Youth fishing tournament held during Free Fishing and Parks Open House weekend

This weekend is a good time to check out some of South Dakota’s State Parks and Recreation Areas and it won’t cost anything to do it.  It’s the annual Free Fishing and Parks Open House weekend.  Today through Sunday, people can visit all state parks and recreation areas for free, but camping fees will still apply.  Also, as part of the free fishing weekend, no fishing licenses are required, but regulations and limits still apply.  

At Lake Herman State Park near Madison on Saturday, there will be the Casting for Kids Youth Fishing Tournament.  Registration for the tournament is Saturday from 10:00 until 10:30, with fishing taking place from 10:30 until noon.  There will be a meal and awards after, sponsored by the Izaak Walton League and Casting for Kids.  Equipment and bait will be provided for the tournament, but people can also bring their own if they prefer.  Casting for Kids was created as a memorial after Steve Thrun’s death in 2013, and has grown to include remembering Joe Walters, another friend and avid fisherman.  

To pre-register for the fishing tournament, contact Lake Herman State Park at (605) 256-5003.