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Fishing in South Dakota
South Dakota Fishing at a Glance
Freshwater fishing in South Dakota is a great way to experience the state’s character and beauty. With over 700 lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, there are countless opportunities for anglers of all levels to find amazing spots for freshwater fishing.
The Fish and Game Department has regulations in place for freshwater fishing that everyone needs to follow. All anglers need a fishing license to fish in any public body of water, and certain species (such as catfish) also require a specific tag. Additionally, there are limits on the number and size of fish that can be taken from some waters.
When it comes to popular freshwater species, walleye and northern pike are two favorites among many South Dakota anglers. Both can be found in abundance in numerous lakes across the state. Other popular gamefish species include bass, trout, and muskellunge.
For those looking to get out on the water, some of the best fishing spots in South Dakota can be found at Belle Fourche Reservoir, Lake Oahe, and Big Stone Lake. These large bodies of water contain a variety of fish species that are sure to please anglers of all experience levels. Other great lakes include Lake Francis Case, Stockade Lake, and Waubay Lake.
Whether you are looking for a quiet, peaceful place to fish or an exciting adventure filled with plenty of action, South Dakota has something for everyone.
South Dakota ranks #6 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 25% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Freshwater fishing in South Dakota offers a great way to experience the state’s beauty with over 700 lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
- The Fish and Game Department has regulations in place that require all anglers to have a fishing license to fish in public bodies of water.
- Popular freshwater species include walleye, northern pike, bass, trout, and muskellunge.
- Best fishing spots in South Dakota include Belle Fourche Reservoir, Lake Oahe, and Big Stone Lake.
- South Dakota ranks #6 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita with over 25% of the population having fishing licenses.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 886,667 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 221,700 |
| Fishing License % | 25.00% |
| Hunters Rank | 6 |
The state of South Dakota is mostly private land with just 7.53% of acres considered public land -ranking #29 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 48,574,700 | ||
| Public | 3,659,780 | 7.53% | 29 |
| Private | 42,513,820 | 87.52% | 28 |
| Tribal | 2,401,100 | 4.94% | 4 |
South Dakota Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the South Dakota DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
South Dakota DNR
20641 SD Highway 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
- (605) 223-7660
Fishing in South Dakota offers an abundance of variety. One of the most interesting options is brown trout, along with its relatives: rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish. Each one has its own unique characteristics and requires specific practices in order to be caught effectively. Brown trout seek cooler water temperatures and hide within the rocks beneath the water’s surface. Rainbow trout prefer swift moving water and adjust their color to match the environment around them. Brook trout inhabit deeper pools like sheltered structures or small lakes and streams. Cutthroat trout look for moderate flow with a variety of depths in which to hide amongst mosses or woody debris on the bottom of a stream bed. Meanwhile, mountain whitefish keep a low profile along rock or the gravelly bottoms of deep pools with slow driving currents.
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Fishing private land in South Dakota
Fishing on private land in South Dakota has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in South Dakota or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Lake Oahe
2. Missouri River
3. Lake Francis Case
4. Lake Sharpe
5. Lake Thompson
Fishing private land in South Dakota
Fishing on private land in South Dakota has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in South Dakota or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.