FISHING IN SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota is home to some of the finest fishing waters in North America. Cast for walleye on Lake Oahe or any of the Missouri River reservoirs. Fly-fish for rainbow trout along Spearfish Creek in the Black Hills. Drop your line into the ice of Lake Eureka and hook a fat perch. Nearly 30 species of fish provide anglers a variety of adventures throughout the state.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
LEWIS & CLARK STATE RECREATION AREA
LAKE OAHE
FAMILY PARK
GET A SOUTH DAKOTA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
NORTHERN PIKE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Northern pike can be distinguished by their needle teeth, vacant eyes, thick slime, and serpentine shape.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 20-30-pound, 12-inch black wire leaders (They will bite through monofilament line) |
| Lure | In-line spinner, Spoon, Minnow-imitating plug, Spinnerbait, Jig and worm, Surface plug |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
BLACK BULLHEAD
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Despite its common name, color is not the best way to identify the Black Bullhead.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 11-15 foot casting rod or 15-18 foot surf rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-8 pound test line |
| Lure | Earth Worm, Cut Bait, "Stink" Baits, Small Crayfish, Worms, Leeches, Nightcrawler (fished on the bottom) |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
YELLOW PERCH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The yellow perch, unlike the so-called white perch, Morone americana, is a true perch, not a bass.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-foot, fast-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Small spinning reel |
| Line | 4-pound test line |
| Lure | #2-#6 hook, Most commonly used bait are worms, Rubber jig, Small Spinners |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
