Fishing Regulations in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official South Dakota fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
South Dakota requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident annual licenses are very affordable, while non-resident options include annual and 1-day licenses. A separate paddlefish tag is required for paddlefish snagging season.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| walleye | 4 per day | 15 inches minimum | Year-round | Limits vary by water body. Check current South Dakota GFP regulations. |
| northern-pike | 3 per day | 24 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| yellow-perch | 15 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| channel-catfish | 5 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| crappie | 15 per day | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 4 per day
Size Limit: 15 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Limits vary by water body. Check current South Dakota GFP regulations.
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: 24 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 15 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 15 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Oahe
reservoirSpecies: walleye, northern-pike, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish, sauger
Lake Sharpe
reservoirSpecies: walleye, sauger, channel-catfish, crappie, northern-pike
Lake Francis Case
reservoirSpecies: walleye, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish, crappie, yellow-perch
Missouri River
riverSpecies: walleye, sauger, channel-catfish, smallmouth-bass, carp
Lake Kampeska
lakeSpecies: walleye, yellow-perch, northern-pike, bluegill, largemouth-bass
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| walleye | 15 lbs 3 oz | 2019 | Lake Sharpe |
| northern-pike | 26 lbs 11 oz | 2004 | Lake Oahe |
| channel-catfish | 55 lbs | 1949 | Lake Mitchell |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 lbs 14 oz | 2016 | Lake Oahe |
| largemouth-bass | 9 lbs 1 oz | 2004 | Farm Pond |
| crappie | 3 lbs 10 oz | 2000 | Lake Poinsett |
| yellow-perch | 2 lbs 8 oz | 2003 | Lake Oahe |
| rainbow-trout | 14 lbs 6 oz | 2002 | Rapid Creek |