GFP Seeks Input on Possible Panfish Limit Changes

[Jarrod32]

PIERRE, S.D. - This year brought less-complex walleye and black bass regulations to South Dakota. The Game, Fish and Parks Commission (GFP) hopes to continue making fishing rules simpler by modifying the panfish daily limits without adversely impacting panfish populations.

Geno Adams, Fisheries Program administrator, noted that GFP made great strides at reducing regulation complexity across South Dakota with changes in walleye and black bass rules. However, some fishing regulations could still be simplified.

There currently are three different panfish daily limits in South Dakota.

In northeast South Dakota, the daily limit is 10 for each panfish species (yellow perch, crappie, bluegill/sunfish), 25 is the limit for most of the remainder of the state, and Angostura Reservoir has a daily limit of 15 crappies.

A number of lakes within the eastern part of the state have panfish regulations that vary from the regional standard.

"Several factors contributed to the decision to standardize the panfish limits," said Adams. "Evaluation of 5 and 10 fish daily limits in place for many years failed to identify significant benefits for the restrictive regulations. Although reduced limits can occasionally result in a significant reduction in harvest (> 20% annually) under ideal conditions, they could not level out the panfish population cycles caused by inconsistent production of young fish. In addition, fast-growing panfish often have a short life span so any released fish may not survive long enough to significantly extend the fishery.

"A statewide panfish limit would also reduce regulation complexity and make it easier for anglers to know the rules," he continued. "Conservation Officers encounter anglers each year fishing in northeast South Dakota who believe the daily limit is 25. Having a statewide regulation would eliminate those unintentional violations."

The goal is to make it easier for anglers to know what the rules are no matter where they are fishing in South Dakota, Adams said.

"We would like to create a standardized panfish daily limit somewhere between 10 and 25 fish, with a possession limit of twice the daily limit. As a compromise between 10 and 25, a daily limit of 15 is what GFP is currently considering." Adams said.

The public is encouraged to provide input on the proposed panfish regulation change before a Department recommendation is given to the GFP Commission in October.

Input can be provided by sending an email to [email protected] or contacting Geno Adams at 605.773.4501.

-GFP-