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Fishing Regulations
South Dakota Game, Fish and
Parks Department
For questions please call the Huron
Game, Fish and Parks at 605‐353‐7145
or Conservation Officer Chris Kuntz
at 605‐353‐7146.
Conservation
Fishing and hunting laws exist within South Dakota in
order to conserve fish and wildlife for future
generations as well as prevent significant loss of fish
and wildlife populations.
In order to fish, all residents must purchase a South
Dakota fishing license, which must be purchased on
an annual basis.
Types of Fishing Licenses:
Annual Fishing License ‐ $25
Includes fishing privileges for residents 19‐64 years old.
Combination License – $49
Includes fishing and small game privileges for
residents 19‐64 years old.
Junior Combination License ‐ $25
Includes fishing and small game privileges for
residents 16‐18 years old.
If resident turns 19 during license period, the
license is still valid.
Youth Residents under 16 do not need a fishing license
Senior Annual Fishing License ‐ $10
Includes fishing privileges for residents 65 or older
Access and Trespass
Public waters in South Dakota are open to fishing at appropriate
public access points, roads, bridges, or permission from neighboring
landowners. Residents are asked to not fish on bridges.
Public Land Atlas is available at Game, Fish and Parks
offices or a local license agent.
Fishing Methods
While fishing, the person must be present and only using two poles.
Hoot nets, traps and setlines are illegal except with a special license
and on portions of the Missouri River and western tributaries.
Litter
Trash, garbage or unwanted fishing sup‐
plies may NOT at the water bodies if unless
placed in proper garbage cans. If a fish is
unwanted, the fish is to be returned to the
water rather than thrown on the shoreline.
Violations and Revoked Licenses
Revocation of fishing or hunting privileges will occur if an individual
violates the fishing, hunting or other laws of South Dakota. Officers
may seize fishing poles and gear upon violation. Violation of a
fishing law may result in license revocation for one or more years
and the person is not able to buy another license during period of
revocation. Violating fishing laws is a Class I misdemeanor.
Reasons for revocation:
• Knowingly trespassing
• Exceeding daily or possession limits
• Violating any fishing law without a license
• Fishing during a closed season
Limits
Daily: Number of fish that may be taken on a given day
Possession: Number of fish that may be possessed at a given time,
such as within a portable cooler or home freezer
Guide to Fish of South Dakota
Walleye Northern Pike
Limit: 4 Daily and 8 in possession Limit: 6 Daily and 12 in possession
Anglers may only possess one
Walleye over 20 inches long per day.
Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass
Limit any combination of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
5 daily and 10 in possession
Crappie Sunfish
Limit: 15 Daily and 30 in possession Limit: 15 Daily and 30 in possession
Bullhead Paddlefish
Limit: No Limit DO NOT KEEP! Return to the water
immediately.
Catfish Turtles
Limit: No limit in the James River Limit: Daily 2 of each species.
Other lakes and rivers: Daily 10 and 4 0f each for possession
30 possession
Bullfrogs
Limit: 15 Daily and 30 possession
Measuring your fish
This is only a summary of the
main fishing regulations. For a
complete listing of the South
Dakota Fishing regulations
please consult the South
Dakota Fishing Handbook.
Notes:
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
895 3rd Street SW
Huron, SD 57350