Aquatic Education Resources

Download a copy of the Aquatic Nuisance Species lesson plans for grades 4-12.

Trout in the Classroom

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

• Raise Trout from egg to fry
• Monitor water quality
• Engage in stream habitat study
• Learn to appreciate water resources
• Begin to foster a conservation ethic
• Grow to understand ecosystems

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. TIC 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 till April or May when they are inspected by GF&P staff to deem them healthy then released in waterways determined by GF&P. 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

Aquatic Education Kits available for Checkout

Backyard Bass Game: The Backyard Bass game is a casting game that also includes fish species identification. The game consists of eight rod/reel combos and a set of plastic fish that are placed out on the grass or floor in a gym. The students can practice casting and catch the plastic fish - each with a fish card attached which identifies the species and gives fish facts. The Backyard Bass 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.

Aquatic Invertebrate collection and Identification kit

Do you want to get your classroom outdoors to collect aquatic invertebrates but don't have the tools to do it? This is the kit for you, it contains collection nets, containers, hand lenses, collection boxes, and aquatic invertebrate identification guides and poster. 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.

Fishing Kits

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.

Fishing Equipment

Loaner fishing equipment is available at the GFP Regional offices in Watertown and Pierre as well as several of our state parks. Search for a park with loaner fishing equipment. Fishing equipment is also available for checkout at the Recreation Center and the DC Booth Fish Hatchery in Spearfish.

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!

Free Fish-Related Publications

Guide to Common Fishes of South Dakota - Illustrated information on 18 species of fish found in SD, including identification, range and similar species.

Download pages from the Common Fishes of South Dakota identification guide.

Fishes of the Dakotas Poster - Depicting 33 species of fish. To order, e-mail wildinfo@state.sd.us

Fish Trading Cards - Available in 5-card packs; total set includes 25 species with a limited number of complete sets available for teachers. Cards include a photo of the fish, and facts such as habitat and distribution. Available by e-mailing wildinfo@state.sd.us

To learn more about the Sportfish Restoration Act, visit this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.