Hunting for
adventure?
In Yankton you
can reel it in!
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. 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.
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.
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. Pheasant hunting,
which takes place October - January, is also a popular and financially critical part of South
Dakota’s hunting tradition. Predator hunting consumes the winter months, while spring
marks the start of turkey hunting as well as the snow goose seasons.
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.
Yankton, South Dakota – 33