Fishing

With more than 1,100 square miles of water reservoirs and a year-round fishing season, South Dakota is a fisherman’s dream. From glistening mountain streams to glacial lakes to Prairie Rivers, the state is rife with some of the finest fishing opportunities in North America. Although there are dozens of fish species for the catching, South Dakotan fishers seem to prefer several tried-and-true favorites, including the walleye, bluegill, bass, catfish, northern, trout, perch, pike, salmon, and crappie.

Each region of South Dakota offers its own unique fishing opportunities and conditions, all infused with natural beauty.

Western Region

South Dakota’s western region, home of the state’s Black Hills region, has ample fishing opportunities.  With 14 mountain lakes and over 400 miles of winding streams,  brook, brown, and rainbow trout are abundant.  There are also reservoirs and ranch stock dams in the area prairies which are full of largemouth bass, northern pike, and a variety of panfish.

Central Region

The central region of South Dakota is home to the majestic Missouri River, a picturesque fishing spot, once traveled by Lewis and Clark.  In addition to the waters of the Missouri, the central region also boasts four massive dams.  Prairie stock dams are a little less intimidating, but still stocked with fish.  Created to water fish and preserve soil and ground, these stock dams are a prime fishing area.

Eastern Region

Glacial lakes and fields of crop dominate South Dakota’s eastern region landscape.  The Missouri River meanders from the central to the eastern region, where the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area takes advantage of the river’s fishing and swimming areas.  And with 120 glacial lakes in the eastern region, there is no shortage of excellent fishing.