2026 South Dakota Fish Consumption Advisories: What You Need to Know for Goose and Lake Alice

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) has released its 2026 fish consumption advisories following the completion of the state’s annual fish collection and sampling program.

This safety initiative is a collaborative effort between the DOH, the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR), and Game, Fish & Parks (GFP). The program is designed to assess the safety of fish in various water bodies across the state and provide residents with the most current data to protect their health.

New guidelines have been established for several lakes, including those in the immediate local area and surrounding counties:

Local Area Impacts:

·        Goose Lake (Codington County): Limit consumption of Walleye over 18” and White Bass over 15”.

·        Lake Alice (Deuel County): Limit consumption of Walleye over 25”.

Regional/Outlying Impacts:

·        Enemy Swim Lake (Day County): Limit consumption of Walleye over 24”.

·        Lynn Lake (Day County): Limit consumption of Northern Pike over 29”.

Mercury and Public Health

These new guidelines are based on mercury concentrations found within the fish samples. According to health officials, the mercury present in fish tissue primarily originates from atmospheric deposition from sources outside of South Dakota.

“Our commitment to public health and safety drives the annual fish sampling program,” stated Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt. “The collaboration between the DOH, DANR, and GFP ensures that South Dakotans have the most up-to-date information regarding fish consumption advisories”.

How to Stay Safe

The DOH encourages the public to take necessary precautions when consuming locally caught fish to ensure their families’ well-being.

While these new advisories target specific lakes, a complete list of all current Fish Consumption Advisories is available on the South Dakota Department of Health website.