Sdgfp currently maintains and operates three full production hatcheries, two spawning stations, seven rearing ponds, and numerous natural rearing areas

The State South Dakota Game Fish & PK Wildlife Division has been awarded a $4,049,000 Formula Grant by the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605). This grant funding supports the division's efforts to maintain and operate three full production hatcheries, two spawning stations, seven rearing ponds, and numerous natural rearing areas across South Dakota. The grant will enable the division to meet high demand for fish culture products and quickly develop fisheries in waters that lack the necessary habitat for natural fish reproduction, growth, and survival. Funds will be used to evaluate and improve hatchery procedures and fish culture practices to maximize rearing efficiencies and post-stocking survival rates of hatchery-reared fish. This Formula Grant award covers the period from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 and is part of the state's comprehensive efforts to manage and conserve its wildlife resources, habitats, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

High demands for fish culture products continue as managers work to fulfill operational plans. Increased precipitation in recent years have created new and expanded opportunities for fisheries. The amount of coldwater habitat in streams in the black hills has increased, and many eastern south dakota lakes are greatly expanded in size. Hatchery fish are frequently used to quickly develop fisheries in these situations. In addition, sdgfp has recently placed considerable emphasis on urban fisheries. These ponds and small lakes frequently do not have the habitat needed for fish reproduction, growth, and long-term survival. Hatchery-reared fish are frequently used to provide recreational opportunity in these waters located within or in close-proximity to relatively large concentrations of people. The procedures and fish culture practices at hatcheries owned and operated by sdgfp are continually evaluated and improved as much as possible to maximize fish rearing efficiencies and the post-stocking survival of hatchery reared fish. The hatchery system is also continually challenged to meet the production requests from fisheries managers, who are in turn challenged to meet the expectations of the licensed anglers in south dakota. Stable funding sources directed to spawning operations, fish culture, disease prevention, energy use, pond harvesting, water treatment, transportation of fish for stocking, and other hatchery activities is essential to the success of sdgfp fisheries management efforts. A balanced approach to fisheries management, including operation and maintenance of fish culture facilities, is critical to the future of recreational fishing in south dakota.