Beginner's Guide to Fishing

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.

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.

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.

Northeast South Dakota's landscape, shaped by glaciers 20,000 years ago, boasts more than 120 glacial lakes ranging from just a few acres to more than 17,000. Anglers flock to this region for its plentiful fishing opportunities, with 16 state parks and recreation areas providing ample access. Popular lakes like Blue Dog, Enemy Swim, Lake Thompson, Lynn, Roy, Rush and Waubay offer diverse fishing experiences. Walleye dominate these waters, with anglers employing techniques such as trolling crankbaits, jigging with minnows and using nightcrawler/spinner rigs. Largemouth, smallmouth bass, perch, bullheads, bluegills and northern pike also thrive here, making it a prime destination for various fishing styles, including ice fishing during winter.

Southeast South Dakota is characterized by vast corn and soybean fields and more than 175 lakes, including both natural glacial and manmade lakes. The Big Sioux River, James River and Missouri River, including the expansive Lewis and Clark Lake, traverse this region. Anglers can enjoy walleye fishing in these flat-bottom lakes, using techniques like trolling crankbaits and jigging. The southeast is also renowned for its bullheads and panfish, providing engaging fishing experiences for all ages. Bass fishing in the 29,000-acre Lewis and Clark Lake attracts anglers nationwide, while northern pike are often found lurking near weeds, rocks or other structures. Ice fishing is a popular winter activity, with jigging spoons and teardrop hooks tipped with bait being effective methods.

Central South Dakota's Missouri River region, transformed by four massive dams, offers more than 900 square miles of open water and 3,000 miles of shoreline across reservoirs such as Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake. These reservoirs create a world-class fishery, particularly for walleye, the most abundant fish here. Anglers’ fish depths range from 5 to 45 feet, depending on the season, using jigs, minnows, nightcrawler/spinner combinations and crankbaits. Northern pike (especially in Lake Oahe’s back bays), Chinook salmon and smallmouth bass in the rocky habitats of the reservoirs add to the region’s diverse fishing opportunities. Additionally, smaller prairie stock dams provide quieter, more intimate fishing spots for various species.

The west region of South Dakota, encompassing the Black Hills, offers unique fishing experiences with its 14 mountain lakes and more than 400 miles of streams filled with brook, brown and rainbow trout. The picturesque Black Hills provide a stunning backdrop for anglers to enjoy stream and lake fishing. Trout fishing in the Black Hills requires a slow and stealthy approach, with local fly shops offering valuable insights into effective flies and baits. Ice fishing has also gained popularity in recent years, with anglers using small jigs, ice flies and jigging spoons tipped with bait to catch trout, often found at varying depths. Beyond the Black Hills, the surrounding prairie features numerous reservoirs and ranch stock dams, teeming with largemouth bass, northern pike and various panfish.