The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) conducts a variety of surveys to assess adult fish populations, young fish production, fishing pressure, and harvest. Creel and netting surveys help fisheries managers evaluate the benefits of management activities such as stocking, harvest restrictions, or habitat improvement. Future management strategies are often based on survey findings. Creel and netting survey reports for our more popular lakes can be viewed using the links shown below. Reports will be added to this site as they are completed. Fisheries management questions can be directed to Todd St. Sauver or Dave Lucchesi (SDGFP – Sioux Falls, 362-2700).

Creel survey results are included in the lake survey reports. Creel surveys provide information on fishing pressure, catch and harvest of fish species, and angler demographics and preferences. Fishing pressure is calculated from counts of boat and shore anglers. In the winter, occupied ice houses and open-ice anglers are counted. Harvest rates (number of fish harvested per hour of fishing) and catch rates (harvest + release rates) are calculated from angler interviews. An interview consists of questions about the length of time fished, the number and species of fish harvested and released, fishing methods, targeted species, and angler residence and preferences. Total catch and harvest are calculated by multiplying the average catch or harvest rate by the total fishing pressure.