South Dakota Free Fishing Weekend (2026) — May 16-17 & Lake Oahe Walleye Spots

SD 2026 free fishing weekend. Lake Oahe 231K acres walleye, Sharpe paddlefish, Sylvan Lake Black Hills trout.

South Dakota offers Free Fishing Weekend — try the fishing license South Dakota waters free!

2026 SD Free Fishing Weekend

DateTypeNotes
May 16-17, 2026 (Weekend)Free Fishing WeekendNo license or Habitat Stamp needed!

Best Spots

WaterRegionSpeciesWhy Go
Lake OaheCentral SDWalleye, smallmouth, pike231,000 acres — Walleye Capital!
Lake SharpeCentral SDWalleye, paddlefishPaddlefish snagging — unique SD experience
Sylvan LakeBlack HillsTrout, bassGranite spires — most scenic SD lake
Big Sioux RiverE South DakotaCatfish, walleye, bassSioux Falls urban fishing
Lake Francis CaseS Central SDWalleye, catfish, bass100,000 acres — excellent walleye

See all SD fishing spots. Annual is $41 total: where to buy.

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