GF&P seeks permanent baitfish rule

• Firesteel baitfish ban

This sign was placed just below Lake Mitchell on Firesteel Creek to alert anglers of an emergency rule disallowing the catching of baitfish in this area. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks commissioners proposed making the rule permanent during their meeting Monday. (Chris Huber/Republic)

Talk about it

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks commissioners proposed to make an emergency baitfish rule passed last month permanent during their meeting Monday.

The rule disallows the catching of baitfish on Firesteel Creek below Lake Mitchell, as well as on the East Vermillion River and West Vermillion River.

The emergency rule was adopted via teleconference of commissioners and put into effect in June as a way to battle the spread of the invasive aquatic nuisance species Asian carp.

Signs were placed at popular fishing areas and parking lots to alert anglers of the rule change.

With the emergency rule in effect, the taking of baitfish in those areas is temporarily disallowed; should the commissioners adopt the new proposal at their next meeting, the rule would become permanent.

Anyone wishing to comment either supporting or opposing this proposal may do so by emailing to wildinfo@state.sd.us. Include a name and address to have comments entered as part of the public record.

Commissioners will vote on the proposal during their next meeting Aug. 2-3 in Milbank.

Tags: game fish and parks, firesteel creek, outdoors, updates, baitfish, fishing