A fundraising campaign has begun in South Dakota to support Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. The kick-off included Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and was held at a fish stocking at Forsberg city pond in Watertown.
Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery began operations in 1982, and it is the primary producer of walleye fry and small juveniles across South Dakota. Governor Rhoden signed HB 1047 earlier this year, which appropriated funding for construction costs. The primary focus of the project is strengthening the infrastructure within the hatchery, which needs repairs and improvements. This includes well development and rehabilitation, water treatment improvements, new recirculating aquaculture system building, and liquid oxygen distribution system.
In 2025, 44.4 million walleye fry, 5.1 million juvenile walleye, and 247,000 adult, catchable sized fish were stocked across the state.
“Stockings keep our fisheries strong, and last year we stocked nearly 300,000 pounds of fish across the state,” said John Lott, Aquatics Section Chief. “This project will ensure anglers across the state have access to waters where they can catch fish and keep our sport strong for future generations.”
Funding for the project will also include Dingell-Johnson federal grant dollars, license dollars, and donations. Individuals can learn more about the project and donate here.
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