South Dakota Fishing News

SICA HOLLOW STATE PARK, S.D. – The maples, lindens, ash, elm and oak trees all exhibit a different fall color, and they blend together in a final display of color during the “Secrets of Sica: A Colorful Unveiling” Walk in the Park on Sept. 20.

PIERRE, S.D. – August visitation and camping at South Dakota’s State Parks were up significantly for the month of August putting 2008 overall visitation and overall camping ahead of last year.

Visitation increased 5% in August 2008 compared to August 2007, and camping rose an astounding 16%. “This year’s camping season started slow with cool weather this spring,” announced Doug Hofer, state parks director, “but nearly every campground in the state had an increase in August.”

CUSTER, S.D. – J. Scull Construction Services, Inc. of Rapid City will be awarded a $2.35 million contract for restoration, expansion and mechanical upgrade of Custer State Park’s historic Game Lodge.

PIERRE, S.D. – Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of the summer, and South Dakota State Parks invite you to come out and enjoy their special weekend events before the snow flies!

Camper’s Potluck, Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. at Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge. Camper's are invited to bring their favorite dish to share. While eating enjoy live music provided Ron Gienger and great games for the whole family! Prizes will be awarded. Bring a list of your favorite oldies requests and your appetite! For more information, call (605) 845-7112.

PIERRE, S.D. – Campsites are still available to reserve for Labor Day Weekend according to Game, Fish and Park officials.

Those state parks and recreation areas with at least five campsites available as of Thursday, Aug. 21 include:

PIERRE, S.D. – Angostura and Rocky Point Recreation Areas are hosting nature day camps for kids ages 7-12 on Aug. 20 and 21, respectively. The camps are great opportunities for kids to explore the surrounding recreation areas and focus on the outdoors. The camps run from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

FORT PIERRE, SD – At 7 p.m. the amphitheater at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area will host a program highlighting the wild falcons in South Dakota and their relationship to people.

Dr. Gon Sanchez Jr. will be on hand to inform visitors on where the falcons live, what they eat, how to properly observe them, and the falcons’ positive and negative relationship/interactions with people over the years. In addition, Dr. Sanchez will have falcons on hand in order for visitors to get a close and personal look.

PIERRE, S.D. – At their Commission meeting Thursday, Game, Fish and Parks officials reported that July visitation in the state park system was up over last year.

After a cool, wet June, state parks bounced back in July with overall visitation up 3.5% compared to July 2007. “July fourth weekend was excellent statewide,” said Doug Hofer, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation. “Good weather and higher water levels helped push visitation upward throughout the month.”

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Oakwood Lakes State Park and Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness are encouraging families to enjoy a fun outdoor activity on Aug. 10.

The Pedal to the Park reunion tour takes off from Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness, 501 Main Avenue in Brookings at 1:30 p.m. and ends 20 miles down the road at Oakwood Lakes State Park.

PIERRE, S.D. – Test your disc golf skills at the 6th Annual Steady Eddie Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 9th. Participants of all ages are invited to soak up the sun and join other “frolfers” for this fun event.