07/18/24: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

SDSU announces spring 2024 graduation list

Zachary Martin Schoelerman, of Everly, graduated following the spring 2024 semester at South Dakota State University in Brookings. Schoelerman graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

More than 1,500 students from 35 states and 24 nations completed all requirements for a degree and/or certificate program.

NWI fishing report

Due to flooding, all lakes in Dickinson County are under a 5 mph no wake ordinance until further notice. Water has been receding around an inch a day on many lakes. Some ramps and access docks are still under water. Area water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70s. The walleye season is open on the Iowa Great Lakes.

East Okoboji Lake: Lake level is 2.8 feet above crest. The Highway 9 and Hattie Elston boat ramps are the only functional boat ramps.

Black crappie, good. Bluegill, good. Lots of bluegill have been seen and are easily catchable around functional docks. Largemouth bass, fair. Bass are a little ways off shore; you can still find some around docks and other structures. Yellow perch, good. Many perch have been seen; sorting will most likely be needed.

Silver Lake (Dickinson): Lake level is one foot over crest.

Walleye, good. Bite has been hit-or-miss, but has been very good when the bite is on.

Spirit Lake: Lake level is 1.4 feet over crest. All major boat ramps are available; most courtesy docks are out of the water. The walleye season is open.

Black crappie, good. Anglers are finding quality-size crappie; they are biting on almost anything. Bluegill, fair. Walleye, good. Anglers are catching quality-sized walleye. Evening bite is best with leech and bobber from shore or crankbaits and slip bobbers by boat. Yellow perch, good. Sorting may be needed.

West Okoboji Lake: Lake level is 2.8 feet above crest. The Emerson Bay boat ramp is the only functional access. The walleye season is open.

Black crappie, fair. Bluegill, good. Pumpkinseed, good. Walleye, fair. Yellow perch, fair. Sorting may be needed.