South Dakota offers fantastic fishing opportunities across its lakes, rivers, and streams. To fish legally, you need the proper fishing license and must follow all regulations. This guide covers the essentials: license types, fees, age requirements, exemptions, and regulations.

Table of Contents

Who Needs a Fishing License?

All anglers age 16 and older, both residents and non-residents, need a fishing license to fish in South Dakota’s public waterways. Exceptions include:

Children under 16: No license required but must be supervised.
Disabled residents: Reduced fee hunting and fishing card for $10, valid for 4 years.
Residents 65+ born before January 1, 1941: Senior license available.
Patients at specific institutions: Fishing allowed without a license on the grounds.
Private waters: No license needed for ponds/lakes entirely on an angler’s land.

Anglers must carry their license while fishing, either printed or electronically.

Resident Fishing License Fees & Types

License Type	Privileges	Fee
Standard Annual Fishing	Fishing, taking frogs or turtles	$28
Senior Fishing (65+)	Fishing, taking frogs or turtles	$12
1-Day Fishing	Fishing for one day, taking one daily limit	$8
Setline License	Required for each setline	$5
Hoop Net License	Required for each hoop net	$10
Nursing Facility Group License	Applies to permanent residents of nursing homes	$35

Non-Resident Fishing License Fees & Types

License Type	Privileges	Fee
Standard Annual Fishing	Fishing, taking frogs or turtles	$67
1-Day Fishing	Fishing for one day, taking one daily limit	$16
3-Day Fishing	Fishing for 3 consecutive days	$37
Non-Resident Youth	Youth under 18, no fee required	$0

Where to Buy a Fishing License

Licenses can be purchased:

Online: South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) website
Phone: Call 1-886-797-4600.
In person: At local retailers, GFP offices.
App: iOS (Go Outdoors SD), Android (Go Outdoors SD web app).

Licenses are effective immediately after purchase.

Fishing License Requirements for Non-Resident Youth

Non-resident youth under 16 generally do not need a license but must follow all regulations and bag limits. To keep the full daily limit of fish, non-resident youth can buy an annual fishing license.

Senior & Disabled Fishing License Options

License Type	Fee
Annual Fishing License (65+)	$12
Reduced Fee Hunting & Fishing License	$10
Fishing at Specific Institutions	Free

License Exemptions for Native American Anglers

Native Americans with tribal membership may be exempt from state fishing licenses when fishing within their reservation boundaries.

Purchasing Fishing Licenses as a Non-U.S. Citizen

Non-U.S. citizens residing in South Dakota for 60 days can purchase resident fishing licenses; otherwise, they must purchase non-resident licenses.

South Dakota Fishing Regulations Overview

Anglers must follow all fishing regulations, including:

Seasons: Open year-round with specific species seasons.
Limits: Daily, length, and possession limits apply.
Methods: Specific permits required for spearing, bowfishing, setlines, and nets.
Access: Trespassing across private property is illegal.
Boating: Proper registration and safety equipment required.
Bait: Restrictions on live bait and wild bait collection.
Invasive Species: Boats must be cleaned and drained before transport.

Always check the current South Dakota Fishing Handbook for detailed regulations.

Tax Information for Fishing and Hunting Services

If you receive payment for providing fishing or hunting services, you are operating a sales taxable business in South Dakota and must obtain a sales tax license. This includes:

Guide services
Access fees for fishing or hunting
Membership fees to preserves or clubs
Sales of equipment, supplies, lodging, meals, snacks, and beverages

Applicable Taxes:

Tax Type	Rate
State Sales and Use Tax	4.2%
Municipal Sales Tax and Use Tax	1-2%
Municipal Gross Receipts Tax (MGRT)	1%
Tourism Tax	1.5%

For detailed tax information, visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue or call 1-800-829-9188.

Note: Always keep updated with the South Dakota Fishing Handbook and tax guidelines for the most accurate information.

Fishing Regulations in South Dakota

All anglers fishing in South Dakota must follow statewide regulations set by the Game, Fish & Parks Commission to support sustainable fisheries. Below are some of the most important regulations to know:

Seasons

Open year-round fishing – Most waters can be fished any time of year. But some have closed seasons for spawning protection.
Trout season – Streams designated as trout waters have a closed season from November 1 – April 1.
Walleye/pike/bass seasons – These vary by water body. Seasons help control overharvest during spawn.

Limits

Daily limits – The max number of each fish species you can harvest per day. Know your limits!
Length limits – Minimum size fish that can be kept. Undersized fish must be released.
Possession limits – Max number of fish that can be possessed at one time. Usually 3x the daily limit.

Methods

Rod/line/pole – Basic hook and line fishing is permitted statewide. Other methods need special permits.
Spearfishing – Allowed for residents with an additional spearfishing license endorsement.
Bowfishing – Residents can bowfish with proper archery equipment and license add-on.
Setlines – Residents only, additional permit for each setline required.
Nets – Residents need special hoop net licenses for bait fish harvest.
Snagging – Using hooks to foul hook fish is generally prohibited.
Explosives/poisons – Illegal to kill or harvest fish using explosions, electricity, or toxins.

Access

Trespassing – Cannot cross private property without permission to access lakes and rivers.
Easements – Public fishing access easements allow anglers walk-in river access through private land.
Access permits – Special permits required to fish certain restricted waters like trout streams.

Boating

Registration – Motorized boats must be registered with state and properly marked with numbers.
Safety – Required onboard safety equipment depends on vessel type and length.
BUI – Boating under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is illegal.

Bait

Live bait restrictions – Certain waters prohibit use and possession of live baitfish.
Bait harvest permit – Residents must have this permit to collect bait like minnows from the wild.
Prohibited bait – It is illegal to use game fish, their eggs, and federally protected creatures like frogs as bait.

Invasive Species

Drain plugs – Required to remove drain plugs during transport to prevent spread of invasive species and larvae.
Cleaning – Boats must be inspected and cleaned before transporting to a new water body.
Bait disposal – Unused bait cannot be released alive into a waterway – proper disposal on land only.

Detailed fishing regulations are published each year in the South Dakota Fishing Handbook released by GFP.

Common South Dakota Game Fish Species

South Dakota offers diverse fishing opportunities. Over 100 fish species inhabit its lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams. Some popular game fish caught by anglers include:

Walleye – Abundant, strong fighters, excellent eating. Most popular SD game fish.
Northern Pike – Aggressive and widespread. Put up a strong fight when hooked.
Smallmouth Bass – Prefer rocky habitat and strong currents in clear streams and lakes.
Largemouth Bass – Live in warm, weedy backwaters of lakes and ponds. Hard hitters.
Crappie – Two species, black and white. Found statewide in lakes and rivers. Sweet, flaky meat.
Yellow Perch – Prolific panfish near aquatic vegetation. Readily bite on small lures and bait.
Sunfish – Several varieties like bluegill thriving statewide. Will bite a huge variety of bait.
Trout – Stocked in cold, clear streams. Brown, rainbow, and brook trout provide sport fishing.
Catfish – Channel, flathead, and blue cats across SD. Scavengers that grow to large sizes.
Salmon – Landlocked chinook and coho salmon stocked in some waters. Fight hard like their ocean cousins.

This is just a small sample of popular sport fish pursued by South Dakota anglers. The diversity of fish species allows for multi-species fishing trips statewide!

Fishing Tips for Beginners in South Dakota

South Dakota fishing is welcoming to beginners. Here are some tips to help new anglers get started:

Purchase required fishing license and learn the regulations
Obtain an SD fishing map to find access points and boat ramps
Pack basic tackle like hooks, bobbers, weights, line, and pliers
Bring sun protection including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Wear shoes that can get wet – water will be cold even in summer
Prepare for insects with bug spray and long clothing
Start at community ponds and lakes – easier access and lots of fish
Keep gear simple – basic hook, split shot, bobber, and worm work well
Fish mornings and evenings when more active feeding – be patient!
Don’t forget a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh
Take a kid fishing – passes on the tradition and fun of angling

South Dakota is an excellent destination for novice anglers looking to try fishing for the first time. The state offers kid-friendly fishing events and ample access to productive waters to help beginners gain experience.

Ice Fishing in South Dakota

When lakes and ponds freeze over in winter, a whole new season of ice fishing begins in South Dakota. Popular species like walleye, trout, crappie, and perch keep biting through the ice. Here are some ice fishing tips:

Check ice thickness for safety – 4″ for walking, 6″+ for snowmobiles
Use an ice auger to drill holes – keep them less than 10″ wide
Use a skimmer to clear ice from holes and prevent freezing
Try jigs tipped with bait like waxworms, minnows, or powerbait below the hole
Fish near drop-offs, structures, and weed lines – where active fish hold
Set tip-ups with live minnows for covering more area to find fish
Stay mobile – check different depths and spots until you locate the fish
Fish early and late when feeding is most active
Dress very warmly for the freezing weather – cover all skin
Let someone know where you plan to fish and when to expect you back

Check for published ice conditions and avoid areas with flowing water or springs that can create thin, unsafe ice. Exercise caution, never fish alone, and enjoy the wintertime bite!

Places to Fish in South Dakota

With thousands of lakes, reservoirs, and miles of fishable streams, South Dakota anglers have ample destinations to explore. Top fishing spots include:

East River Fisheries

Lake Oahe – Massive Missouri River reservoir with walleye, bass, pike, trout
Lake Sharpe – Big walleyes and smallmouth bass below Oahe Dam
Lake Francis Case – Bluegill, crappie, catfish opportunities upstream of Oahe
Lake Thompson – Northern pike fishing near Brookings
Richmond Lake – Excellent ice fishing lake for panfish near Aberdeen

West River Fisheries

Oahe Tailwaters – Premier rainbow and brown trout fishing below Oahe Dam
Rapid Creek – Urban trout stream flowing through Rapid City
Angostura Reservoir – Walleye, bass, crappie, pike near Hot Springs
Belle Fourche Reservoir – Walleye, trout, crappie in the Black Hills
Pactola Reservoir – Stocked trout and ice fishing access minutes from Rapid City

Community Fishing Waters

Family Park Pond, Sioux Falls – Kid-friendly perch and trout pond
Terrace Park Pond, Watertown – Urban fishing for stocked trout and panfish
Masatani Fishing Lakes, Yankton – Small impoundments with crappie and bass
Chamberlain Westside Park Pond – Accessible shore fishing for bluegill and bass
Rapid City Canyon Lake Park – 10-acre pond with trout, bass, catfish

The South Dakota Fishing Handbook lists public fishing lakes statewide. With a license and some simple gear, memorable days on the water await.