4 minute read
Fishing
Missouri River near Springfield
Have some reel fun
More than 175 fishing lakes, ranging in size up to 29,000 acres, make southeast South Dakota a fisherman’s paradise. Glacial lakes exist in this region in addition to numerous man-made lakes. With three major rivers, the Big Sioux, the James and the Missouri River, which includes Lewis and Clark Lake, a 30-mile-long reservoir, coursing through this region, the youngest to the oldest can go home with a whopper of a fish story. This region welcomes fishermen year-round with open seasons on most species of fish. Along with private and city campgrounds, 10 state parks and recreation areas provide over 1,000 campsites to fishing visitors. A host of resorts and hotels are available for those who prefer the comforts of soft beds and cable TV. The most fished species in this region include walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, bluegill, perch and crappie. Walleye and bass compete for top honors. Lewis and Clark Lake, above the Gavins Point Dam, draws anglers from across the nation with its alluring combination of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Walleye, sauger and catfish also make up the catches for Lewis and Clark anglers. Panfishermen will want to look for shallow weed beds during the spring and drop-offs during the summer. Still-fishing with a small jig or fly fishing with wet flies or small poppers is effective for bluegills. For young and old alike, nothing keeps fishing attention longer than bullheads. Good
bullhead waters include most lakes and the Big Sioux and James Rivers. Other popular fishing waters: Splitrock Creek, Marindahl Lake, Lake Madison, Lake Herman, Lake Mitchell, Lake Yankton, Vermillion Lake, Lake Alvin, McCook Lake, Lake Lakota and Lake Henry.
Spearing and Archery
The spearing/archery seasons allow licensed anglers to take fish with a legal spear, legal speargun, legal crossbow or bow and arrow, with some restrictions for specific seasons and dates for game fish and rough fish. To take game fish by these methods in areas open to the taking of game fish, a Game Fish Spearing and Archery Fishing Permit is required.
Free Fishing Weekend
South Dakota fishing waters, excluding tribal trust land, host a free weekend of fishing each year. Join in the fun on May 20-22, 2022 and enjoy a weekend of fishing on us. The entrance fees in all South Dakota Parks are waved this weekend as well.
Paddlefish
Paddlefish fishing is as unique as the prehistoric fish that is the quarry. Anglers interested in paddlefish have two options: a summer archery season or a fall snagging season. A limited number of licenses are available to both residents and nonresidents to either snag or use archery equipment to take one of these large fish between Gavins Point Dam and the Big Sioux River. Anglers wishing to participate in these seasons must apply for a limited number of paddlefish tags.
Accessible Fishing Docks
Fishing piers for those with accessibility needs are located at Lake Herman, Newton Hills, Lake Vermillion, Lake Alvin, Lewis & Clark and Springfield Recreation Area. These piers offer low railings, accessible ramps, sidewalks and nearby parking areas.
Fishing License For Disabled
A Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing License is available for persons with total disability and for disabled vets. You can find an application on www.gfp.sd.gov.
Ice Fishing
Our fishing season never closes, so your annual fishing 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. You’ll find plenty of frozen lakes with good fishing all winter long. Many lakes are cleared of snow weekly when ice thickness permits. The fishing in southeast South Dakota is always a good time, plan your trip with the Sportsman’s Guide available on line or by request at www.SoutheastSouthDakota.com, or call 888-353-7382. For fishing regulations, license fees, maps and applications visit www.gfp.sd.gov.
Fishing License Fees
A Habitat Stamp is required prior to purchase of any license each year: Resident, $10; Non-resident $25. Agent Fees, $4 per license, $8 for Nonresident small game license. Combination License (small game & fishing): Resident, $55; Jr. Combination Resident(ages 16-18), $27; Senior Combination Resident (65 & over), $40. Annual Fishing License: Resident, $28; Non-resident & Non-resident Family, $67; One Day Fishing License: Resident, $8; Non-resident, $16. Three Day Non-Resident License, $37 Youth Fishing License, Non-resident, $25. Non-residents under the age of 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 must purchase a nonresident license. Senior Fishing License, Resident, $12 (65 & older)
Limited Licenses for Paddlefish,
Resident & Non-resident: $25, Applications available from SD Game, Fish & Parks online at gfp.sd.gov or call 605-223-7660
Fees are subject to change, refer to the SD Fishing Handbook for complete fees and regulations
