15 inches or greater in length per day and at most 1 walleye can be 20 inches or greater per day. This means anglers are allowed to harvest up to 8 walleye per day under 15 inches or combinations of as long as only 4 walleye are greater than 15 inches with only 1 walleye greater than 20 inches. The possession limit also increased to allow for higher harvest. The current possession limit is 24 walleye after a minimum of 3 days of fishing with the above per day length restrictions.

{ 0 comments }

Posted in Uncategorized

Feb

Pheasant Fest 2013

by Justin Larson on February 21, 2013 · 0 comments

Another Pheasant Fest Show is in the books and planning is underway for the 2014 show that will be held in Milwaukee, WI. This year’s show marked the 30^th Anniversary of the Pheasants Forever organization and, rightfully so, was brought back to their home in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. South Dakota was proud to have an overwhelming presence again at the show with the “South Dakota Pavilion.” The pavilion was made up of 24 booths with 16 different partners. Ourpartners ranged from statewide tourism entities, hunting lodges, hunting accessory and outdoor businesses.

Roughly 28,000 people attended the 3-day show and after talking with our partners it was definitely one of the best trade shows we have attended. The Midwest states rely heavily on one another to support each other’s economies and we all know pheasant hunting contributes to a large part of South Dakota’s economy. Our residents thrive on the tradition of pheasant hunting and understand the difficulties that lie ahead of us with conservation efforts. Working side by side with organizations like Pheasants Forever is one way our great state can assure we stay number one in the pheasant hunting industry. Working together we are assuring the younger generations will have similar hunting opportunities that we have grown up with.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism would like to thank all of the South Dakota businesses that attended Pheasant Fest 2013 and helped shine a light on the great outdoor opportunities South Dakota has to offer. A special thanks also to Josh Spies (artist), Benny Spies (host of Gun-It outdoor show) and Jason Makkula (owner/operator of Bank Brewing Co.) for donating items for our “South Dakota Prize Package Giveaway.”

{ 0 comments }

Posted in General Outdoors,Hunting,Uncategorized

← Previous Entries

Trip Planner Destinations Attractions Lodging Outdoors	Dining Shopping Events Vacation Packages About SD	Newsroom Contact Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Site Map	m.TravelSD.com Travelsmart E-Newsletter Travel Directory Travel Services Travel Professionals
Copyright © 2012 South Dakota Department of Tourism

An escape from the commotion

MWC-Lake Oahe Champs are Crowned

Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit – Lake Oahe

Outdoor Campus West – Rapid City, SD

Missouri River Fishing Report

Lake Oahe

Spring is here, I think!

Fishing Update for the Missouri River

The South Dakota Kayak Challenge: A History

New Lake Oahe Walleye Limit

Pheasant Fest 2013

Authors

Categories

Subscribe

Twitter

Archives

Outdoor Resources

Tourism

Weather in Pierre, SD