Reports of Whopper Salmon Drawing Anglers to Lake Oahe

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Anglers are catching salmon fever on Lake Oahe in the Dakotas.

Anglers are driving hundreds of miles to the Pierre-Fort Pierre area as reports of whopper chinook salmon roll in.

The Capital Journal reports that Gordy Samson of Highmore recently hauled in a 24-pound, 5-ounce monster that appears to be a South Dakota record. Several other anglers have reported catching fish over 20 pounds this summer, including two Pierre children who landed one weighing more than 23 pounds.

State wildlife officials say baitfish conditions have been almost ideal for growing big salmon. Bait shop owner Dan Miller says that since mid-July, he's weighed at least a dozen salmon over 15 pounds. He says the big bite could last another six weeks, depending on water temperature.

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