The Backyard Bass game is a casting game that also includes fish species identification. The game can be checked out for up to two weeks. This kit is available to borrow free of charge, however we do require a $75 deposit refunded on the intact return of the kit. Contact Maggie Lindsey at 605.223.7667.

Want to take your class, scout group, family or community group fishing? We have loaner fishing kits as well as ice fishing kits available for you to use. Each kit contains fishing rods, reels and tackle. Kits can be checked out for up to two weeks.

Each of these kits are available to borrow free of charge, however we do require a $75 deposit that will be refunded on the intact return of the kit. Contact Maggie Lindsey at 605.223.7667 for more information.

Loaner fishing equipment is available at the GFP Regional offices in Watertown, Pierre, and Ft. Pierre as well as several of our state parks. Fishing equipment is also available for checkout at the Recreation Center, the DC Booth Fish Hatchery in Spearfish, and both GFP Outdoor Campus facilities.

We have aquatic education exhibits and programs at both GFP The Outdoor Campus facilities, Cleghorn Springs Fish Hatchery, Blue Dog Fish Hatchery, and McNenny Fish Hatchery.

The Whitlocks Bay Spawning Station is also open for visits in the fall. Feel free to stop by for a visit sometime!

An environmental education program where kids grades K-12 have a hands-on experience of:

• Raising Trout from egg to fry
• Monitor water quality
• Engage in stream habitat study
• Learn to appreciate water resources and conservation
• Engage in Aquatic Invasive Species lessons
• Participate in hands-on fishing activities

Most programs end the year by releasing their trout in a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed. During the year each teacher tailors the program to fit his or her curricular needs. Therefore, each program is unique. Trout in the Classroom has interdisciplinary applications in science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, fine arts, and physical education. For more information on possible activities and lessons, please visit http://www.troutintheclassroom.org/home.

In South Dakota we plan to add four or five new classrooms per year with equipment for raising the trout being provided free of charge. Equipment consists of a 20 gallon tank, filter, pump and chiller. Species raised are Rainbow Trout with 100 eggs per classroom available in early January. Trout are raised until April or May when they are inspected by GFP staff to deem them healthy then released in waterways. We encourage classrooms to participate in the release of the trout as that is the perfect culmination to the project. To learn more about the program contact Maggie Lindsey at 605.223.7667