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Apr 20, 2023

SD Game, Fish and Parks commission allows spearfishing statewide

While most fishers in South Dakota use a rod and reel, they now have a seemingly

While most fishers in South Dakota use a rod and reel, they now have a seemingly more primitive option: spears.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks comission unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday evening that opens all inland waters in the state to game fish spearing, which can include the use of spears, spearguns, crossbows and bows and arrows.

However, the GFP commission only gave its seal of approval after commissioner Jon Locken made a last-minute amendment to nix language that also allowed fishers to use blowguns, tubes through which a dart may be propelled by the force of the breath.

Spearfishing was first allowed in the Mt. Rushmore state in 2017, but only on select waters including Lake Francis Case, Lake Sharpe, Lake Oahe, parts of the Missouri River and various reservoirs.

Anglers originally believed spearfishing would "create conflict" with anglers, according to the proposal. However, GFP data indicates spearfishing accounted for only 1.1% of all fishing statewide.

South Dakota waters have multiple limiting factors that make spearfishing a difficult feat: Water temperatures are too cold in the winter and spring months. As the waters warm, the clarity decreases. Both of these factors "[keep] participation in check," according to the proposal, and those that do fish under these conditions need specialized diving equipment.

Spearfishing will be allowed from May 1 through March 31 annually. All inland waters will be open to fishers, with the following exceptions:

Rebekah Tuchscherer is an agriculture and environment reporter for the Argus Leader. Share your big fish stories with her at [email protected] or (605)331-2315.