PIERRE, S.D. (KELO AM) – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has declared Father’s Day weekend as a free fishing weekend across South Dakota for residents and nonresidents.
As part of the department’s strategic goal of providing outdoor recreational opportunities to get children and families active in the outdoors, anglers do not need a license to fish, or take home their daily limit of fish through Sunday, June 18.
“For years, parents have taken kids fishing,” said Kelly Hepler, GFP secretary. “Now it’s time to return the favor. Go spend some time with your family; relax, reconnect with nature and make some memories.”
Sunday is also National Go Fishing Day. Resident and nonresident anglers are encouraged to find a South Dakota stream, a pond, a lake or a river, bait a hook, cast a line and catch a fish or two.
A park entrance license is required to access boat ramps inside the boundaries of all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas as well as some lakeside use areas. For a list of lakeside use areas and those that require a park entrance license, visit http://gfp.sd.gov/fishing-boating/boating/lakeside-use-areas.aspx.
For a complete map of South Dakota public fishing access sites, visit http://sdgfp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=79c3f941ae6c4abbbc6ac4b6987a06f5. Sites that require a park entrance license or daily fee are posted as such.
Hepler said some of his best childhood memories are fishing with his family in the Black Hills. “Summer meant any free time we had, we were fishing. It is important to connect with our outdoor heritage. Most of us remember the first fish we ever caught.”
Share your fishing and Father’s Day memories on social media by using #SDintheField.