PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Since the late 1970’s the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department has helped foster populations of Chinook Salmon on Lake Oahe.  Fisheries Biologist Robert Hanton says 2024 was  behind previous years.

Officials were aided this year for egg collection from colleagues in North Dakota.

Hanton says salmon populations should be better in 2025.

Salmon spawning operations take place along the Missouri River near Gettysburg and West Whitlock Recreation Area.