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resources and frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions about AIS

Where did they come from/how did they get here?

Some of these AIS species likely “hitchhiked” to South Dakota from their native ranges on boats, construction equipment and by downstream/upstream spread on large rivers. Others, like zebra mussels and Asian carp, were inadvertently brought to the United States in cargo ship ballast water or were imported and escaped captivity and then “hitched a ride” to South Dakota.

How can we get rid of them?

If an introduction into a new waterbody is found early, chemical and physical removal may be possible. Often the species isn’t discovered in a water body until the population is reproducing in large numbers. At this point complete eradication efforts are likely not possible.

What is the State of South Dakota doing to help?

In 2008, multiple state, federal and tribal agencies cooperated to develop the South Dakota AIS management plan. This plan outlines goals and objectives for AIS management that include sampling plans, regulations and outreach efforts. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is the lead agency for this plan and coordinates the efforts of multiple agencies to achieve these goals and objectives.

What can I do to help?

Anglers and recreational boaters are the first line of defense in the fight against AIS.

Anytime you believe you have found a new AIS introduction, please notify GFP immediately. Every boat operator should inspect their boat for attached mud, vegetation or animals before and after each launch. When possible, operators should powerwash their boat and allow it to dry between trips.

Are these species spread by ducks, geese and other animals?

Although waterfowl often visit multiple waters in a day, it is very unlikely that animals move AIS to new waters. Waterfowl are not found in high densities in South Dakota during most of the zebra and quagga mussel spawning season when veligers are abundant, and most animals are too mobile for adults to attach.

When do I need to have the drain plug opened or removed from my boat?

Boaters and anglers are required to open or remove all drain plugs or similar devices; except when in the boat ramp parking lot or when the boat is being launched or loaded. A boat may have these devices closed or in place while in route to a fish cleaning station that is immediately adjacent to where the boat was loaded, but they must be opened or removed before leaving the fish cleaning station.

Can I replace my plug after I drain all of the water from my boat?

No, the regulations require all plugs to remain open while the boat is not on the water. This allows water to drain from a boat and aides in drying out damp compartments.

When can I put my boat plugs back in?

Plugs may be replaced when preparing your boat for launch in the boat ramp area. Plugs cannot be replaced at a campsite or cabin prior to arrival at the boat ramp area.

Do I still need to remove my drain and livewell plugs even though I only fish or boat at one lake and never take my boat or watercraft any where else?

Yes, all plugs on a boat need to be opened or removed any time the boat is being transported over land. This ensures that little or no water is taken away from a water body.

What do I need to know about transporting my bait and/or fish?

Bait and fish may not be transported in water taken from a lake, river or stream. Bait may be transported in water taken from a lake, river or stream only while in route to a fish cleaning station that is located immediately adjacent to the lake, river or stream, but must be drained prior to leaving the fish cleaning station.

How do I dechlorinate domestic water to keep my bait alive?
Many pet shops, department stores and some online retailers sell products to remove chlorine from aquarium water and water in fish ponds. Add these products to domestic water prior to placing your bait in the water.

Can I fill my livewell with ice to transport my harvested fish?

Yes, but only if the livewell plug has been pulled and remains open during transport.

What does "immediately adjacent" mean?

The new rules allow trailered boats to travel from the boat ramp to an immediately adjacent fish cleaning station prior to having drain plugs removed. 

How should I transport my fish if I want to clean them at home or if there is not a fishing cleaning station next to where I am fishing?

Anglers have three options for transporting whole fish for cleaning at home or at a cleaning station that is not immediately adjacent to the boat ramp.

  1. In a container (not a part of the boat), that is filled with domestic water (tap water, well water, bottled water, ice).

  2. On ice - in a cooler or pull the plug on their livewell and fill it with ice (plug must remain out).

  3. Dry - put fish in an empty bucket or pull the livewell plug before leaving the boat ramp and let it drain when traveling.

  4. Video: View this 3 minute video to learn how to transport and/or keep your bait or fish.

Can I take my minnows home after fishing?

Bait can only be transported away from a water body in domestic water (tap water, well water, bottled water, ice). Boat anglers can wait until they reach an immediately adjacent fish cleaning station to put their bait in domestic water. They can dump out the lake water and fill their bait bucket up with water from the cleaning station or water they brought with them.

A shore angler can do the same if they are able to access the domestic water source at a fish cleaning station that is immediately adjacent or if they bring domestic water with them.

Minnows may be used in multiple lakes as long as they are transported between lakes in domestic water. Lake water must be drained before leaving each lake.

Most domestic water must be treated to remove chlorine prior to putting fish in it.

Video: View this 3 minute video to learn more about how to transport and/or keep your bait or fish.

I’m camping at the campground right next to the lake. If I want to keep my bait at my campsite overnight to use at the same lake tomorrow, do I still need drain the lake water and use domestic water?

Yes, bait cannot be transported away from a waterbody in water obtained from a lake, river or stream.

If you wish to take your bait away from the water for later use, you will need to utilize a domestic water source.

Most domestic water must be treated to remove chlorine prior to putting fish in it.

Where should I dispose of my unused minnows?

Unused minnows should be poured into the fish grinder at a cleaning station or drained and disposed of in the trash containers at the boat launch or cleaning areas. It is a violation of state statute to dump unused minnows into a water body.

What if there is not a fish cleaning station available?

If there is not a cleaning station at the site where anglers are fishing, drain plugs must be opened and bait containers must be free of lake water before leaving the boat launch area.

All bait containers must be free of lake water before leaving the water body where they are fishing or the immediately adjacent fish cleaning station.

Can I harvest silver, bighead, grass or common carp?

Anglers may harvest any fish or crayfish species that are considered an aquatic invasive species provided they are transported dead (cleaned, gutted or on ice). Unlike common carp, Asian carp are filter feeders and have firm, white flesh that is very similar to walleye. This video will show you how to easily clean, cook and eat Asian carp wings.

Can I shoot jumping Asian carp with a firearm?

Asian carp anglers/hunters may not shoot at jumping Asian carp with a firearm. If you are interested in shooting jumping Asian carp, the season is open year-round for bow and spear anglers.

Can I capture my own baitfish?

Licensed anglers may collect their own bait with legal equipment in many areas of South Dakota. To prevent the spread of Asian carp, the Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam and all flowing waters (creeks, streams or rivers) in most counties in the James, Vermillion and Big Sioux watersheds are closed to the taking of bait. For more information, please refer to the South Dakota Fishing Handbook.

Do these regulations apply to ski/wakeboard boats, sailboats or other pleasure boats?

Yes, all plugs need to be opened or removed when any type of boat is not on the water. Any water moved from lake to lake may be holding invasive invertebrates or plants.

More Information

South Dakota is not alone in working to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species. Many state, federal, tribal and non-governmental agencies work diligently to address this issue across the United States. Additional information on these efforts and more detailed species information can be obtained by contacting the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks or check out the below resources.