Pierre, S.D. – Pierre officially has a new fishing pond.
The South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks, in coordination with the City of Pierre, has installed a fishing pier at Mickelson Pond. Mickelson Pond is located on the north side of Fourth Street and serves as the trailhead for the city’s play trail that was installed in 2013.
“We are always looking for opportunities to expand amenities and improve the quality of life for people living in Pierre,” said Mayor Laurie Gill. “This pier is a nice touch that quite literally provides a neighborhood fishing hole in northcentral Pierre.”
The three acre pond is home to several species of fish including Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and White Bass. Mickelson Pond also features four shoreline fishing access points, a fish identification sign, playground equipment, a picnic shelter and a vault toilet.
The fishing pier is ADA compliant and will remain in the water throughout the summer. It will be removed during winter months and returned to the water each spring.
Mayor Gill says this fishing pier is thanks to a state grant.
“The pier, and really the Mickelson Pond Park area in general, is the result of a grant the city received from the Department of Game Fish and Parks. The state paid 75% of the cost, and the city picked up the remaining quarter,” said Gill. “I’m thankful we were able to leverage the grant opportunity to enhance recreational opportunities in Pierre.”
Mickelson Pond is primarily for youth fishing and for non-motorized watercraft only.
The City of Pierre owns and maintains nine parks. Together they account for more than 97 acres of park space. Additionally, the city maintains more than 50 miles of multi-use trails that connect to both Fort Pierre and South Dakota Game Fish and Park trails.