Fish in South Dakota
Fish on the best private land in South Dakota. Book private land for your next outdoor adventure - fishing, hunting, bird-watching and more!
Hunting
RV & Camping
Fishing
Farm Tours
As seen on:
LandTrust offers 1,000,000+ acres of private land for you to access in 40+ states.
Explore private land to Fish in South Dakota
FOR LANDOWNERS
Earn more money from your farm or ranch.
Host verified guest on your property.
List for free and earn up to $60,000 per year.
Stay 100% in control of your property.
Popular species to fish in South Dakota
South Dakota, the "Mount Rushmore State," offers an array of fishing opportunities. The state's lakes, rivers, and streams are teeming with a variety of fish species that can challenge even the most seasoned angler. One of the most popular species to target in South Dakota is the Walleye. Known for their elusive nature and delicious taste, Walleyes are abundant in bodies of water like Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe. Another sought-after species is the Rainbow Trout, primarily found in Rapid Creek and Spearfish Creek. These swift-water dwellers are prized for their fight and vibrant colors. In eastern South Dakota, anglers often pursue Yellow Perch in glacial lakes such as Lake Poinsett and Waubay Lake. These panfish offer exciting ice fishing opportunities during winter months. For those seeking a unique catch, Paddlefish can be found in the Missouri River system. This prehistoric-looking species is a thrill to catch due to its size and strength. Lastly, Smallmouth Bass fishing is gaining popularity in reservoirs like Lewis & Clark Lake where these aggressive fighters thrive. Each of these species requires different tactics, gear, and baits – making fishing in South Dakota an exciting adventure every time you cast your line.
Popular counties to fish in South Dakota
South Dakota boasts several counties that offer anglers a chance to reel in a variety of species. Walworth County, home to Lake Oahe, is a prime location for walleye fishing. The sprawling reservoir also houses Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, making it an angler's paradise. Further south, Hughes County offers the Missouri River and Lake Sharpe where fishing enthusiasts can catch Sauger, Channel Catfish, and White Bass. In the eastern part of the state lies Day County, famed for its glacial lakes teeming with Yellow Perch - an ice fisherman's dream destination. Butte County in the west provides trout fishing opportunities in Redwater River and Castle Creek Reservoir. Each county offers unique landscapes and fishing experiences that cater to different angling preferences - whether you're after freshwater game fish or simply seeking a tranquil fly-fishing experience amidst South Dakota's stunning natural beauty.
Popular fishing methods in South Dakota
South Dakota, with its many bodies of water, offers anglers several fishing methods to reel in a big catch. Ice fishing is a popular winter activity on the glacial lakes of northeastern South Dakota. With the right gear and safety precautions, it's an exhilarating experience to pull Northern Pike or Walleye from beneath the frozen surface. In contrast, fly fishing in Rapid Creek or Spearfish Creek in the Black Hills region allows anglers to enjoy the state's scenic beauty while casting for Rainbow or Brown Trout. Another method unique to South Dakota is bow fishing, where archery meets angling. This method is particularly effective for hunting non-game fish species like Carp and Gar in Missouri River reservoirs. For those who prefer traditional rod-and-reel fishing, trolling is a preferred technique on Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe for catching Chinook Salmon and Smallmouth Bass. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice looking to get your line wet for the first time, South Dakota's fishing options offer something for everyone. Remember, each method requires specific gear and techniques, so research what you'll need before heading out on your next adventure.
Discover More
Counties in South Dakota
Species in South Dakota
- Coyote Hunting in South Dakota
- Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota
- Waterfowl Hunting in South Dakota
- Whitetail Hunting in South Dakota
- Mule Deer Hunting in South Dakota
- Grouse Hunting in South Dakota
- Partridge Hunting in South Dakota
- Duck Hunting in South Dakota
- Rabbit Hunting in South Dakota
- Dove Hunting in South Dakota
- Fox Hunting in South Dakota
- Turkey Hunting in South Dakota
- Other Hunting in South Dakota
- Bison Hunting in South Dakota
- Bobcat Hunting in South Dakota
- Prairie Dog Hunting in South Dakota
Activities in South Dakota
- Hunt in South Dakota
- Bird Watching in South Dakota
- Hiking in South Dakota
- Biking in South Dakota
- Backcountry Skiing in South Dakota
- Stargazing in South Dakota
- Snowshoeing in South Dakota
- Photography in South Dakota
- Canoeing in South Dakota
- Dog Training in South Dakota
- Fossil Hunting in South Dakota
- Foraging in South Dakota
- Nature Gathering in South Dakota
- Snowmobiling in South Dakota
- Guided Farm Tours in South Dakota
- Host in South Dakota
Host in South Dakota
- Aurora County, South Dakota
- Beadle County, South Dakota
- Bennett County, South Dakota
- Bon Homme County, South Dakota
- Brookings County, South Dakota
- Brown County, South Dakota
- Brule County, South Dakota
- Buffalo County, South Dakota
- Butte County, South Dakota
- Campbell County, South Dakota
- Charles Mix County, South Dakota
- Clark County, South Dakota
- Clay County, South Dakota
- Codington County, South Dakota
- Corson County, South Dakota
- Custer County, South Dakota
- Davison County, South Dakota
- Day County, South Dakota
- Deuel County, South Dakota
- Dewey County, South Dakota
- Douglas County, South Dakota
- Edmunds County, South Dakota
- Fall River County, South Dakota
- Faulk County, South Dakota
- Grant County, South Dakota
- Gregory County, South Dakota
- Haakon County, South Dakota
- Hamlin County, South Dakota
- Hand County, South Dakota
- Hanson County, South Dakota
- Harding County, South Dakota
- Hughes County, South Dakota
- Hutchinson County, South Dakota
- Hyde County, South Dakota
- Jackson County, South Dakota
- Jerauld County, South Dakota
- Jones County, South Dakota
- Kingsbury County, South Dakota
- Lake County, South Dakota
- Lawrence County, South Dakota
- Lincoln County, South Dakota
- Lyman County, South Dakota
- Mccook County, South Dakota
- Mcpherson County, South Dakota
- Marshall County, South Dakota
- Meade County, South Dakota
- Mellette County, South Dakota
- Miner County, South Dakota
- Minnehaha County, South Dakota
- Moody County, South Dakota
- Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota
- Pennington County, South Dakota
- Perkins County, South Dakota
- Potter County, South Dakota
- Roberts County, South Dakota
- Sanborn County, South Dakota
- Spink County, South Dakota
- Stanley County, South Dakota
- Sully County, South Dakota
- Todd County, South Dakota
- Tripp County, South Dakota
- Turner County, South Dakota
- Union County, South Dakota
- Walworth County, South Dakota
- Yankton County, South Dakota
- Ziebach County, South Dakota
Montana Hunting Units
Nebraska Hunting Units