" We ’ re fortunate to have some truly incredible fisheries across the state ," concluded Davis . " Our goal is to continue to ensure these angling opportunities are available both for our current anglers and future generations of anglers , as well ." •
ANNUAL FISH SAMPLING
Crews Begin fall lake sampling efforts
Respective fisheries crews in the Dakotas are always monitoring the status of lakes and fish . Of particular interest , of course , are walleyes , but sampling also covers other species of fish , as well as unwanted aquatic nuisance species .
Both Dakotas area currently enjoying premium fishing opportunities , as many small lakes , along with the big water , are being stocked with fish , mostly walleyes , that show great growth rates ahead of usual time .
This time of year also , test netting occurs in the Dakotas to take a look at young-of-the-year fish , their survival and growth .
The South Dakota Game , Fish and Parks ( GFP ) fisheries staff have begun their annual fall lake sampling across South Dakota .
“ Beginning in late-summer and into early-fall our fisheries crews begin their annual lake sampling efforts across the state ," explained Jake Davis , Fisheries Program Administrator . " This is a very large undertaking which provides critical data for how we develop lake management plans ." This time of year provides fisheries staffs the best possible data , as spawning is complete , the primary growing season is wrapping up , as well as the majority of the angler harvest .
" The three most important elements in fisheries management are recruitment , growth , and mortality ," elaborated Davis . " We want to see new fish coming into a system , those fish growing to desirable sizes , and monitor the mortality of the population through both angling efforts and natural mortality ."
These sampling efforts also give staff an opportunity to gather additional information on a body of water .
" One of the additional sampling measures we conduct is sampling for aquatic invasive species ," continued Davis . " For example , as part of routine sampling on North Rush Lake , two adult zebra mussels were found
at two separate locations . We now consider this waterbody positive for zebra mussels ."
Data gathered through these efforts is essential as staff development management plans , stocking requests , and additional surveys for the coming season .
" We ’ re fortunate to have some truly incredible fisheries across the state ," concluded Davis . " Our goal is to continue to ensure these angling opportunities are available both for our current anglers and future generations of anglers , as well ." •
www . dakotacountrymagazine . com Dakota Country , September 2024 , Page 67