ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – The benefits of fishing and spending time in the great outdoors can be affordable and fun ways to practice social distancing and help deal with the stress of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nick Cochran, Conservation Officer with the Game, Fish and Parks Department, said that South Dakota’s state parks and boat ramps are open.

Cochran said he has noticed an uptick in fishing this spring compared to year’s past.

Spending time at the lake or parks is an inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors.