GFP WILL STOCK RAINBOW TROUT BELOW FORT RANDALL DAM

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will stock approximately 10,000 rainbow trout below Ft. Randall Dam this month; weather permitting.

The first stocking of approximately 5,000 rainbow trout will be March 10 with the remaining 5,000 released on March 17 in the boat basin below Ft. Randall Dam.

The rainbow trout range between nine and 12 inches in length and bite readily; providing quality opportunities for anglers of all ages; whether fishing by boat or shore.  

GFP crews from Cleghorn Springs State Fish Hatchery in Rapid City will stock Shasta strain rainbow trout.  Past research has demonstrated that this particular strain of rainbow trout return to the angler creel at a higher rate than other strains of rainbow trout.

"These findings have allowed us to alter our stocking strategy to more efficiently use the products our hatcheries produce," said Jason Sorensen, GFP fisheries biologist. "We are able to stock fewer trout while having anglers catch equal or greater numbers of trout."

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