Did you know in South Dakota you’re not allowed to use a firearm to shoot fish? I know what you’re thinking, duh that’s obvious, well I’ve looked at most of the states rules and regulations and that’s the first time I saw that one. If you’re like me and you value money, as in you don’t want to pay a massive fine for breaking one of South Dakota’s rules and regulations, I suggest reading the rest of this article.

South Dakota Fishing Regulations

The State of South Dakota states:

  • You may not place fish or fish cleanings on shorelines or in public waters
  • Release fish or fish eggs into public waters, unless they were taken from those same waters, without written authorization from GFP
  • You may not possess, use or maintain trammel nets, gill nets or seines (unless they’re legal minnow seines)
  • You may not sell, buy or barter game fish, unless they were taken by hoop net, setline or trap when allowed (lawfully caught fish that have been mounted may be sold)
  • You may not take or destroy any fish by use of an explosive, poisonous or stunning drugs
  • You may not use a firearm to shoot fish
  • You may use two lines and three hooks per line for open-water fishing
  • You may only use two lines in the South Dakota-Minnesota Border Waters year-round
  • A legal bow and arrow, legal crossbow, legal spear, or legal speargun is counted as one line when anglers are using multiple lines
  • Only one end of each line may be fitted with hooks
  • For those with more than three leaders, only three of the leaders may be outfitted with a hook
  • Only one line with one hook may be used to snag salmon
    Salmon may caught from October 1 – November 30

Fishing License Period

South Dakota fishing licenses are available as:

  • Daily fishing licenses
  • Annual fishing licenses
  • Lifetime fishing licenses

Free or Reduced Fee South Dakota Fishing Licenses

The State of South Dakota offers free fishing licenses or reduced fishing licenses for :

  • South Dakota residents who are 65 years of age or older
  • South Dakota residents who are paraplegic or physically unable to walk
  • South Dakota residents who are blind
  • South Dakota residents who are developmentally disabled
  • South Dakota residents  who were held as prisoners of war
  • South Dakota residents who have received The United States Veterans Administration “K” Award
  • South Dakota residents  who are disabled veterans

South Dakota Fishing Licenses Are NOT Required For

If you fall into any of the below categories you’re in luck, because you aren’t required to have a fishing license:

  • Resident or nonresidents under 16 years of age

Buy a South Dakota Fishing License