Paddlefish Anglers interested in paddlefish have two options, an archery season in June or a snagging season in October. Both seasons occur on the Missouri River between Gavins Point Dam and the Big Sioux River. Resident and non-resident anglers who wish to paddlefish must apply for a limited number of paddlefish tags.
FISHING LICENSE FEES Habitat Stamp
(required prior to purchase of any license, one per year)
3-Day Fishing Non-resident: $37*
Resident: $10 Non-resident: $25
Youth Fishing
Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, near Yankton, raises the endangered pallid sturgeon and the paddlefish, which is a "species of concern" in many states. The fish are spawned at Gavins Point in their Sturgeon and Endangered Species buildings and later released to increase or maintain fish populations in the wild. The pallid sturgeon is an ancient fish that can grow up to six feet long and weigh 85 pounds, with a lifespan of up to 100 years. The aquarium is open daily, May 1 through Labor Day, 10am - 5pm. The hatchery is open year round Monday-Friday, 7am - 3pm.
Combination License
Nonresidents under age 16 do not need a fishing license when fishing with a parent/guardian who has a valid SD fishing license. Youth's fish must be included in the daily/possession limits of the parent/guardian. Youth wishing to take their own limit of fish may purchase a non-resident license.
Annual Family Fishing
Limited Licenses for Paddlefish
Ice Fishing
Non-resident: $67*
Resident & Non-resident: $25
South Dakota’s fishing season never closes so your annual license is good year-round. For the true sportsman with a warm disposition and a good down parka, ice fishing can be a great relief to cabin fever. For more information about fees, regulations game species and fishing areas, visit gfp.sd.gov/fish. For maps and atlases visit gfp.sd.gov/maps.
1-Day Fishing
Fish Hatchery and Aquarium
(includes small game & fishing)
Resident: $55*
Junior Combination Resident: $27* (ages 16-18)
Senior Combination Resident: $40* (65 and over)
Annual Fishing Resident: $28* Non-resident: $67*
Resident: $8* Non-resident: $16*
Non-resident: $25*
Senior Fishing Resident: $12* (65 and over)
Applications available from SD Game, Fish & Parks Apply online - gfp.sd.gov or call (605) 223-7660
*Does not include $4 agent fee ($8 non-resident small game) • Fees subject to change Refer to the S.D. Fishing Handbook for complete fees & regulations
Free Fishing Weekend: May 21-23, 2021
1-888-353-7382 • www.southeastsouthdakota.com
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