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Dakota Midday: Record Salmon Caught On Lake Oahe

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

A 24 pound, 8 ounce chinook salmon caught on Lake Oahe last week is a state record. It broke the previous record of 23 pounds, 14 ounces. The state Game, Fish and Parks verified the record yesterday. Gordon Sampson of Highmore caught the fish after just five minutes on the water.

The Game, Fish and Parks department has received reports of other large salmon being caught close to the state record. News of the giant fish is attracting anglers to the Pierre area for the chance to catch their own big salmon.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks fisheries biologist Bob Hanten and Dan Miller, owner of Carl’s Bait Shop, Dan, joined Dakota Midday and discussed the large salmon being caught over the past several weeks on Lake Oahe.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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