Nov. 14, 2025:
Capitol Lake in Pierre was opened up to public fishing late last month (Oct. 30, 2025), giving the town a second location where fishing is allowed within city limits. The other location is Mickelson Pond, which is located along Fourth Street.
Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kevin Robling says urban fishing opportunities are becoming popular around the state.
While not in town, Milt’s Pond– located along the road to Cow Creek Recreation Area roughly 15 miles north of Pierre– is another public fishing location in the area. GFP stocks fish in all three of these locations.
Public fishing is allowed on the peninsula in Capitol Lake and from the sidewalk along Capitol Avenue.
Fishing IS NOT ALLOWED from the grass by the fence to the Governor’s Residence or from the sidewalk or areas near the Capitol Lake Visitor Center or the War Memorials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Public fishing is allowed on the peninsula in Capitol Lake and from the sidewalk along Capitol Avenue.
Fishing IS NOT ALLOWED from the grass by the fence to the Governor’s Residence or from the sidewalk or areas near the Capitol Lake Visitor Center or the War Memorials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Public fishing is allowed on the peninsula in Capitol Lake and from the sidewalk along Capitol Avenue.
Fishing IS NOT ALLOWED from the grass by the fence to the Governor’s Residence or from the sidewalk or areas near the Capitol Lake Visitor Center or the War Memorials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Public fishing is allowed on the peninsula in Capitol Lake and from the sidewalk along Capitol Avenue.
Fishing IS NOT ALLOWED from the grass by the fence to the Governor’s Residence or from the sidewalk or areas near the Capitol Lake Visitor Center or the War Memorials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 30, 2025:
Capitol Lake in Pierre opens for public fishing today (Oct. 30, 2025).
An open house kick off event with South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and Game, Fish and Parks Department staff will begin at 4pm CT.
GFP Aquatic Habitat and Access Biologist Jason Jungwirth says in the past two weeks they’ve stocked a variety of different kinds of fish.
Jungwirth says both kids and adults are encouraged to attend the open house and GFP will have a limited number of fishing rods and bait available for people to use.
Jungwirth says Capitol Lake will continue to be stocked by GFP.
Jungwirth says there are rules for fishing in Capitol Lake. They are:
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There is no age restriction on those who are allowed to fish.
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People under 18 years of age do not need a fishing license, those 18 years of age and older do need a fishing license.
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Fishing is allowed from shore only. Signs have been placed to show where fishing is and is not allowed.
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Hours are from sunrise to sunset.
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Anglers can catch and release or keep the fish they catch. Both options are allowed.
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Standard fish possession limits apply.
Oct. 28, 2025:
Capitol Lake in Pierre will open for public fishing Thursday (Oct. 30, 2025).
An open house kick off event with South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and Game, Fish and Parks Department staff is scheduled to begin at 4pm CT.
GFP Aquatic Habitat and Access Biologist Jason Jungwirth says in the past two weeks they’ve stocked approximately 3,000 rainbow trout that are ready to be caught. He says anglers could also catch largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, carp and bullhead.
Jungwirth says both kids and adults are encouraged to attend the open house and GFP will have a limited number of fishing rods and bait available for people to use. He says anglers wanting rods, bait or assistance should look for the First Catch Center trailer across from Hyde Stadium.
Following the open house, Capitol Lake will be open to the public with no age restriction on those who are allowed to fish. Anglers can fish from sunrise to sunset, and all fishing must take place from the shore. Signs have been placed to show the areas where fishing is and is not allowed.
Capitol Lake will continued to be stocked by GFP.
Aug. 30, 2025:
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks wants to turn Capitol Lake in Pierre into a spot for kids and families to go shore fishing.
Secretary Kevin Robling told (Aug. 20, 2025) the Capitol Complex Beautification and Restoration Commission that the idea came from Governor Larry Rhoden.
Robling said bass, bluegill, perch and catfish would all survive in Capitol Lake.
Robling said fishing would be allowed around most of Capitol Lake, but NOT in the area by the war memorials.
Capitol Lake could be open to public fishing sometime this fall.
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