Change in daily limits in SouthEastern SD for the winte...

[Gabby_SD]

http://www.state.sd.us/gfp/GFPnews/News03/11-07-03.htm a new policy from GF&P tripling daily limit and suspending length limits (Might be worth checking out)

[Bob Jensen]

Gabby:

Don't know why, but I couldn't open the website you provided. Could you just briefly explain the changes and affected bodies of water.

Thanks.

Best Fishes,

[Gabby_SD]

Sure Bob, Check out pages 33 and 34 in the fishing handbook under liberalized fishing guidelines.
In short though you are allowed up to 6 lines per person, snagging, certain nets, 3 times the daily hook and limit and length limits do not apply. The effective dates are Oct 1 thru Feb 29-2004.
I've never fished these lakes, but have heard that Lake Preston used to be quite good on the perch (I do see alot of shacks on the ice as we travel by on the train)

PS> the lakes affected by this change are Lake Cavour (Beadle co.),Lakes Goldsmith and East Oakwood (Brookings co.), Lakes Preston, Spirit and Whitewood (Kingsbury co.) Gabby_SD

[Skis]

You are right, Lake Preston is/was a great perch lake. In fact, I think the state record perch came out of Preston.

[The Bullhead]

Lake Preston was an amazing perch fishery during the high water years. (1993-1996)If memory serves me correctly the state record perch was caught out of there the winter of '97. However during the past 3-4 years Lake Preston has winter killed quite severly. If you were to head out there today you would be very lucky to find 4ft of water. In most places, even out in the middle the water is no more than 3ft deep.

Ryan

[SD Fisherman]

The reason they are having liberalized fishing on these lakes is because of the low water situation and they are anticipating a large winter-kill. If you have a way to get to the fish go get them, but the fishing probably will not be the greatest on any of the listed lakes. Early season ice may produce, but it won't take long, especially with any snow amounts to sufficate the fish uner the ice.