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

With 3 separate campgrounds, marinas and sandy beaches, the park is great for fishing and boating adventures.

LAKE OAHE

Nearly 30 species of fish, plus more shoreline than the coast of California.

FAMILY PARK

This park is home to Family Park Pond, which holds rainbow trout, bluegill and crappie. Kayaks and canoes are allowed in the pond as well.


GET A SOUTH DAKOTA FISHING LICENSE




COMMON CATCHES IN SOUTH DAKOTA



walleye

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

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

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

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

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

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

TYPES OF FISHING IN SOUTH DAKOTA



lakes and ponds

LAKES & PONDS

Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.



streams and rivers

STREAMS & RIVERS

River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.



FLY FISHING

FLY FISHING

Fly fishing is fun, relaxing and easy to learn.

Pre-loader