Picture of overlook in Springfield at veterans memorial at Terrace Park
Situated on the Missouri River and held back by Gavins Point dam is Lewis and Clark lake. This reservoir has a ton to offer. Bordering South Dakota and Nebraska, it’s beautiful scenery is truly amazing. And can be a true adventure.
The whole lake has improved campgrounds and parks along the South Dakota side of the lake. With areas at, but not limited too areas at Running Water, Springfield, Apple Tree Area, and Yankton (The state campsites can be reserved at the SD Game fish and Parks website) It also has sandy beaches in the Yankton area.
If hiking is your thing, go on miles of trails all along the lake overlooking the bluffs. Ranging from very easy to very challenging. With plenty of parks. There is also areas for biking, archery, and basket ball.
If you like fishing or boating, the lake has miles to explore. The area near Yankton being deeper and great for a pleasure cruise. This area is suited quite well for skiing and jet skis. You are also able to rent boats and jet skis in the Lewis and Clark Marina area.
In in the Springfield/Running Water/Niobrara area and farther west, the lake takes on a whole new look. This is where the Niobrara river dumps into the Missouri. Creating huge deltas. Keeping in mind it’s much shallower for boating. And it’s probably better suited for kayaks, canoes and fishing boats. If that is more your thing.
The main fishing in Lewis and Clark is for channel catfish, northern pike, large mouth bass and walleye. But it’s not out of the question for other fish to be caught as well. Some of which are flathead catfish, perch, small mouth bass, stripe bass, sturgeon, bluegill, crappie and a ton more. Going out and catching several different species of fish is not uncommon. And can really vary to the time of year, and what is biting.
Lewis And Clark Lake also has public hunting galore all along the lake. If your looking for pheasant, deer, or turkey. It doesn’t disappoint. And the areas further upstream are known to have some of the best duck and goose hunting around. I do recommend that you take advantage of the South Dakota Game Fish fish and parks free public hunting atlas. Since some of the boundary lines can be tricky for hunting. Keep in mind that fishing and boating uses different rules and regulations than hunting. Refer to the South Dakota Game fish and Parks Hunting and boating regulations for more information on their website.
I have hunted and fished Lewis and Clark since I was a kid. And still do. It’s always amazed me with it’s beauty and adventure. And just maybe, you can make an adventure of your own.
Picture at Springfield State Recreation Area.