Bishop’s Fishing Tournament 2024

The Bishop’s Charity Fishing Tournament was held on Monday, June 10 at the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. A total of 32 boats, including 11 from West Rver, were registered for the event, competing in a bass or walleye contest.  This was the first year that the Diocese of Rapid City and the Diocese of Sioux Falls joined forces for this event.  

The day began with fishing along the Missouri River, followed by Mass celebrated by Bishop Donald DeGrood, Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, with over 100 non-fishermen and family members joining in on the event. Following Mass, a social hour was held, where attendees enjoyed fellowship along with raffles, silent auction items, a dessert-making contest, and market items. An outdoor prime rib dinner was followed by the program where attendees were able to meet and learn more from 10 seminarians studying for the priesthood. Awards were presented to the winners in the various categories and the raffle winners were drawn.   

Winners from West River included:

• Largest Other Fish: Northern Pike, team Solono, Solono, Rausch & Steevens — 5.96lbs
• Most Total Weight: Bass — 2nd Place, team McCormick & McCormick — 9.6lbs
• Most Total Weight: Walley — 3rd Place, team Cool, Maher, Maher
• Knights Challenge: Team Hulm, Hofer, Hofer, Atkinson — 6.6lbs

West River raffle winners included

• Dale McLellan, Lantry — $500
• Jeanie Middleton, Rapid City — $300
• Dcn. Lou Usera, Rapid City — $200