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PIERRE -- The Whitlock Bay Salmon Spawning Station will soon open for the 1999 fall spawning season, according to Game, Fish and Parks Fisheries Biologist Bob Hanten. "We will turn on the station^s pumps Sept. 15, and the public is welcome to visit anytime," Hanten said. "The station is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, but visitors can observe the fish ladder at any time." Hanten noted that a few salmon usually arrive during the first week, but the best time to see fish climbing the fish ladder is during the evening hours at the peak of the run. The run usually peaks in mid-October. Salmon fishing is normally best in the weeks before the peak of the run. "Anytime between now and mid-October could be good. Estimated run size is expected to be lower than previous years, due in part to predation by other fish species and the large number of salmon that passed through the Oahe Dam and stilling basin during the summer and fall of 1997," Hanten said. In addition to the regular visitor hours, group tours can be arranged by calling 605-765-9411.

Uploaded: 9/15/1999