South Dakota Fishing Guides

Freshwater Fishing In South Dakota

South Dakota anglers are crazy about their great walleye fishing. Some knowledgeable fishermen think the state’s walleye fisheries are the best in the world. The state record fish weighed 15 pounds, 3 ounces. Walleye can be found all over the state, and some of the best fishing grounds are Lake Sharpe, Lake Pelican, Big Stone Lake, Angostura Reservoir, and Shadehill Reservoir.

South Dakota provides some good bass fishing, too. The biggest largemouth recorded weighed in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces, and the state record smallie weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces. It was taken from the Missouri River. Some of the best bass fishing lakes in the state include Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Poinsett, Lake Francis Case, and Belle Fourche Reservoir.

Several species of trout can be landed in the state. These include rainbows, cutthroats, browns, brookies, and lake trout. Some of the larger lakes and reservoirs contain healthy trout populations, along with numerous streams and rivers.

Coho and kokanee salmon can be landed in South Dakota, too, although there are few really big fish. The Missouri River and the Pactola Reservoir are among the favored salmon fishing spots.

Fishing Guides In South Dakota

Popular South Dakota Fishing Venues

Lake Thompson – This lake is in eastern South Dakota and covers 15,000 acres. It provides fishing for bass, catfish, and walleye, and the crappie fishing is great. Try the south end of Thompson for some nice crappie.

Pickerel Lake – If you enjoy smallmouth bass fishing, head to this 980-acre lake in the northeast part of the state. The smallies are numerous, and they have good size.

Lake Sharpe – This lake is located in central South Dakota and covers 55,000 acres. It offers some amazing walleye fishing, including the state record fish. In fact, it’s been covered on ESPN, and according to numerous anglers, it’s the best spot in the nation for walleye. While you’re there, you can also catch bass, catfish, and crappie. Some great fishing guides are available.

Lake Oahe – This is a sprawling lake in north-central South Dakota. It covers an amazing 370,000 acres and was formed by damming the Missouri River. The lake is 230 miles long and has more than 2,200 miles of shoreline. There’s great fishing here for walleye, smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, and northern pike. The lake includes channels that are 100 feet deep, along with shallow flats, bays, creek mouths, and submerged rocks. To effectively fish this huge lake, you’ll need to hire a reputable fishing guide.

Lewis and Clark Lake – Located in the southeastern part of the state, this 31,000-acre lake is one of the best places in South Dakota to fish for largemouth bass. The best part of the lake to fish for bucketmouths is at the western end. Bass guides who specialize in fishing the lake are available.