Fishing:
Lewis and Clark Lake offers more than 33,000 acres of water for fishing and water sports. The lake features 30 miles of narrow, wooded shoreline and measures 45 feet deep at Gavins Point Dam. The lake is noted for its tournament-quality smallmouth and largemouth bass fishery in the upper reaches of the lake near Springfield, South Dakota and Niobrara, Nebraska. This area is a winding maze of cattails and weedbeds that hold large numbers of bass.
Anglers will discover other species including walleye, sauger, northern pike, white bass, perch and keeper-size channel catfish. There is also an excellent opportunity for freshwater drum and good populations of bluegill and crappie in the upper reservoir.
Fisherman can try shoreline fishing from one of the accessible fishing docks, or rent a fishing boat from the marina.
Boating :
Boaters can utilize one of several ski beaches at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, but must stay clear of all zoned swimming beaches. Boaters are welcome to tie their boats up to the shoreline if they are a registered camper, but are warned of unexpected storms that may quickly form and cause damage to their vessels on the unprotected shoreline. Safety patrol will be operating on the lake. Be sure your boat is properly numbered and has all required safety equipment and lighting for your size of boat. Be familiar with different buoys and what they indicate. Youths. Owners of motorboats propelled by a motor of more than 6 HP may not allow youths under 12 years of age to operate the boat unless accompanied by a person at least 18 years old.
Boat operators, when operating at greater than no-wake speed, are required to assure that each child on board under seven years of age is wearing a Coast Guard approved life jacket unless the child is within a cabin or below deck.
Hunting:
The area has excellent waterfowl hunting, in addition to pheasant and turkey populations. Big game hunters will find an excellent white-tailed deer population around the area.
Park Restrictions and Exceptions
Uncased firearms and bows are prohibited in all state parks, recreation areas, state nature areas, and certain lakeside use areas with the following exceptions:
Uncased firearms and bows are permitted on designated rifle and archery ranges year-round.
Uncased firearms and bows are prohibited year-round in all established campgrounds.
Uncased firearms and bows are authorized Oct 1 - Apr 30 for licensed hunters in all state parks (except Custer State Park), state recreation areas, nature areas and lakeside use areas during established hunting seasons with the following restrictions:
Only bow and arrows are permitted in Chief White Crane Recreation Area.
Uncased .22 caliber rimfire firearms are prohibited in all state parks and recreation areas year-round
