Your Ultimate Fishing Guide
Fishing the Glacial Lakes of South Dakota
Open Water Fishing Guide
South Dakota fishing isn’t just about catching the fish, it’s also about the fun, the camaraderie, and the beautiful scenery you’ll experience doing it. Head out with your rod and reel for an exciting day on the water. If you successfully catch your dinner, consider it a bonus!
Ice Fishing Guide
Ice fishing is popular across our Northeast region of South Dakota. It’s known for ice shanty towns and quality time with friends and family. Enjoy the serenity of a frozen lake and the challenge of the sport. South Dakota Game Fish & Parks manages snow removal on a weekly basis at a number of sites listed. Please take care to monitor the snow and ice conditions before traveling on a lake.
Ice Safety
4” of new, clear ice is the minimum thickness safe to walk on, and at least 16” is recommended for driving.
Avoid moving water as ice that forms above it is usually weaker, especially where there is a strong current.
Dress in warm layers to protect yourself from the elements. It can get windy in South Dakota, so be prepared. Find gear »
If snow is present on the ice, be mindful of the depth as it can increase the pressure on the ice, causing it to weaken.
Public Fishing Guide
South Dakota waters are teaming with dozens of fish species including Walleye, Jumbo Perch, Small and Large Mouth Bass, Crappies, Northerns, and Bluegills. With a year-round fishing season and abundant lakes and rivers, we’re home to some of the best fishing opportunities around. South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks provide fishing structures and piers in select locations to allow for easy access. In our area, you’ll find a number of state parks and recreation areas including Mina Lake, Pickerel Lake, and Richmond Lake.
Licensing
Fishing is a relaxing, restful pastime, and doing so legally will ensure it stays that way.
Visit the South Dakota fishing handbook to learn about regulations, licensing requirements, and more.
Fishing Tribal Waters
Explore prime fishing opportunities on the tribal lands of South Dakota. Keep in mind, fishing lakes, streams, or dams on tribal land requires a license from the Tribal Game, Fish & Parks office for that tribe. Each of the 9 tribes has their own rules and regulations to follow. Tribal fishing licenses are not interchangeable with the state of South Dakota fishing licenses or those of other tribes.
