Fishing in South Dakota
South Dakota's Missouri River reservoirs, Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case, and Lewis & Clark, are walleye and smallmouth factories. Oahe also produces chinook salmon and trophy northern pike. The Black Hills stream system holds wild brown and brook trout in the alpine. Glacial lakes in the northeast give up perch, walleye, and pike. The upper James and Big Sioux rivers add channel cats. South Dakota's pressure stays light and the fish stay willing.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing | $31.00 |
| Resident 1-Day Fishing | $10.00 |
| Resident Senior Fishing (65+) | $17.00 |
| Resident Setline License Separate license required for each setline operated | $5.00 |
| Resident Hoop Net License Separate license required for each hoop net operated | $10.00 |
| Resident Nursing Facility Group License Letter application; covers permanent residents only | $35.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing | $80.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing | $45.00 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing | $26.00 |
| Non-Resident Youth (under 18) | Free |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website before purchasing.
Resident and non-resident youth under age 18 do not need a fishing license. Listed prices do not include the agent fee added by the licensing system. South Dakota's setline and hoop-net licenses are bought per-device, common for catfish anglers on Missouri River backwaters.
Log Your South Dakota Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in South Dakota.
South Dakota Fishing License FAQ
How much does a South Dakota fishing license cost?
A resident annual fishing fishing license in South Dakota costs $31.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a South Dakota fishing license?
South Dakota fishing licenses are sold online by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in South Dakota?
Fishing licenses in South Dakota are issued by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.