Beginner's Guide to Fishing

South Dakota welcomes anglers of all abilities with wheelchair-accessible fishing piers installed at several parks and recreation areas around the state. These floating piers have low railings and wheelchair-friendly ramps as well as ADA-compliant sidewalks and parking.

Whether from the shore, on a boat or knee-deep in the water, there are many ways you can cast your line in South Dakota. In the Black Hills, fly fishing abounds on rushing rivers, while in the eastern part of the state more than 300 lakes beckon with boat ramps, fishing docks and miles of coastline. Visiting in the winter? Ice fishing is a favorite pastime on the glacial lakes. Discover all the ways you can fish the greatest in the 605 state.

Fish stocking is the practice of raising fish in hatcheries and releasing them into the wild. Several hatcheries in South Dakota practice stocking to provide ample opportunities for recreational fishing and to help maintain healthy and prolific fish populations. Check out the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks' 14-day stocking report for recent release dates and stock amounts.

Browse the South Dakota Fishing Handbook for up-to-date information on season start and end dates, statewide limits, regional ordinances and species identification, including details on invasive species.

Having a rod and reel is essential when fishing in South Dakota. Rods are organized by weight (ranging from 0 to 12) — the higher the number, the larger the fish your rod can handle. For beginners, a medium-action spinning rod is often recommended. Once you've purchased your rod, you will need to pair it with the appropriate reel. A spinning reel is a great for those new to fishing.

Fishing lines are available in a variety of materials and diameters. If you're looking for an all-purpose line, try monofilament. If you want something that is stronger and more suitable for larger fish, a braided line is the way to go. 

Like rods and reels, your bait and lures will be determined by the type of fish you're targeting. In most cases, live bait is the most effective. Nightcrawlers (worms), minnows, crickets and leeches are good options for catching the majority of fish species found in South Dakota, like bass, trout and walleye. After you've spent some time fishing with live bait, put a lure on your line. Some beginner-friendly lures include soft plastic, spinnerbaits and water lures.

First-time anglers should only need three types of tackle: hooks, weights and floats. Weights help extend your casting distance and keep the bait underwater while floats will ensure your bait stays near the bottom of the water and provide a visual queue when a fish is biting on your bait. As for hooks, the j-hook is a good choice for beginners. We also recommend purchasing a tackle box or bag to help keep all of your gear organized.

Planning to fly fish while in South Dakota? First, you’ll want a durable fishing rod that's around 8 feet long. From there, select a reel with a smooth drag system and a floating line, both ideal for most fly fishing situations. If you plan to get into the water, come prepared with chest waders and wading boots to help keep your body warm and dry in deeper waters. And, last but not least, you gotta have some flies! 

Similar to fly fishing, ice fishing requires specific gear to ensure a safe and successful experience. You will first need an ice-fishing rod, which are shorter than regular rods and designed for confined spaces, as well as a spinning or inline reel that's suitable for cold weather. Anglers will also want to purchase or rent an auger that can drill holes in the ice along with some form of shelter, whether than be a pop-up tent or heated ice shack. Other items you will need include a sled to carry your gear, ice picks, spikes and scoops, and, of course, tackle, including jigs, tip-ups and live bait.