South Dakota fishing seasons

8 species profiles in our database list South Dakota waters among their fisheries — including Sauger, Common Carp, Channel Catfish, American Paddlefish. Below: what's in season month by month, where to fish, and the licence source you need. Seasons shift year to year; the official agency has the final word.

Best months to fish in South Dakota

Months when the largest share of South Dakota's profiled species are in season, from our database. Full calendar: What's Biting.

South Dakota fishing calendar, month by month

Each month links to the species in season then, from our season windows. A month is charted when at least 3 species are in season.

Freshwater species in South Dakota

Species	Season
American Paddlefish	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Channel Catfish	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Common Carp	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov
Emerald Shiner	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Goldeye	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Iowa Darter	Often most active in warm months; check local rules
Mooneye	Varies by watershed and local regulation
Sauger	Mar–Apr–May–Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov

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