PIERRE (AP) - South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department draft management plans for Lakes Oahe and Sharpe hold potential for improvements to both access and research.
Angler access to the lakes is a big issue for the popular fisheries, the Capital Journal reported. Both of the draft plans aim to find areas that need more lake access, identify projects and finish them by the end of 2021.
The Lake Oahe draft fisheries management plan says the lake's vast shoreline is mostly inaccessible to vehicles, which makes shore fishing tough in most places.
The Lake Sharpe plan calls for an increase in shore fishing opportunities by improving boat access at two locations and dredging out the channel between Hipple Lake and Lake Sharpe's main channel.
Another priority for management is habitat on both lakes. Trees and other vegetation that were completed 50 years ago have decomposed since being flooded.
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Both plans also call for better communication between anglers, boaters and government.
The plans are now open for public on the department's website.
