FishKillFlea South Dakota is the Walleye Capital of the World — Lake Oahe's 231,000 acres of Missouri River reservoir, paddlefish snagging on Lake Sharpe, Black Hills trout in granite-lined streams, and the Big Sioux River's catfish runs. Whether you hold a fishing license South Dakota or an out of state fishing license South Dakota, the Mount Rushmore State delivers excellent fishing at reasonable prices.
Missouri River Reservoirs
| Lake | Size | Species | Daily Limit | Why Famous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Oahe | 231,000 acres | Walleye, smallmouth, pike | 4 walleye | SD's #1 walleye lake — tournament destination |
| Lake Sharpe | 55,000 acres | Walleye, paddlefish, catfish | 4 walleye | Paddlefish snagging capital! |
| Lake Francis Case | 100,000 acres | Walleye, catfish, bass | 4 walleye | Excellent summer walleye — Chamberlain |
| Lewis & Clark Lake | 31,000 acres | Walleye, catfish, bass | 4 walleye | Southern SD border — scenic bluffs |
Black Hills Trout
| Stream | Species | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spearfish Creek | Brown, rainbow, brook | 5 | Premier Black Hills trout stream |
| Rapid Creek | Brown, rainbow | 5 | Runs through Rapid City — urban trout! |
| Sylvan Lake | Brown, rainbow, brook | 5 | Most scenic lake in SD — granite spires |
| Pactola Reservoir | Rainbow, brown, lake trout | 5 | Deepest Black Hills reservoir — lakers |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Best Targets | Prime Spots | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Walleye spawn, early trout | Oahe, Francis Case, Spearfish Creek | April walleye on Oahe = SD's best fishing! |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Bass, catfish, paddlefish | Sharpe, Big Sioux, Oahe | Paddlefish season — unique snagging experience |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Fall walleye feed, trout | Oahe, Black Hills streams | October walleye — pre-winter feeding frenzy |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice fishing! Walleye, perch, pike | Oahe, Clear Lake, Waubay | SD ice fishing = legendary tradition |
Fishing in Neighboring States
North Dakota for Sakakawea walleye and Devils Lake perch, Nebraska for Lake McConaughy, Iowa for Spirit Lake and Mississippi, Minnesota for Mille Lacs walleye, Wyoming for Bighorn and Yellowstone, or Montana for blue-ribbon trout rivers.
A fishing license in SD is $41 total ($31 + $10 Habitat). 1-day just $8! See full costs or buy yours.