Fishing in South Dakota

South Dakota offers hundreds of fishable waters. Purchase your fishing license today, and start planning your next fishing trip with you family and friends.

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Top Fishing Spots in South Dakota

Missouri River
Farm Island Recreation Area provides easy access to the Missouri River and a large area for opportunities to fish from along the entire shoreline or a boat.
Lake Oahe
Nearly 30 species of fish, plus more shoreline than the coast of California.
American Creek
The American Creek great for fishing and boating adventures. You can catch Walleye, Large mouth bass and common carp.
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Common Catches in South Dakota

Walleye
Walleye
The walleye is a wide-ranging, North American species that occurs virtually everywhere on the mainland.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
The smallmouth bass is the second largest member of the sunfish family attaining a weight of almost 12 lb.
Northern Pike
Northern Pike
The northern pike is a holarctic species, meaning that it occurs around the world in northern, or Arctic waters.
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
The yellow perch, unlike the so-called white perch, Morone americana, is a true perch, not a bass.
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
The Channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value. The Channel catfish is most abundant in the central part of U.S. and southern states.
Black Bullhead
Black Bullhead
Despite its common name, color is not the best way to identify the Black Bullhead.

South Dakota Fishing Tips And Information

Lakes & Ponds for Freshwater Fishing

Fishing Lakes and Ponds

Learn the importance of structures for the best freshwater fishing in lakes and ponds.

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