May 24, 2012

CANTON, S.D. – Low water levels in Lake Lakota at Newton Hills State Park near Canton have made the boat ramp unusable.

“Small lightweight  boats are still able to launch on the gravel below the concrete boat ramp,” said District Park Supervisor Eric Vander Stouwe. “With the lack of snow melt and spring rains, Lake Lakota didn’t fill up this year. Unfortunately, the water level is going to remain low this summer unless we get some good rains in the area. Park visitors are still able to swim, fish and boat, but conditions are a little less than favorable.”

Due to the low water at Lake Lakota, a fish relocation effort is under way to move valuable game fish, such as largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and perch to other waters in case the lake goes completely dry.

“We're starting this operation now because we can still get our boats on the water and because this is the time of year these species are more easily caught,” said Regional Fisheries Manager Todd St. Sauver.

Once lake levels have recovered, the fishery at Lake Lakota will be restored as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, swimming, fishing and boating are available at nearby Lake Alvin Recreation Area located four miles east and one mile north of Harrisburg, off County Road 135.

For more information contact Newton Hills State Park at 605-987-2263.

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