Gov. Rhoden, GFP Launches Fundraising Effort to Modernize Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery
- Steve Jurrens
- May 26
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Governor Larry Rhoden joined the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) on Tuesday to launch a statewide fundraising campaign supporting major upgrades at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery in Waubay. The announcement took place during a fish‑stocking event at Forsberg City Park pond in Watertown.
Rhoden said the project is essential to protecting one of South Dakota’s strongest outdoor traditions.
“Enjoying the great outdoors and going fishing is a strong South Dakota tradition. I am committed to making sure our future generations can enjoy excellent fishing across our state,” Rhoden said. “I am proud to support the much‑needed improvements for Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery.”
A Critical Facility for South Dakota Fisheries
Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery has operated since 1982 and serves as the state’s primary producer of walleye fry and small juveniles. The hatchery also raises muskellunge, rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, and other species used in statewide stocking programs.
In 2025 alone, GFP stocked 44.4 million walleye fry, 5.1 million juvenile walleye, and 247,000 adult, catchable‑sized fish across South Dakota waters.
Aquatics Section Chief John Lott said the hatchery’s role continues to grow as stocking requests increase.
“Stockings keep our fisheries strong, and last year we stocked nearly 300,000 pounds of fish across the state,” Lott said. “This project will ensure anglers across the state have access to waters where they can catch fish and keep our sport strong for future generations.”
Why the Hatchery Needs Upgrades
Nearly all major systems at Blue Dog are more than 40 years old. GFP says several issues now threaten production capacity:
· A failing main water line that is undersized and nearing the end of its lifespan
· High iron levels in well water, causing fish health problems and increased mortality
· A surge in stocking demand, including a rise in walleye juvenile requests from 1.2 million in 2020 to more than 6 million in 2025
· Lack of infrastructure to produce catchable warm‑water species for urban and youth‑focused fisheries
Governor Rhoden previously signed HB 1047, appropriating state funding toward construction costs. Federal Dingell-Johnson funds, license dollars, and public donations will cover the remainder.
Planned Improvements
GFP outlined four major upgrades:
· Well development and rehabilitation – $1 million
· New 20‑inch HDPE water‑conveyance pipeline – $1 million
· Water‑treatment improvements, including new iron‑filtration systems and expanded degassing towers – $3.5 million
· A new Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) building to raise warm‑water species and expand walleye production – $1.5 million
A liquid‑oxygen distribution system, estimated at $250,000, will also be completed to increase production efficiency.
How to Support the Project
GFP has opened a public donation portal for individuals and organizations wishing to contribute to the modernization effort. Learn more or donate through Go Outdoors, South Dakota.
