SOUTH DAKOTA GAME, FISH AND PARKS
2021FISHING HANDBOOK
2 | 2021 South Dakota Fishing Handbook
SouthDakotaGame,FishandParksreceivesFederalfinancialassistancefromtheU.S.FishandWildlifeService.UnderTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1975,TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972,theU.S.DepartmentoftheInterioranditsbureausprohibitdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,age,disabilityorsex(ineducationalprograms).Ifyoubelievethatyouhavebeendiscriminatedagainstinanyprogram,activityorfacility,orifyoudesirefurtherinformationpleasewriteto: OfficeofCivilRights,DepartmentoftheInterior,1849CStreet,NW,Washington,DC20240. 225,000copiesof thisdocumentwereprintedbyMidstatesPrintingatarateof19centspercopy.Printedonrecycledpaper.
CURRENTPOSITIONSGOVERNORKRISTINOEM
INTERIM SECRETARYKEVINROBLING
WILDLIFE DIRECTORTOMKIRSCHENMANN
PARKS DIRECTORSCOTTSIMPSON
GAME,FISHANDPARKS COMMISSIONERS
CHAIRGARYJENSEN,RAPIDCITY
VICE CHAIRRUSSELLOLSON,WENTWORTH
TRAVISBIES,FAIRBURNROBERTWHITMYRE,WEBSTERJONLOCKEN,BATHDOUGSHARP,WATERTOWNCHUCKSPRING,UNIONCENTER
FACEBOOK.COM/SDGFP @SDGAMEFISHPARKS @SDGAMEFISHPARKS
Positions current at time of publication
Positions current at time of publication
Cover photo by Sam Stukel
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WHAT’SNEW
» ThedailylimitforcatfishharvestedfrominlandwatersandNebraska-SouthDakotaborderwatersmayincludenomorethanoneflatheadcatfish30”orlonger.
» Gamefishmaybetakenwithlegalcrossbow,spearguns,spearsandbowandarrowfromFt.RandallDamdownstream5.5milesontheMissouriRiverfromMay1–March31.
» Gamefishspearinghoursarenowone-halfhourbeforesunrisetoone-halfhouraftersunset.
» OnlyelectricmotorsmaybeusedonCanyonandBismarckLakes.
» ZebramusselpopulationshavebeenconfirmedinLakesPickerel,Cochrane,Kampeska,Yankton,McCook,LewisandClark,FrancisCaseandSharpeandtheMissouriRiverbelowGavinsPointDam.
» VehiclestowingwatercraftorwaterrelatedequipmentmuststopatopenAquaticInvasiveSpeciesinspectionstations.
» Ahabitatstampisnowrequiredpriortopurchasingafishinglicense.Seelicensingsectionofthe2021FishingHandbookforfurtherdetails.
MEMORIES MADE IN THE OUTDOORS LAST ALIFETIME
4 | 2021 South Dakota Fishing Handbook
FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS
Aberdeen:605.626.2391,5850E.Hwy12Chamberlain:605.734.4530,1550E.KingAve.Ft. Pierre:605.223.7700,20641SDHwy1806Huron:605.353.7145,8953rdStreetSWMobridge:605.845.7814,909LakeFrontDrive
Pierre: 605.773.3387,523E.CapitolAve.Rapid City: 605.394.2391,4130AdventureTrailSioux Falls: 605.362.2700,4500S.OxbowAve.Watertown:605.882.5200,400WestKempWebster: 605.345.3381,603E.8thAve.
GENERAL INFORMATION: 605.223.7660 TTY: 605.223.7684,email:[email protected]
Q: Am I allowed to release an invasive species such as a bighead or silver carp back into a waterbody in which I caught it from?
A:Yes,carpmaybereleasedintothewaterinwhichtheywerecaughtortransportedawayfromtheareaoncedead.Itisillegaltodisposeoffishcarcassesorcleaningsonshorelines.Thisincludesallcarpspecies.
Q: Am I allowed to transport my minnows or other bait in tap or domestic water away from the launch?
A:Yes,minnowsmaybe transportedawayfrom the launch in tapordomesticwater.Minnows,baitorfishmaynotbetransportedinlake,riverorstreamwaterawayfromthelaunchorparkingarea.
Q: Can I fish anywhere on the bank on South Dakota side of the Missouri river with a resident Nebraska license?
A:AnypersonpossessingavalidfishinglicenseorpermitissuedbySouthDakotaorNebraska,orwhoislegallyexemptedfromlicenseorpermitrequirements,mayfishfromaboatortheshorewithanylegalmethodintheflowingportionsoftheMissouriRiver,includingbackwaters,sloughs,andchutesthatconnecttotheMissouriRiverproperwithintheboundaryofSouthDakotaadjacenttoNebraska.Moreinformationcanbefoundonpage14ofthishandbook.
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TABLEOFCONTENTSLICENSINGGENERALLICENSING..................................................................................6RESIDENTLICENSING..................................................................................9NONRESIDENTLICENSING........................................................................13BORDERWATERS.........................................................................................14
STATEWIDE LIMITSSTATEWIDELIMITS.......................................................................................16
EAST RIVER REGULATIONSHARVESTLIMITEXCEPTIONS.....................................................................21MN-SDANDIA-SDBORDERWATERS.....................................................22
MISSOURI RIVER REGULATIONSHARVESTLIMITEXCEPTIONS.....................................................................25
NE-SDBORDERWATERS............................................................................26
WEST RIVER REGULATIONSHARVESTLIMITEXCEPTIONS.....................................................................29
BLACK HILLS REGULATIONSHARVESTLIMITEXCEPTIONS.....................................................................31GENERAL REGULATIONSGENERALDEFINITIONS..............................................................................34NON-COMMERCIALBAITREGULATIONS..............................................38BOATINGREGULATIONS...........................................................................40PERSONALFLOATATIONDEVICES(PFD’S).............................................44AREASCLOSEDTOFISHING.....................................................................44FELTSOLEWADERSPROHIBITED.............................................................45FISHIMPORTATION.....................................................................................45FISHMEASUREMENT...................................................................................45FISHINGTOURNAMENTS/SPECIALEVENTS..........................................46GENERALRESTRICTIONS............................................................................46HOOPNETS,TRAPS,ANDSETLINES........................................................46HIGHGRADING..........................................................................................47HOOKANDLINERESTRICTIONS..............................................................47ICEHOUSES..................................................................................................47PUBLICLANDRESTRICTIONS....................................................................47PADDLEFISH...................................................................................................48SALMONSNAGGING................................................................................49SPEARINGANDARCHERY.........................................................................49TURTLES,SMELTANDBULLFROGREGULATIONS.................................52TRANSPORTATION,STORAGEANDGIFTING.......................................52FISHCONSUMPTIONADVISORIES..........................................................55AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIESAQUATICINVASIVESPECIES.....................................................................56AQUATICINVASIVESPECIESREGULATIONS.........................................58AQUATICINVASIVESPECIESINFESTEDWATERS..................................60
SHORELINE/DOCK REGULATIONS............................64SD FISH INDENTIFICATION..............................................66
LICENSINGGeneral LicensingResident LicensingNonresident LicensingBorder Waters
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GENERALLICENSINGNolicensemayberefundedortransferredtoanotherpersonafterbeingissued.Afishinglicenseisneededtotakefish,turtles,bullfrogsorbait.Ahoopnet/traporsetlinelicense, in addition to a valid residentfishinglicense,isrequiredwhenusingthesemethods.SeeHoopNetandSetlineLicensesintheResidentLicenseSection.
AGENT FEE Themaximumfeeforeachfishinglicensesoldorreplacedbyalicenseagentoronlineis$4.
BUYING LICENSES ResidentandnonresidentfishinglicensesmaybepurchasedinSouthDakota at many retail stores, bait shopsandafewCountyTreasureroffices.Whenpurchasinglicensesover the counter you must have your state-issuedIDwithyou. Licensesmaybepurchasedandprintedfromhome.Topurchaselicensesonline,visitgfp.sd.gov.SeeResidentHoopNetandSetlineLicensesintheResidentLicensingsectionfordetailsaboutpurchasingtheselicenses.
CARRYING/EXHIBITING LICENSES A licensee shall exhibit the licensee’slicenseorlicenseauthorization issued by the DepartmentofGame,FishandParksuponrequestbyaconservationofficerorotherlawenforcementofficer.Alicenseewhois16yearsofageorolderwhoholds the license authorization, shall exhibitandprovideforinspection
adriver’slicense,astate-issuedidentificationcardoranotherformofvalididentificationforthepurposeofverifyingtheidentityofthelicensee. Personshunting,fishing,trappingor engaging in any recreational activityonprivatelandshalluponrequestexhibittheirlicensetohunt,fishortrap.Ifunlicensedorengaged in another recreational activity,thatpersonshallprovidetheirfirstandlastname,town/cityandstate/provinceofresidenceasshownontheirdriver’slicense,state-issuedidentificationcardorotherformofvalididentificationtoanypersonwithlegalauthoritytocontrolaccesstotheprivatelandwherethehunting,fishing,trappingor other recreational activity is occurring.
DELINQUENT CHILD SUPPORT SouthDakotalawprohibitstheissuanceorrenewalofanyhuntingorfishinglicenseifanindividualowes$1,000ormoreinpast-duechildsupport,unlesstheindividualentersintoarepaymentagreementwiththeDepartmentofSocialServicesforpaymentofthedelinquentchildsupport.ThereisarequirementtoenterintoarepaymentagreementwiththeDepartmentofSocialServiceseveniftheindividualispresentlymakingchildsupportpayments,orifchildsupportisbeingwithheldfromwagesorincome.Toenterintotherequiredrepaymentagreement, individuals must contacttheDepartmentofSocial
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Services,DivisionofChildSupport;700GovernorsDrive,KneipBuilding;Pierre,SD57501;orcall605.773.6456.
LOST LICENSES Lostlicensesmaybereplacedbyanystorefrontlicenseagent.Licenseagents may charge the standard agentfee($4)forreplacinggeneralfishinglicenses.Inaddition,licensesmaybereprintedathomebythelicenseeatanytime.
REVOKED LICENSES IfapersonisconvictedofknowinglytrespassingorviolatingafishinglawpunishableasaClass1 misdemeanor, or substantially exceedingdailyorpossessionlimits,orviolatinganyrulepertainingtofishingorpossessingfishwithoutalicense or during a closed season, theperson’sfishingprivilegeswillberevokedforoneormoreyearsandthepersonisprohibitedfrompurchasingorapplyingforanotherfishinglicenseduringtheperiodofrevocation. Thosewhoseprivilegesarerevoked in South Dakota may be subjecttorevocationorsuspensioninother states, including the home state ofnon-residents.Anypersonwhosefishingprivilegesarecurrentlyrevokedorsuspendedinanystateorcountrymaynotapplyfororbuy a license or exercise the same privilegeinSouthDakotaduringtheperiodofrevocationorsuspension. Nopersonwhohasanunpaidandunsatisfiedjudgmentissuedforwildlifecivildamagesmay
purchase,attempttopurchaseorpossessanySouthDakotahunting,fishingortrappinglicense.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AllU.S.residentsarerequiredbyfederalandstatelaw(SDCL25-7A-56.2)toprovidetheirSocialSecurityNumberwhenpurchasingandapplyingforalicense,evenwhenpurchasedonline.SouthDakota continues to maintain the highestlevelofonlinesecuritystandards through the Payment CardIndustry(PCI)tomaintaincustomersafetywhenprocessingonlinetransactions.
TRIBAL WATERS Non-tribalmembersfishinginlandwatersthatoverlayIndiantrustpropertyneedatribalfishinglicense.Non-tribalmembersfishingontheMissouriRiveranditsimpoundmentsneedonlythestatelicense.However,anglersfishingtheMissouriRiverfromtriballandsmayneedtopurchaseatribalfishinglicenseoraccesspermitfromthetribetofishfromshore.
GENERALLICENSING
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RESIDENCY Tobeeligibleforaresidentlicense,apersonmustmeetallofthefollowingcriteria:
» Haveadomicilewithinthisstateforatleast90consecutive days immediately precedingthedateofapplicationfor,purchasing,orattemptingtopurchaseanyhunting,fishing,ortrappinglicense/permit.Adomicileisaperson’sestablished,fixed,andpermanenthometowhichtheperson,wheneverabsent,hasthepresentintentionofreturning.
» Makenoclaimofresidencyinanyotherstateorforeigncountryforanypurpose.
» Claimnoresidenthunting,fishing,ortrappingprivilegesinanyotherstateorforeigncountry.
» Have a valid South Dakota driver’slicenseandmotorvehicles registered in South Dakotapriortoapplication/purchase.
EXCEPTIONS:Thefollowingpersonsaredeemedtoberesidentsofthisstate as long as they continue to meetanyoftheconditionssetforthbelow:
» Anypersonwhopreviouslyhad a domicile in this state whoisabsentduetobusinessoftheUnitedStatesorofthisstate, or is serving in the armed forcesoftheUnitedStatesorthespouseofanactivedutymilitaryperson;
» Anypersonwhopreviouslyhadadomicileinthisstatewhoisabsentduetotheperson’sregularattendanceatapost-high school institution as a full-timestudentorduetotheperson’sregularattendanceina medical or dental residency program;
» AnypersonintheactivemilitaryoftheUnitedStatesorthatperson’sspousewhoiscontinuously stationed in this state;
» Anypersonwhoisapatientinanywarveterans’hospitalwithinthisstate;
RESIDENTLICENSING
2021 Resident FeesThelicenseperiodisDecember15,2020throughJanuary31,2022
Annual Fishing.............................................................$28 One-DayFishing.......................................................... $8 CombinationLicense..................................................$55 SeniorCombination(65andover).........................$40 JuniorCombination(16-18).....................................$27 SeniorAnnualFishing(65andover)......................$12 HabitatStamp............................................................$10
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RESIDENTLICENSING » Anypersonwhoisanemployeeoftheveterans’administrationoranyveterans’hospitalinthisstate;
» Anypersonresidingonrestricted military reservations inthisstate;
» Anypersonattendingregularlyapost-highschoolinstitutioninthisstateasafull-timestudentfor30daysormoreimmediatelyprecedingtheapplication;
» Anyforeignexchangestudentover16yearsofageattendingapublicorprivatehighschoolwhohasresidedinthestatefor30daysormoreprecedingtheapplication;
» Anyforeignexchangestudentwhoisbetweentheagesof12-16yearswhohascompletedtheGFP’scourseofinstructioninthesafehandlingoffirearmsandhasbeenissuedacertificateofcompetencyuponcompletionofinstructionandwhohasresidedinthestatefor30daysormoreprecedingapplicationforalicense;
» Anypersonwhoisaminordependentofaresidentofthisstate;and
» Forthepurposeofacquiringresident small game and fishinglicenses,anypersonwhodoesnotresideinSouthDakotabutwhoisamemberoftheSouthDakotaNationalGuardorofanyotherunitofareservecomponentofthearmedforcesoftheUnitedStates that is located in South Dakota.
TERMINATION OF RESIDENCY Aperson(otherthanapersonwhofitsintooneoftheaboveEXCEPTIONS)isdeemedtohaveterminated their South Dakota residenthunting,fishing,andtrappingstatusifthepersondoesanyofthefollowing:
» Appliesfor,purchases,oracceptsaresidenthunting,fishing,ortrappinglicenseissued by another state or foreigncountry;
» Registerstovoteinanotherstateorforeigncountry;
» Acceptsadriver’slicenseissued by another state or foreigncountry;or
» Movestoanyotherstateorforeigncountryandmakesittheperson’sdomicileormakesanyclaimofresidencyforanypurposeintheotherstateorforeigncountry.
However,apersonwhohaslawfullyacquiredaresidenthunting,fishing,ortrappinglicenseandwholeavesthestateafteracquiringthelicensetotakeupresidencyelsewheremaycontinuetoexercisealltheprivilegesgrantedbythelicenseuntilthelicenseexpiresiftheperson’srespectiveprivilegesarenotrevokedorsuspended.
MILITARY GENERAL FISHING AND HUNTING LICENSE AnyresidentwhoisonactivedutyinthearmedforcesoftheUnitedStatesandwhoisstationedat a location outside the state mayfishandhuntsmallgamewithoutpaymentofafeeortheapplicablehuntingandfishing
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RESIDENTLICENSING
licenseauthorizingtheactivity.Whileengagedinthepermittedactivity,theresidentshallpossessanddisplayappropriatemilitaryorders indicating the resident is on activedutystationedoutsideofSouth Dakota and a valid military identificationcard.ThissectiondoesnotapplytoanypersonwhoisservingonactivedutyfortrainingasamemberofthearmedforcesreserveorNationalGuard.
PROOF OF RESIDENCY Tobuyalicense,aresidentage16orolderneedsavalidSouthDakotadriver’slicenseorastate-issuedandexpiration-datedSouthDakotaIDcard.Eithercanbeobtainedatastatedriver’slicenseoffice.
DISABILITY LICENSE ThefollowingresidentsmayapplytotheGFPLicenseOfficetoreceivea$10DisabilityCardthatisequivalenttotheFishingLicenseandSmallGameLicenseandisvalidforfouryears:
» Personswhoareparaplegicsorotherwisepermanentlyphysicallyunabletowalk;
» Persons blind or visually impaired;
» Apersonwhohasadevelopmentaldisability(fishingonly),contacttheGFPLicenseOfficeat605.223.7660,orvisitgfp.sd.gov
Residentveteranscanqualifybyoneoffourways:
1.Iftheyreceiveaveteransallotmentforafortypercentormoredisabilitywhichisdeemed
aservice-connectedinjury.2.IftheyhavereceivedtheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs“K”Award.
3.IftheyhaveservedonactivedutyinthearmedforcesoftheUnitedStatesorhaveservedasamemberofthearmedforcesreserve or National Guard, and theresidentisfortypercentormoredisabledforthepurposesofreceivingSocialSecuritybenefits
4.IftheywereaPrisonerofWar. ApersonmustapplyonformsprovidedbyGFP,andprovideproofofSouthDakotaresidencywiththeapplication.Informationandapplicationsareavailablefrom:GFPLicenseOffice;20641SDHwy1806;Ft.PierreSD57532;orcall605.223.7660.
HABITAT STAMP Apersoneighteenyearsofageorolder shall purchase a habitat stampwhen applying for or purchasing ahunting or fishing license. The fee forthe habitat stamp shall be $10 forresidents. A person is not required topurchasemorethanonehabitatstampinalicenseyear.Anypersonrequiredto possess a hunting or fishing licensemaynotfishandhunt,ortrapwithoutpurchasinga habitat stamp. Purchaseof the habitat stamp is not requiredfor the 1-Day Resident Small Gamelicense, the 1-Day Resident FishingLicense, any youth hunting license,any landownerhunting license,oranyreducedfeedisabledlicense.
ANNUAL FISHING LICENSE Allowsresidentsage19-64tofishthroughoutthelicense
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RESIDENTLICENSINGperiod.Residentsage16-18arerequiredtopurchasetheJuniorCombinationLicenseandresidentsage65oroldermustpurchasetheSeniorFishingLicenseorSeniorCombinationLicensetofishthroughoutthelicenseperiod.
COMBINATION LICENSE Residentsage19-64maypurchasethislicensewhichcombinesfishingandsmallgamehuntingprivileges.
JUNIOR COMBINATION Residentsage16-18arerequiredtopurchasetheJuniorCombinationLicense,whichgrantsthesameprivilegesasacombinationoftheAnnualFishingLicenseandSmallGameLicense.TheJuniorCombinationLicenseisvalidthroughtheendofthelicenseperiodevenifthelicenseeturns19.
SENIOR ANNUAL FISHING LICENSE Allowsresidentsage65oroldertofishthroughoutthelicenseperiod.
SENIOR COMBINATION LICENSE Residentsage65oroldermaypurchasethislicensewhichcombinesfishingandsmallgamehuntingprivileges.
YOUTH Residentsunderage16donotneedalicensetofishandcantaketheirownlimits.ForyouthwhopossessaYouthSmallGameLicenseandturn16beforetheendofthelicenseperiod,thislicensewillserveasafishinglicensefortheremainderofthatlicenseperiod.
ONE-DAY FISHING LICENSE Thelicensebeginsat12:01a.m.andexpiresatmidnightforthespecifieddateonthelicense.Licenseholdersareallowedonedailylimitoffish.
LAND OCCUPANTS Landoccupantsandimmediatefamilymembers(spouseandchildren residing at home or children residingonlandownedorleasedbythequalifyinglandoccupant)whoareresidentsofSouthDakotadonotneedafishinglicensetofishinwatersinundatingprivatelandownedorleasedbythequalifyingresident.Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionsoflaw,aresidentisnotinviolationofanyseason,daily,orpossessionlimitestablishedforthespeciesoffishinaman-madewaterbodyonlandownedbytheresidentprovidedtheresidentownsthebedofthewaterbodyinitsentirety,andthefishtakenremainontheresident’sland,unlesssaidbodyofwaterhasbeenstockedormanagedbytheDepartmentofGame,FishandParkswithinthepastfiveyears.
HOOP NET, TRAP AND SETLINE LICENSES OnlySouthDakotaresidentswithavalidfishinglicensemaypurchaseHoopNet($10each),Trap($10each)andSetline($5each)licenses.Applicationsareavailableonlineatgfp.sd.gov.
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NONRESIDENTLICENSING
ANNUAL FISHING LICENSE Allowsanonresidenttofishthroughoutthelicenseperiod.
ANNUAL FAMILY FISHING LICENSE Allowsanonresidentandimmediatefamily(childrenunderage16andspouse)tofishthroughoutthelicenseperiod.Thecombinedharvestofallfamilymemberscoveredbythislicense may not exceed one daily limit andonepossessionlimit.
TEMPORARY FISHING LICENSES The1-DayFishingLicensebeginsat12:01a.m.andendsatmidnightforthedatestatedonthelicense. Thelicenseholderisallowedonedailylimitoffish.The3-DayFishingLicensebeginsat12:01a.m.forthedate stated on the license and ends at midnightonthethirdday.Thelicenseholderisallowedonedailylimitoffishforeachdaythelicenseisvalid,butmaynotexceedthepossessionlimitasdeterminedbyspecies.
HABITAT STAMP Apersoneighteenyearsofageorolder shall purchasea habitat stampwhen applying for or purchasing ahunting or fishing license. The fee for
the habitat stamp shall be $25 fornonresidents.Apersonisnotrequiredto purchase more than one habitatstampwithinalicenseyear.Anypersonrequiredtopossessahuntingorfishinglicensemaynotfishandhunt,or trapwithout a habitat stamp. Purchase ofthe habitat stamp is not required forthe 1-Day Fishing License, any youthlicense,anyprivateshootingpreservelicense,orlandownerhuntinglicense.
NONRESIDENT YOUTH Nonresidentsunderage16donotneedafishinglicenseifoneoftheirparentsoraguardianhasavalidSouthDakotafishinglicense,andtheyouth’sfishareincludedinthedailyandpossessionlimitoftheparentorguardian.Nonresidentyouthunderage16whowishtotaketheirownlimitoffishorarenotwithalicensedparentorguardianmustpurchaseanonresidentyouthlicense.Whenitcomestofishing,thedepartmenttakesthepositionthata“guardian”ofanonresidentyouthundertheageof16isanyperson18yearsofageorolderwhoisintheimmediatephysicalpresenceofandexercisingcontrolofthe nonresident youth at the time andplacewherethefishingactivityis
2021 Nonresident FeesThelicenseperiodisDecember15,2020throughJanuary31,2022
Annual Fishing.............................................................$67 Annual Family Fishing................................................$67 YouthAnnualFishingsee“nonresidentyouth“below.......$25 ThreeDayFishing......................................................$37 One Day Fishing.........................................................$16 HabitatStamp............................................................$25
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NONRESIDENTLICENSING
BORDERWATERS
Exceptions are:Minnesota -AnglerslicensedinSouthDakotaorMinnesotamayfishtheMN/SDborderwaters.ResidentsofstatesotherthanSouthDakotaorMinnesotamayfishtheMN/SDborderwatersifinpossessionofavalidnonresidentfishinglicenseissuedbyeitherstateoriflawfullyauthorizedtofishbyeitherstate.Anglersmustcomplywiththelawsandrulesofthestateinwhichtheyarelicensed.Anglersmaylaunchand/orfishfromeithershoreandmusttransporttheircatchtothestateinwhichtheyarelicensedbythemostdirectroute.South Dakota licensed anglers transportingtheirfishfromtheMinnesotasidemustreturntoSouthDakotabythemostdirectroute.
Nebraska-Anypersonpossessingavalid fishinglicenseorpermitissuedby South Dakota or Nebraska, orwhoislegallyexemptedfromlicenseorpermitrequirements,mayfishfromaboatortheshorewithanylegalmethodintheflowingportionsoftheMissouriRiver,includingbackwaters,sloughs,andchutesthatconnecttotheMissouriRiverproperwithintheboundaryofSouthDakotaadjacenttoNebraska.Theseanglersmayalsofishwithany
legal method in the South Dakota portionofanyoxbowlakethatcontainsacommonboundarywithNebraska.FromGavinsPointDamto0.6milesdownstream,anonresidentNebraskafishingpermitisrequiredforanyonewhoisnotaresidentofNebraskaorSouthDakotawhenfishingfromboatoreitherbank.AnglersfishingintheSouthDakota-Nebraskaborderwatersshallfollowthelawsandregulationsofthestateinwhichtheyarelicensedorthestateinwhichtheyarefishing,whicheveraremorerestrictive.
Iowa -Anylicensedanglermayfishfromboatoreither bank in the SouthDakota-IowaborderwatersoftheBigSiouxRiveriftheanglercomplieswiththelawsofthestateinwhichtheyarelicensedorthestateinwhichtheyarefishing,whicheveraremorerestrictive.
North Dakota-PersonsfishingontheMissouriRiverneartheSouthDakota-NorthDakotaborderlinemustconformtoallthelawsofthestateinwhichtheyarelocatedoractivelyfishing.Possessionofmorethanoneday’slimitonthewaterisprohibitedinbothstates.
IndividualsfishingonwatersthatborderSouthDakotamustenterthewaterandreturntoshorefromthestateinwhichtheyarelicensedandonlyfishinthewatersofthestateinwhichtheyarelicensed.Anglersmaynotexceedthedailyorpossessionlimitsestablishedforborderwaterseveniftheypossesslicensesfrombothadjoiningstates.
takingplace.Theyouthlicenseisvalidthroughtheendofthelicenseperiod,evenifthelicenseeturns16.
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Free fishing weekend!May 21 - 23Kick off the summer with a weekend by the water!
Free fishing and park entrance, May 21-23 2021.
#SDintheField | gfp.sd.gov
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STATEWIDELIMITSDingell - Johnson Funding AllocationStatewide Harvest and Length Limits
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DINGELL-JOHNSONFUNDING ALLOCATION
GeneralFishingAccess(0%)
MotorboatFishingAccess(0%)
SmallDamswithFisheries(2%)
HatcheryOperationsandMaintenance(52%)
FisheriesResearch(20%)
FisheriesSurveys(23%)
AquaticEducation(3%)
TheDingell-JohnsonSportFishRestorationActauthorizestheUnitedStatesSecretaryoftheInteriortocooperatewithstatefishandgamedepartments,onsportfishrestorationprojects.Statesmustmeetfederalstandardsfortheconservationoffishandwildlife,whichprohibitsthediversionoflicensefeespaidbyanglersforanypurposeotherthantheadministrationofthestate’sfishandwildlifedepartment.Fundsarecollectedthroughexcisetaxesonfishingequipment,tackle,electricoutboardboatmotors,sonardevicesandmotorboatandsmallenginefueltaxes.Statesmustprovidea25percentmatchtorequestedfunds.TheDingell-JohnsonfundingallocationtoSouthDakotain2020totaled$4,741,945.Thefollowingchartillustrateshowthosefundswereallocated.
*Due to high water delaying construction of access projects funded with Dingell-Johnson allocations from previous years, no funds were allocated to General Fishing Access or Motor Boat Fishing in 2020.
be a mentorINVITESOMEONENEWFISHING.TAKETHETIMEANDTAKETOTHEFIELD!FORMOREINFORMATION,VISITGFP.SD.GOV/PAGES/ENGAGE-IN-MENTORSHIP
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Walleyeminimumlengthlimitshave been used in South Dakota fisheriesmanagementformorethan25years.Minimumlengthlimitsaredesignedtoprotectsmallfishfromharvestandincreaseaveragefishsize.Inorderforawalleyeminimumlength limit to have the intended resultstheremustbe:fastgrowth(growto15inchesin4yearsorless),highharvest,lownumbersdyingofnaturalcausesannually,poornaturalproductionorstockingsuccess. Growthisakeyfactorinthesuccessofminimumlengthlimits.Walleyegrowthoftenslowsasfoodbecomeslimitedandgenerallyindicatesthatthepredator-preyrelationshipisoutofbalance. It’susuallyeasytorecognizewhenthepredator-preyrelationshipisoutofbalance;walleyestendtobeskinnyandwillingtobite,whichcanlead to high angler catch rates but veryfewharvestablefish.However,it’snotalwaysobvious.Walleyesmay continue to have good body conditioneventhoughtheirgrowthhasslowed.Whengrowthisslow,fewfishwillreachharvestablesizeandaresaidtohave“stockpiled”belowtheminimumlengthlimit. Whenstockpilingoccurs,manypeopledonotrealizethatgrowthhasslowedandbelievetheshortfishwillbelargernextyear.Whenthenextyearcomes,themajorityoffishanglerscatchremainbelowtheminimumlength.Theseslowgrowingfishmaybelosttonaturalorhookingmortalitybeforetheyreachtheminimumlength.Ifthose
fishdosurvivewithoutgrowingpasttheminimumlength,theycouldfurtherdepletethefoodsupplyandpotentiallyimpactfuturewalleyeyearclasses.
FisheriesstaffannuallyevaluatewalleyeminimumlengthlimitsinplaceonSouthDakotalakes.Whenthereisnopositiveimpactonafishpopulationfromaminimumlengthrestriction,GFPstaffwillrecommendremovingtheminimumlengthlimit.Since 2010, GFP has removed walleyeminimumlengthlimitsfrommostSouthDakotalakes.Minimumlengthlimitsforwalleyeremainonlyonwaterswitha2fishdailylimitorthosewithcurrentevaluationsinprogress.
STATEWIDEHARVESTAND LENGTH LIMITS
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FISHERIES AREA EXCEPTIONS: Refertoharvestlimitexceptionsforeachfisheriesareaonthefollowingpagestoseeifthewatersyouarefishingaredifferentfromthesestatewidelimits.SeeborderwatersectionsforMinnesota,IowaandNebraskaforborderwaterlimits.
STATEWIDEHARVESTAND LENGTH LIMITS
FISH MANAGEMENT AREAS
Species DailyLimit PossessionLimit
Walleye(includesWalleye/Sauger/Saugeye) 4(onlyone20”orlonger) 8
Northern Pike 6 12
Muskellunge,TigerMuskie Catchandreleaseonly
Trout,Salmon,Splake(anycombination) 5 10
Largemouth/SmallmouthBass(anycombination) 5 10
YellowPerch 15 30
Crappie 15 30
Sunfish(Bluegill,Green,Pumpkinseed,Redear,Orangespottedinanycombination) 15 30
Catfish(anycombination) 10 (only one Flathead Catfish30”orlonger) 20
Sturgeon SeasonClosed
Paddlefish Availablebyspecialpermitonly
Smelt 5gallons Nopossession
WhiteBass/RockBass No limit
LakeHerring/LakeWhitefish/Bullhead/RoughFish No limit
EASTRIVERREGULATIONS2021 East River Exceptions to Statewide Harvest LimitsEast River Border Waters
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EASTRIVERREGULATIONS
EASTRIVEREXCEPTIONSTOSTATEWIDE HARVEST LIMITS
BIG STONE LAKE, Grant/RobertsCo.-Seeborderwaterssectionforharvestlimits.BOIS DE SIOUX RIVER,RobertsCo.-See borderwaterssectionforharvestlimits.HENDRICKS LAKE,BrookingsCo.-See border waterssectionforharvestlimits.HORSESHOE LAKE,DayCo.-Walleye:Dailylimit1;Minimumlength28”.
LYNN AND MIDDLE LYNN LAKES, DayCo.-Walleye:Dailylimit2;Minimumlength15”.MUD LAKE,RobertsCo.-Seeborderwaterssectionforharvestlimits.OPITZ LAKE,Day/MarshallCo.-Walleye:Dailylimit2;Minimumlength15”.TRAVERSE LAKE, RobertsCo.-Seeborder waterssectionforharvestlimits.
TWIN LAKE,MinnehahaCo.-Walleye:Dailylimit1;Minimumlength28”.YANKTON LAKE,YanktonCo.-Largemouth/SmallmouthBass:Minimumlength15”.REETZ LAKE,DayCo.
REETZLAKE|MAY1-SEPTEMBER30: OPENTOPUBLICACCESS
Species DailyLimit MinimumLength
WalleyeorSauger 1 28"
YellowPerch 1 14"
BlackCrappie 1 15"
Bluegill 1 10"
All other species Statewideregulations
REETZLAKE|OCTOBER1-APRIL30: LANDOWNERPERMISSIONREQUIRED
Species Daily Limit Minimum Length
All species Statewide regulation
Waters not listed as East River exceptions are included in statewide harvest and length limits on page 19.
INDIAN SPRINGS, Clark Co. – Fishing from a boat is prohibited from October 10 to Decem-ber 31 in the area indicated with yellow diagonal lines on the map below.
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EASTRIVERBORDER WATERSMINNESOTA-SOUTH DAKOTA BORDER WATERS
Species DailyLimit PossessionLimit
Walleye(includesWalleye/Sauger/Saugeye) 4(onlyone20”orlonger) 4
Northern Pike 6 6
Largemouth/SmallmouthBass(anycombination) 6 6
YellowPerch 15 30
Crappie 10 10
Sunfish(Bluegill,Green,Pumpkinseed,Redear,Orangespottedinanycombination) 10 10
WhiteBass NoLimit
RockBass 20 20
Bullhead 100 100
Catfish(anycombination) 5(onlyone24”orlonger) 5
Sturgeon/Paddlefish SeasonClosed
RoughFish NoLimit
Species DailyLimit PossessionLimit
Walleye(includesWalleye/Sauger/Saugeye) 4(onlyone20”orlonger) 8
Northern Pike 6 12
Largemouth/SmallmouthBass(anycombination) 5 10
YellowPerch 15 30
Crappie 15 30
Sunfish(Bluegill,Green,Pumpkinseed,Redear,Orangespottedinanycombination) 15 30
WhiteBass/RockBass NoLimit
Roughfish,Bullhead NoLimit
Catfish(anycombination) 15 30
Muskellunge/TigerMuskie Catchandreleaseonly.
Sturgeon SeasonClosed
Paddlefish Availablebyspecialpermitonly.
Trout/Salmon(anycombination) 5 10
IOWA-SOUTH DAKOTA BORDER WATERS
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» not transport fish fillets unless those fillets can be readily counted.
» package frozen fish individually for transportation or when placed in public storage.
» tag and identify any fish placed in public storage.
» remember that individual pieces of fish constitute one fillet; two fillets are the equivalent of one fish.
To legally transport fish you must...
MISSOURIRIVERREGULATIONSMissouri River Exceptions to Statewide Harvest and Length LimitsInland Missouri River Harvest and Length LimitsNebraska - South Dakota Border Waters
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MISSOURIRIVEREXCEPTIONSTOSTATEWIDE HARVEST AND LENGTH LIMITS
uLAKE OAHE -Walleye:Daily limit may include no morethanonefish20”orlongeryear-round.
vLAKE SHARPE -Walleye:Minimum length limit 15”, except during July and August when there is no minimum length restriction. Daily limit may include no more than one fish20”orlongeryear-round.
wLAKE FRANCIS CASE -Walleye:Minimumlengthlimit15”, except during July and August when there is no minimum length restriction. Daily limit may include no more than one fish20”orlongeryear-round.wA - CLOSED AREA -TheclosedareaonLakeFrancisCaseincludesthewatersbetweentherailroadbridgeandI-90bridgecausewayinBruleandLymancounties.WatersareclosedtofishingfromDec.1-April30,exceptthatshorefishingisallowedfromtheBruleCountysideofthisareayear-round.wB - LAKE FRANCIS CASE fromthenorthernGregory-CharlesMixCountylinedownstreamtoFortRandallDam,sizerestrictionsdonotapplywhilefishingthroughtheice.Anglers fishing through the ice are required to keep the first four walleye they catch.
xMISSOURI RIVER FROM FORT RANDALL DAM DOWNSTREAM 5.5 MILES TO THE NEBRASKA BORDERWalleye:Minimumlength15”year-round.Dailylimitmayincludenomorethanonefish20”orlongeryear-round.Catfish:Nodailylimitorpossessionlimit;onlyoneFlatheadCatfish30”orlonger dailyWhiteBass:WhiteBass:Dailylimit15;Possessionlimit30.
MISSOURI RIVER INLAND WATERS
MISSOURIRIVERREGULATIONS
26 | 2021 South Dakota Fishing Handbook
NEBRASKA-SOUTHDAKOTABORDER WATERS
yMissouri River from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the SD-Nebraska border at the point where the river becomes entirely in SD Walleye:Minimumlength15”year-round. zGavins Point Tailwaters downstream to the Missouri River-Big Sioux River confluence (river mile 734). NonresidentanglersfishingfromGavinsPointDamto0.6milesdownstreammusthaveaNebraskanonresidentfishinglicense.SouthDakotaresidentsmayfishwiththeirSouthDakotaresidentlicense.
NEBRASKA-SOUTH DAKOTA BORDER WATERS
Boats launched from any Nebraska boat ramp, including the North Tailrace ramp below Gavins Dam and Lake Yankton, need to have a Nebraska Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) stamp affixed to the starboard (right) rearward side of the boat. Boats launched from South Dakota boat ramps do not need the AIS stamp to access SD/NE border waters. For more information visit: outdoornebraska.gov/aisstamp/
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Species DailyLimit PossessionLimit
Walleye 4(onlyone20”orlonger) 8
Northern Pike 6 12
Largemouth/SmallmouthBass(anycombination) 5 10
YellowPerch 15 30
Crappie(anycombination) 15 30
Sunfish(Bluegill,Green,Pumpkinseed,Redear,Orangespottedinanycombination) 15 30
Trout/Salmon(anycombination) 5 10
Muskellunge/TigerMuskie Catchandreleaseonly.
RainbowSmelt 5gallons No limit
WhiteBass/RockBass No limit
LakeHerring/LakeWhitefish No limit
Bullhead No limit
Catfish(anycombination) Nolimit(onlyoneFlatheadCatfish30”orlongerdaily)
Sturgeon SeasonClosed
Paddlefish Availablebyspecialpermitonly
RoughFish No limit
Species DailyLimit PossessionLimit
Walleye(lengthrestrictionsapplytosomeborderwaters) 4 8
Northern Pike 3 6
Largemouth/SmallmouthBass(anycombination) 5 10
RockBass No limit
WhiteBass 15 30
YellowPerch 15 30
Crappie(anycombination) 15 30
Sunfish(Bluegill,Green,Pumpkinseed,Redear,Orangespottedinanycombination) 15 30
ChannelCatfish 10 20
FlatheadCatfish 5(onlyone30”orlonger) 10
BlueCatfish 1 1
Trout(anycombination) 5 5
Muskellunge/TigerMuskie Catchandreleaseonly.
RainbowSmelt 5gallonsdaily NoLimit
Sturgeon SeasonClosed
Paddlefish Availablebyspecialpermitonly
RoughFish NoLimit
INLANDMISSOURIRIVERHARVEST AND LENGTH LIMITS
NEBRASKA-SOUTHDAKOTABORDER WATERS
WESTRIVERREGULATIONSWest River Exceptions to Statewide Harvest and Length Limits
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WESTRIVERREGULATIONS
WESTRIVEREXCEPTIONSTOSTATEWIDE HARVEST AND LENGTH LIMITS
ANGOSTURA RESERVOIR, Fall River Co.Walleye:Minimumlength15”.
BAD RIVERCatfish:Nolimit.
BELLE FOURCHE RESERVOIR, Orman Dam inButteCountyincludingtheinletcanaluptotheterminaldropstructureabovetheFisherman’sRoadBridge-Walleye:Onlythoselessthan15”or18”andlongermaybetaken;ofthose,nomorethanonemaybe18”orlonger.
BELLE FOURCHE RIVERCatfish:Nolimit.
BURKE LAKE, Gregory Co. Largemouth/SmallmouthBass;Minimumlength15”.
CEDAR CREEK DAM #1 AND #2, Bennett Co. atLacreekNWR-Useandpossessionoflivebaitfishprohibited.
CHEYENNE RIVERCatfish:Nolimit.
CURLEW LAKE, Meade Co. Walleye:Dailylimit2;Minimumlength15”.
GRAND RIVERCatfish:Nolimit.
LITTLE MISSOURI RIVERCatfish:Nolimit.
MOREAU RIVERCatfish:Nolimit.
NEW WALL DAM, Pennington Co. Largemouth/SmallmouthBass:Onlythoselessthan14”or18”andlongermaybetaken;ofthose,nomorethanonemaybe18”orlonger.
NEWELL LAKE, Butte Co.Walleye:Dailylimit2;Minimumlength15”.
ORMAN DAM, Butte Co.SeeBelleFourcheReservoir.
SHADEHILL RESERVOIR, Perkins Co. Walleye:Minimumlength15”.
WHITE RIVERCatfish:Nolimit.
BLACKHILLSREGULATIONSBlack Hills Exceptions to Statewide Harvest and Length Limits
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BLACKHILLSEXCEPTIONSTO STATEWIDE HARVEST AND LENGTH LIMITS
BLACKHILLSREGULATIONS
1 - BLACK HILLS FISH MANAGEMENT AREAThisareaincludesallwatersoftheBlackHillswithinthefollowingboundary:BeginningatthejunctionoftheSD-WYstatelineandtheRedwaterRiver(inclusive)toUS85,thensouthonUS85toI-90,thensoutheastonI-90toUS16T(CampbellSt.)inRapidCity,thensouthonUS16T(CampbellSt.)toSD79,thensouthonSD79toMaverickJunctionnearHotSprings,thenwesterlyonU.S.18toEdgemont,thennorthwestalongtheBurlingtonNorthernRailroadtotheSD-WYstate line, then north along the statelinetotheRedwaterRiver.TROUT: Onlyonetrout14”orlongercaughtfromanyBlackHills stream may be included in thedailylimit.Nohighgradingoftroutispermittedinthemanagementarea.LAKE TROUT/SPLAKE: Daily limit1;Minimumlength24”.
2 - RAPID CREEK - PENNINGTON CO.TheareabelowPactolaDam,including the stilling basin, downstreamtothefootbridgeatPlacervilleCamp(about2.5miles).TROUT:Catchandreleaseonly.BAIT: Artificialluresonly.Useorpossessionoforganicbaitwithin100feetofstreamisprohibited.
Waters not listed as Black Hills exceptions are included in statewide harvest and length limits on page 19.
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BLACKHILLSEXCEPTIONSTOSTATEWIDE HARVEST AND LENGTH LIMITS
3 - RAPID CREEK (PENNINGTON CO.) TheareainRapidCityfromParkDrivedownstreamtoJacksonBoulevard.TROUT:Catchandreleaseonly.BAIT: Artificialluresonly.Useorpossessionoforganicbaitwithin100feetofstreamisprohibited.
4 - SPEARFISH CREEK (LAWRENCE CO.) TheareafromHomestakeHydroPlantNo.2downstreamtothefaceoftheMauriceIntakeDam(aboutonemile).TROUT:Catchandreleaseforrainbowtrout.Standardharvestlimitsareinplaceforothertrout.BAIT: Artificialluresonly.Useorpossessionoforganicbaitwithin100feetofstreamisprohibited.
5 - YATES PONDS CHEYENNE CROSSING (LAWRENCE CO.)TROUT:Catchandreleaseonly.BAIT:Artificialluresonly.Useorpossessionoforganicbaitwithin100feetofpondsisprohibited.
Waters not listed as Black Hills exceptions are included in statewide harvest and length limits on page 19.
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RECREATION AND RESPECT
SHOW YOUR RESPECT TO...WILDLIFE|LAND|WATER|LANDOWNERS
GENERALDEFINITIONSGeneral DefinitonsNon-Commercial Bait RegulationsBoating RegulationsPersonal Flotation Devices (PFDs)Areas Closed to FishingFelt Sole Waders ProhibitedFish ImportationFish MeasurementFishing Tournaments/Special EventsGeneral RestrictionsHoop Nets, Traps and SetlinesHigh GradingHook and Line RestrictionsIce HousesPublic Land RestrictionsPaddlefishSalmon SnaggingSpearing and ArcheryTurtles, Smelt and Bullfrog RegulationsTransportation, Storage and GiftingFish Consumption Advisories
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GENERALDEFINITIONS
GENERALDEFINITIONS
ACCESS Whenaccessedbylegalmeans,meanderedwatersareopentofishing.Nonmeanderedwatersarealsoopentofishingunlessmarked“Closed”indicatedbythesignand/orbuoyshownbelow.Areasmarked“Closed”onnonmeanderedwatersareopentorecreationalusewithpermissionfromtheownerofthepropertyunderlyingthewater.
Please visit gfp.sd.govformoreinformationregardingmeanderedandnonmeanderedwaters,includinganinteractivemapillustratingcurrentclosures to date or contact the nearest GFPofficewithfurtherquestions. MostwatersintheBlackHillsarewithinboundariesoftheBlackHillsNationalForestandaccessiblefromadjacentpubliclands.Privatelandinthe Black Hills Fire Protection District canbecrossedtoaccesswatersforfishingunlesspostedas“notrespassing.” Publicaccesstowatersonprivatepropertyismadepossiblethroughleases.LeaseworkissupportedbytheVoluntaryPublicAccessandHabitatIncentiveProgramatUSDA’sNaturalResourcesConservationService.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS Bothsubmersibleandnon-submersibleartificiallightsmaybeusedwhilefishingwithlegalmethods.
ARTIFICIAL LURES Artificialluresincludeflies,jigs,spoons,spinnersandplugsmadeofmetal,plastic,wood,hair,feathers,andotherinediblematerials.Artificialluresdonotincludefisheggs,moldable scented baits, naturally occurringfoodsorman-madefood.
CIVIL DAMAGE LIABILITY Besidescriminalpenalties,peopleillegallytaking,killingorpossessinggamefishmaybecivillyliabletothestatefordamagesof$50foreachfishwithanestablisheddailylimitoflessthan25,and$200foreachpaddlefish.Undercertainsituations,theamountmaydouble.Anypersonwhohasajudgmentissuedfornotpayingcivildamageswilllosetheirfishing,huntingandtrappingprivilegesuntilthejudgmentispaidinfull.
GAME FISH Includesallspeciesbelongingtothepaddlefish,salmon/trout(includingsplake,laketrout,lakeherringandwhitefish),sturgeon,pike,catfish(includingbullheads),sunfish(includinglargemouth bass, smallmouth bass andcrappies),perch(includingwalleyeandsauger)andbassfamilies(includingwhitebass).Seasondates,limits and restrictions are established forallgamefish.TheseasonisclosedforallsturgeonspeciesinSDinlandandborderwaters.
ROUGH FISH Allfishspeciesnotgamefishorbaitfishnorotherwiseprotectedareroughfish.Smeltarearoughfish,butadailylimitexists.Forthepurposesof
36 | 2021 South Dakota Fishing Handbook
GENERALDEFINITIONSmanagement,catfishareconsideredroughfishoninlandwatersoftheMissouriRiver.
FISHING Includesthetaking,capturing,killingorfishingforfishofanyvarietyinanymanner.
FOUL-HOOKED FISH Foul-hookedfisharethoseinadvertently snagged in body areas otherthanthemouthwithconventionalluresbyanglersusingnormalfishingmethods.Intentionalsnaggingoffishisprohibited,exceptforpaddlefishand salmon during established seasons.Foul-hookedfishmaybekeptaspartofthelegallimit.Foul-hookedpaddlefishmayonlybekeptbyanglerswithpaddlefishpermitsduringtheestablishedpaddlefishseasons.
HARASSMENT Noonemayintentionallyinterferewithotherpeoplelawfullyfishing,orengageinanactivityspecificallyintendedtoharassorpreventlawfulfishing.
LANDING AIDS Landingnets,gaffs,andsimilardevicesmaybeusedtolandfish,whichareintheprocessofbeingcaughtbylegalmethods.Gaffsandotherpenetratingdevicescannotbeusedtolandsnaggedpaddlefish.
FISH CLEANING RESTRICTIONS Whereandwhenwater-specificsizelimitsapplyforaspeciesofgamefish,anypersoninpossessionofthatspecieswhilethepersonisonthewater,iceorfishingshallkeep
thefishwholewiththehead,skin,andfinsattached.Onlygills,entrails,scales,andeyesmayberemoved.Theseprovisionsdonotapplytothestatewidedailylimitofonewalleyeover20inches. Nopersonmayplacefishorfishcleaningsonshorelinesorinpublicwaters.
DAILY LIMITS Thenumberoffishthatmaybetakenfrom12:01a.m.tomidnight.Whenfishingmultiplewatersinaday,cumulativeharvestofaspeciesmaynotexceedthestandardstatewidedailylimit.Apersonmaypossessnomorethanoneday’slimitoffishwhileonthewateroractivelyengagedinfishing.However,personsontheiceareallowedtokeepapossessionlimitoffishtakeninaccordancewiththedailylimitandtransportationregulations.
LENGTH LIMITS Water-specificrestrictionsonlengthsoffishthatanglersareallowedtoharvest.Allfishinpossessionwhileonthewateroriceoractivelyengagedinfishingmustcomplywithalllawsandregulationsineffectforthatparticularbodyofwater.
POSSESSION LIMITS Thepossessionlimitisthemaximumnumberoflegallyharvestedfishthatapersonmaypossessorcontrol.Thefishpossessionlimitisunlimitedataperson’sdomicile.Adomicileisaperson’sestablished,fixed,andpermanenthometowhichtheperson,wheneverabsent,hasthepresentintentionofreturning.PlacesthatareNOTdomicilesincludehotels,motels,
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GENERALDEFINITIONSsummercabins,campers,sleepericeshacks,traveltrailers,etc. Nonresidents may not exceed the establishedpossessionlimitforeachspeciesoffishbecausetheydonothaveadomicileinSouthDakota.Fishtakenunderanotherstate’svalidlicensedonotapplytoSouthDakota’spossessionlimits,unlesstakenonaSouthDakotaborderwater.
ORGANIC BAIT Insomewatersitisillegaltouse“organicbait.”Organicbaitincludesworms,baitfish,fisheggs,corn,marshmallows,insects,moldablescented bait or naturally occurring or manmadefoodintendedtobeusedasbait.
PARTY FISHING Twoormorepeoplewhomutuallyagreetofishtogetherasapartyfromasinglewatercraftorfromshoreoronicewhileinunaidedvisualandvocal contact may take a combined dailylimitoffishequaltothesumofalllicensedpartymembers’individualdailylimits.Partyfishingprovisionsdonotapplytoapersonfishinginmorethanonepartyperdayortoanglersusingspearing/archeryequipment.
Nopersonmaylendhisorherlicensetoanotherpersonoraidsomeone in securing a license fraudulently.
PROTECTED SPECIES Stateandfederallylistedthreatenedandendangeredspeciescannotbetakenorpossessed.Speciesyoucouldencounterwhenfishingorboatingincludepallidsturgeonandshovelnosesturgeon.Allwatersofthestate,includingwatersborderingwithotherstates,areclosedtotheharvestoffreshwatermussels.Exceptforthreatenedorendangeredspecies,shellsfrommusselsfounddeadmaybepossessed.Foracomprehensivelistofthreatenedandendangeredspeciesvisit:gfp.sd.gov/threatened-endangered.
SNAGGING Snagging is a method used by fishermentointentionallyhookfishin body areas other than the mouth byrapid,intermittentjerkingofahookorlurethroughthewater.Snaggingisillegalexceptforpermittedpaddlefishanglersduringthe established season or during the established salmon snagging season onLakeOahe.
PROHIBITED BAIT *EXCEPTIONS TO GAMEFISH PROHIBITION
Carp
Goldfish
Gamefish*
AquaticInvasiveFish
» bullheads,lakeherring,greensunfish,pumpkinseed,orangespottedsunfish,bluegill,redearsunfish,Lepomissunfishhybrids
» Eyes,gills,entrailsorscalesofgamefish
PROHIBITED BAIT
Thefollowingfishspeciesandtheircleaningsmaynotbeusedasbaitinhookandlinefishing:
38 | 2021 South Dakota Fishing Handbook
GENERALDEFINITIONS
NON-COMMERCIALBAIT REGULATIONS
STATE RECORD FISH Anglerswhocatchafishthattheyfeelmayqualifyasastaterecordareencouraged to visit gfp.sd.govtoviewtheguidelinesalongwiththestaterecordfishapplication.
UNATTENDED LINES Eachlineusedmustbeunderthedirectsupervisionandwithintheunaidedobservationofthelegaluseratalltimes.
IMPORTATION OF BAITFISH PROHIBITED AnglersmaynotimportlivebaitfishintoSouthDakota.
RELEASE OF BAITFISH PROHIBITED Itisillegaltoemptyreceptaclescontainingbaitintopublicwaters.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Residentsage16andoverandallnonresidentsneedafishinglicensetotake,possessortransportbait.
TRANSPORTATION OF BAIT Baitmaynotbetransportedinwatertakenfromalake,pond,streamorriver.
LEGAL BAIT SPECIES Speciesthatmaybeusedasbaitbylawfulanglersare:bullhead,lakeherring,fatheadminnow,whitesucker,creekchub,flatheadchub,Westernsilveryminnow,plainsminnow,goldenshiner,emeraldshiner,spottailshiner,gizzardshad,sunfishofthegenusLepomis(greensunfish,pumpkinseed,orangespottedsunfish,bluegill,redearsunfish,Lepomissunfishhybrids),tigersalamander(allsubspecies),leopardfrog(allsubspecies),crayfish(allnativespecies),freshwatershrimpandleeches.Livegizzardshadmaynotbetransportedawayfromthe
waterinwhichtheyweretaken.BullheadandsunfishofthegenusLepomis(greensunfish,pumpkinseed,orangespottedsunfish,bluegill,redearsunfish,Lepomissunfishhybrids)maybeusedasbaitbylicensedanglerswhentakenbylegalhookandline.Lakeherringmaybeusedasbaitbylicensedanglerswhentakenbyhookandline,seines,liftnets,castnets,anddipnets.
LIMITS Thelimitsforbaitfish(allspeciescombined),crayfish(allspeciescombined),freshwatershrimpandleechesare144dailyandpossessioneach.Thelimitsfortigersalamander(allsubspeciescombined)andleopardfrog(allsubspeciescombined)are24dailyandpossessioneach.Baitlimitsonlyapplytobaitlegallytakenfromwatersofthestate.Limitsdonotapplytobaitpurchasedfrombaitdealers. Establisheddailyandpossessionlimitsapplywhenharvestinggamefishallowedtobeusedasbait
WATERS CLOSED TO TAKING OF BAIT USING SEINES, NETS AND TRAPS All creeks, streams or rivers, permanentortemporaryinAurora,Beadle,BonHomme,Brown,Clay,Davison,Edmunds,Faulk,Hand,
These rules pertain to the taking of bait by licensed anglers for personal use.
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NON-COMMERCIALBAIT REGULATIONSHanson,Hutchinson,Jerauld,Lincoln,McCook,McPherson,Miner,Minnehaha,Moody,Sanborn,Spink,Turner,Union,Yanktoncounties(exceptthatportionofLakeLewisandClarkandtheMissouriRiveraboveGavinsPointDaminYanktonandBonHommecounties)andtheseindividualwaters:Brookings County–InterstateBeadle County–ByronandMudButte County–NewellDeuel County–AliceEdmunds County–MinaPennington County–Deerfield,Pactola and SheridanYankton County–YanktonLake
Allotherpublicwaters,exceptthosewherebaitfishuseisrestrictedandthosepostedasgamefishrearingpondsorspecialwaterfowlmanagementareas,areopentothetakingofbaitbylawfulanglers.
LEGAL SEINES, NETS AND TRAPS Legalequipmentforthenon-commercialtakingofbaitincludes:
» seinesupto30’longand6’deep
» dipnetsupto30”indiameter » liftnetsupto4’square » castnetsupto24’indiameter » trapsnolargerthan12”indiameter,36”longandwithrigidentrancesnowiderthanone inch
Noequipmentfortakingbaitshallcontainmeshlargerthan3/8”square.
TRAP MARKING Baittrapsmustbeclearlymarkedonthetopofthetrapwiththeuser’snameandaddress.
LOST TRAPS LostorstolenbaittrapsmustbereportedtoaGFPConservationOfficerwithinfivedaysofdiscoveringtheloss.
TRAP SETTING Baittrapsmaynotbesettoblockmorethanone-halfthewidthofastream.Anytrapthroatsexposedabovethesurfaceofthewatermust be blocked by a solid shield or meshtopreventtheentrapmentofwaterfowl.
TRAP CHECKING Topreventunnecessaryfishloss,trapsmustbecheckedandemptiedatleastonceevery48hoursMay15-Sept.14andatleastonceevery96hoursSept.15-May14.
PROTECTED SPECIES Anygamefishorthreatenedandendangeredspeciestakeninbaittraps,netsorseinesshallbeimmediatelyreturnedtothewatersfromwhichtaken.
- All creeks, streams or rivers, permanent or temporary in the shaded areas are closed to the taking of bait by
the use of seines, nets and traps.
40 | 2021 South Dakota Fishing Handbook
NON-COMMERCIALBAIT REGULATIONS
BOATINGREGULATIONS
ROUGH FISH Roughfishtakeninbaittrapsmaybedestroyedprovidedtheyareburiedordisposedofinamannerconformingtopublichealth,pollutionandrefuselaws.
FRESHWATER MUSSELS AND CLAMS Allwatersofthestate,includingwatersborderingwithother
states, are closed to the harvest offreshwatermusselsandclams.Exceptforthreatenedorendangeredspecies,deadmusselshellsmaybepossessed.Apersonmaynotbuy,sell,barter,ortradeanyspeciesoffreshwatermusselsortheirshells.
BOATS Noonemayoperateorgivepermissiontooperateanonmotorizedboatover12feetinlengthoramotorboatofanylengthonSouthDakotawatersunlessavalidregistrationdecalisdisplayedoneachsideofthebowoftheboat.Theregistrationmustbeavailableatalltimeswhenevertheboatisinoperation. Exceptions:
» Nonmotorizedboats12feetorlessinlength.
» Boats that are covered by a validregistrationfromanotherstate that have not been in SouthDakotaformorethan60consecutivedaysduringanycalendaryear.However,boatssubjecttoacontractforaberthforaperiodof60ormore consecutive days during any calendar year in marina facilitieslocatedwithinSouthDakota must be registered by theStateofSouthDakota.
» Boats that are documented by theUnitedStatesCoastGuard(USCG)andusedonSouth
Dakotawatersforlessthan60consecutive days during any calendaryear.
However,USCGdocumentedboatssubjecttoacontractforaberthforaperiodof60ormore consecutive days during any calendaryearinmarinafacilitieslocatedwithinSouthDakotamustberegisteredbytheStateofSouthDakota.
BOAT NUMBERING Noonemayoperateorgivepermissiontooperateanonmotorizedboatover18feetinlengthoramotorboatofanylengthonSouthDakotawatersunlesstheboat is numbered in accordance withstateandfederallawandtheidentifyingnumbersetforthinthecertificateofnumberisdisplayedoneachsideofthebowoftheboat:
» Theassignednumbercomprisestheletters“SD”followedbyagroupofthree(orfour)numbersfollowedbytwo(orthree)letters.
The South Dakota Boating Handbook is available from GFP offices and from County Treasurer offices or at gfp.sd.gov
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BOATINGREGULATIONS » Theownermustpermanentlyandsecurelydisplaythenumbersoneachsideoftheforwardpartoftheboatsothat the numbers are clearly visible and readable at a distanceof100feetonacleardaywithouttheaidofamagnifyingdevicewhentheboatisonthewater.
» Thenumberdisplayedmustbeaplainblockdesign–scriptorcursivedesignisprohibited.
» Thenumbermustbeacolorthatcontrastswiththecolorofthevesselandbeplacedto
readfromlefttoright. » Aspaceequaltooneletterornumbermustbeleftbetweentheletters“SD”andthegroupofthree(orfour)numbersthatfollows.Anotherspaceequalto one letter or number must beleftbetweenthegroupofthree(orfour)numbersandthefinalgroupoftwo(orthree)letters.
» No numbers or letters other than those assigned may appearontheforwardpartoftheboat.
ACCIDENT REPORTING Theoperatorofaboatinvolvedin an accident resulting in damage toaboatorotherpropertytoanapparentextentof$1,000ormoretoanyoneperson’spropertyor $2,000 or more total damage in any one accident, or resulting in deathorinjurytoaperson,mustimmediatelybythequickestmeansofcommunicationnotifythenearestlawenforcementofficeroftheaccident.Noticeisnotrequiredofanypersonwhoisphysicallyincapableofgivingimmediatenotice.Ifthereisanotheroccupantintheboatatthetimeoftheaccident,thatoccupantshallmakethenoticeifcapableofdoingso.
BOATING RESTRICTIONS MostSouthDakotawatersthathavenowakezonesareposted. ThefollowingSouthDakotawatershaveboatingorboatmotorrestrictions.Thislistisnotallinclusiveofboatingrestrictionswithinthestate.AcompletelistingofpublicwatersafetyzonesbycountymaybefoundwithintheSouthDakota Boating Handbook or online at:legis.sd.gov/Rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=41:04:02 AURORA COUNTY: WilmarthLake,nowakezone.
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BOATINGREGULATIONSBEADLE COUNTY: Staum Dam, no wakezone. BON HOMME COUNTY:LakeHenry,nowakezone.
BROWN COUNTY: WillowDamWildlifeManagementArea,nomotorboatsormotorvehicles;Putney Slough Game Production Area,noboatingOct.20-Dec.31inSecs.7,8,17and18inT124N,R61W;RichmondLake,nowakezoneduringanytimeatwhichthewaterlevelreachestheheightofeighteen inches or more over the levelofthetopofthespillway.
CLARK COUNTY:ReidLake,noboatingOct.20-Dec.31. CODINGTON COUNTY: McKilliganLake,noboatingduringwaterfowlseasons;HorseshoeLake,nomotorsduringwaterfowlseasons;BlytheSloughinportionsofSecs.27and28ofT117N,R55W,noboatingfromMarch1-Aug.31. CUSTER COUNTY:Sylvan,Legionand Bismarck lakes electric motors only;CenterLake,nowakezone. DAVISON COUNTY:LakeMitchell,nowakezoneduringanytimeatwhichthewaterlevelreachestheheightof12”ormoreoverthelevelofthetopofthespillway.Onceineffect,nowakezoneshallremainineffectuntilsuchtimeasthewaterlevelofthelakedropstothelevelof6”overthelevelofthetopofthespillway.
DAY COUNTY: Hillebrand’sandSpringlakesandSwanPond,noboating.
DEUEL COUNTY:LakeOliver,nowakezone. EDMUNDS COUNTY:MinaLake,nowakezoneduringanytimeatwhichthewaterlevelreachestheheightof18”ormoreoverthelevelofthetopofthespillway. FALL RIVER COUNTY:ColdBrookandCottonwoodreservoirs,electricmotorsonly. HAND COUNTY: WallLake,nomotorsduringwaterfowlseasons. HANSON COUNTY:HansonLake,nowakezonewhenlakeelevationis12”orgreateroverthespillwayelevation. HUGHES COUNTY: HippleLakewestofthebuoy,electricmotorsonly. HUTCHINSON COUNTY: Silver Lake,noboatingduringaConservationOrderandduringanyopenseasonformigratorywaterfowl,inclusive;Dimock,TrippandMennolakes,nowakezone.
LAKE COUNTY: LongLake,nowakezone(exceptthemonthsofJulyandAugust). LINCOLN COUNTY:LakeAlvinandLakeLakota,nowakezone;RollingsGame Production Area, electric motorsonly.
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BOATINGREGULATIONSMcCOOK COUNTY:ThewatersofLehrmanGameProductionAreainsection32,T103N,R56Warea“noboatingzone”duringaConservationOrderandduringanyopenseasonformigratorywaterfowl,inclusive.
MEADE COUNTY:BearButteLake,nowakezone. MINNEHAHA COUNTY:ClearLake,noboatingOct.20-Dec.31;LossLake,nowakezone;ThewaterswithinthemanmadeandnaturalconnectionbetweenthenorthandsouthbasinsofTwinLakesinSection17,Range52W,Township103Nareanowakezone. MOODY COUNTY: LakeCampbell,nowakezonesouthof220thSt.(MoodyCountyRoad1);BattleCreek,nowakezonefromLakeCampbellsouthtothesteelbridgeonemilesouthof221stSt.(MoodyCountyRoad2). PENNINGTON COUNTY: DeerfieldReservoirandCanyonLake,nowakezone;CanyonLake,electricmotorsonly.
ROBERTS COUNTY: Secs.20,28,29,32and33ofT128N,R49WofCottonwoodLakeWaterfowlRefuge,noboatingzoneduringwaterfowlseasons;andSecs.11,12and14ofT127N,R48WofMudLake,onlyboatsusingelectricmotorsduringwaterfowlseasons. STANLEY COUNTY: No boating zoneonLakeSharpesouthoftheLakeOahePowerhousefromthe“T-Dike”southtoasignedpoint2,100’downstreaminsidethebuoys;thewatersinsideOaheMarinaareanowakezone;thewatersfromthemouthoftheBadRiverupstreamtothepedestrianfootbridgeareanowakezone. TURNER COUNTY: SwanLake,nomotorsonwaterssouthandwestofChristianCamp. YANKTON COUNTY: MarindahlLake,nowakezone;LakeYankton,electricmotorsonly.
For additional boating rules and guidelines on Black Hills lakes, contact the Black Hills National Forestofficeat605.255.4515.
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PERSONALFLOTATIONDEVICES(PFDs)
AREASCLOSEDTO FISHING
All vessels (including canoes, kayaks,paddleboardsandinflatablerafts)beingoperatedonpublicwatersofthisstatemusthaveatleastonewearableUSCG–approvedPFDforeachpersononboardorbeingtowed.InflatablePFDsarenotapprovedforpersonsbeingtowed. Allvessels16’orlonger,exceptcanoes and kayaks, must also carry onboardoneUSCGapprovedthrowabledevice. AllchildrenundersevenyearsofagemustwearaPFDonanyvesseloperatingatgreaterthan“slow,nowakespeed”unlesstheyarebelowdeckorinanenclosedcabin.InflatablePFDsarenotapprovedforchildrenunder16yearsofage. ApersonalwatercraftmaynotbeoperatedunlesseachpersononboardiswearingaUSCG–approvedPFD.InflatablePFDsarenotapprovedforuseonpersonalwatercraft.
ATypeVhybridPFDisacceptableonlyifitiswornatalltimesexceptwhenthepersonisbelowdeckorinanenclosedcabin. BesidesbeingUSCG–approved,allPFDsmustbe:
» Ingoodandserviceablecondition.
» Readilyaccessible,whichmeansyouareabletoputthePFDonquicklyinanemergency.
» Ofthepropersizefortheintendedwearer.SizingforPFDsisbasedonbodyweightandchestsize.
ForotherspecificregulationsseethepublicationSouthDakotaBoating Handbook available at regionalofficesoronlineatgfp.sd.gov.
Designated No Fishing Zones: » BlueDogLakeStateFish
Hatchery Ponds » CleghornSpringsStateFish
Hatchery Ponds » McNennyStateFishHatchery
Ponds » D.C.BoothFishHatcheryPonds » Gavins Point National Fish
Hatchery Ponds
No Fishing Zones when posted: » WhitlockBayFishSpawning
Station » BigStoneRearingPonds » OthernaturalrearingpondspostedbyGFP
» GFPOutdoorCampusPonds-fishingonlyallowedduringGFP-organizedevents
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FELTSOLEWADERSPROHBITED
FISHIMPORTATION
FISHMEASUREMENT
ExternalfeltsolefootwearincludingbootsandwadersmaynotbeusedinthewatersoftheState.Thistypeofwaders/bootscanbeapathwayfortransmissionofaquaticinvasivespeciesastheabsorbentfeltmaterialcantrapsedimentandorganicmaterialwhichmayincludedidymo(rocksnot)cells,diseasesporesorinvertebratelarvae.
ApersonmaynotimportlivefishoranyfishreproductiveproductintoSouthDakotawithoutavalidimportationpermitissuedbyGFPunlesstheyarefishingonanyborderwatersortheyareimportingfishdesignatedforaquariause.ImportationpermitswillnotbeissuedtoanglerswishingtoimportbaitfishforfishinginSouthDakotainlandwaters.
Whereandwhenwater-specificsizelimitsapplyforaspeciesofgamefish,anypersoninpossessionofthatspecieswhilethepersonisonthewater,iceorfishingshallkeepthefishwholewiththehead,skin,andfinsattached.Onlygills,entrails,scales,andeyesmayberemoved.Theseprovisionsdonotapplytothestatewidedailylimitofonewalleyeover20inches.
Laythefishonitsside,withthemouthclosedandthetaillobespressedtogether.Measurethelengthfromthetipofthesnouttotheendofthetail.
How to Measure a Fish
LENGTH means the total length of a fish in inches, as measured in a straight line along a flat surface, from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail, except when measuring paddlefish.
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FISHINGTOURNAMENTS/SPECIAL EVENTS
GENERALRESTRICTIONS
HOOPNETS,TRAPSANDSETLINES
Afishingtournamentisanyorganizedcompetitiveanglingevent:
» involving 20 or more boats » 50ormorepeopleinanon-
boating situation » conductedonpublicwatersforthepurposeofawardingprizesorforpersonalgainorpromotionalconsideration
» requiresaFishingTournamentPermit.
ApprovalwillnotbegiventoholdacatchandreleasetournamentforsalmonoratournamentforwalleyewherefisharetakenintopossessionandlaterreleasedfromJune1-Sept.15.
Juniorfishingclinicsforyouthunderage17arenotconsideredtobefishingtournamentsbutaFishingTournamentPermitisrequiredifanadmissionfeeorregistrationfeeischargedoriftherearemorethan50participants. SponsorsororganizersmustapplyfortheFishingTournamentPermit.Applicationsforalltournamentsmustbesubmittedatleast30daysbeforetheevent. Applicationsareavailableonlineatgfp.sd.gov,atGFPofficesorbywritingGame,FishandParks,523E.Capitol,Pierre,SD57501,forapplicationandfishingtournamentrules.
Refuse » Nopersonmaydepositrefuseinpublicwaters.
» Nopersonmayleaverefuseontheice.
Stockings » Nopersonmayreleasefishorfisheggsintopublicwaters,unlesstheyweretakenfromthesamewaters,withoutwrittenauthorizationfromGFP.
» Nopersonmaystockbaitfishoremptybaitcontainersintopublicwaters.
» Nopersonmayreleasefish,reptiles,amphibians,mollusksorcrustaceans not native to South Dakotaintopublicwaterswithout
writtenauthorizationfromGFP.Sell, Buy or Bartering
» Nopersonmaysell,buyorbartergamefish,exceptthosetakenbyhoopnet,setlineortrapwhenallowed.
» Lawfullytakenfishthathavebeenmountedmaybesold.
Illegal Means » Nopersonmaypossess,useor
maintain trammel nets, gill nets, orseines(exceptlegalminnowseines).
» Nopersonmyuseexplosives,electricaldevices,poisonousorstupefyingdrugstotakefish.
» Nopersonmyuseafirearmtoshootfish,frogsorturtles.
SouthDakotaresidentswithavalidfishinglicensemaypurchaselicensestousehoopnets,trapsandsetlinesontheentireMissouriRiverandsetlinesonwesterntributariesoftheMissouriRiverandAngostura,BelleFourcheandShadehillReservoirs.
LicensesareonlyavailablethroughtheGFPLicensingOffice,20641SDHwy1806,Ft.Pierre,SD57532.Acompletesetofrulesaccompanythelicenseandcanalsobeviewedatgfp.sd.gov.
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HIGHGRADING
HOOKANDLINERESTRICTIONS
ICEHOUSES
PUBLICLANDRESTRICTIONS
Highgrading(culling)causesfishmortalityduetoextrahandlingandthepresenceofwarmsurfacewaterinlivewellsandotherfishholdingdevices.Regulationsrestrictinghighgradingdonotpreventcatchandreleaseorselectiveharvest,butprohibitexchangingafishheldinalivewell,onastringer,orwithotherfishholdingdevices,witharecently-caughtfish.Anglerscanhelpreduceunnecessaryfishmortalitybynothighgrading.Highgradingisrestrictedforcertainspeciesandincertainlocations.WALLEYE -Highgradingisprohibitedstatewide,includingborderwaters.TROUT -HighgradingofalltroutspeciesisprohibitedintheBlackHillsFishManagementArea.
» Alineisdefinedasalengthofstringorcordtowhichahookorartificiallureisattachedforthepurposeofcatchingfish.
» Twolinesmaybeusedforopen-waterfishingwhereasfourlinesmaybeusedforfishingthroughtheice.
» OnlytwolinesmaybeusedintheSouthDakota-MinnesotaBorderWatersyear-round.
» Alinemayhavethreehooksperlineyear-round,includingtheSouthDakota-MinnesotaBorderWaters.
» Onlyoneendofeachlinemaybeequippedwithhooks.Anartificiallureconstitutesonehook,regardlessofthenumberofganghooksattached.
» Alegalbowandarrow,legalcrossbow,legalspear,orlegalspeargunistobecountedasonelinewhenanglersareusingmultiplelines.
Eachfishhouse,shantyorothershelterutilizedontheiceforthepurposeoficefishingorspearingmustdisplaythenameandaddressoftheownerinlettersatleasttwoinchestallontheoutsideoftheshelter.Portablesheltersremovedfromtheicedailyareexemptfromthemarkingrequirements.Shelterdoorsmustpermitentryatalltimes,exceptwhenunoccupiedandlockedfromtheoutside.SheltersmustberemovedfromtheicebymidnightonthelastdayofFebruary,statewide.Sheltersmaybeusedaftertheremovaldateifremovedfromtheicedaily.
Walk-InAreasareclosedtofishingexceptwithlandownerpermission. Noonemayenter,useoroccupylandsowned,leased,managed,orcontrolledbyGFPforanypurposewhichinterfereswiththemanagementofthearea,ortheauthorizeduseoftheareabyothers. Onlypeopleusingastatepark,staterecreationarea,statenatureareaorstatelakesideuseareaforlawfulfishing,hunting,trapping,snowmobiling,boatingorcampingmayenteranyoftheaboveareasfrom11p.m.-6a.m.
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PUBLICLANDRESTRICTIONS
PADDLEFISH Anglersinterestedinpursuingpaddlefishhavethreeoptions:aspringsnaggingandarcheryseasononLakeFrancisCase,asummerarcheryseasonorafallsnaggingseasonintheMissouriRiverbelowGavinsPointDam,nearYankton,SD.ThefisherybelowGavinsPointDamismanagedjointlywiththestateofNebraska.Anglerswishingtoparticipateintheseseasonsmustapplyforapermitissuedbylotterydrawing.TheapplicationdeadlineforpermitsissuedfortheLakeFrancisCaseseasonisinFebruary.TheapplicationdeadlineforpermitsissuedforseasonsbelowGavinsPointDamisinAprilforthearcheryseasonandMayforthesnaggingseason.
LAKE FRANCIS CASE SNAGGING/ARCHERY
Open Area:LakeFrancisCasefromFortRandallDamupstreamtoBigBendDamandintheWhiteRiverfromthemouthupstreamtoHWY47bridge.Season:May1-31.Method:Snaggingorhand-drawnbowandarrow.Landing Aids: Landingnetsandsimilardevices.Nogaffsallowed.Season Limit:Onepervalidpermitandtag.Size Restrictions:None.Daily Paddlefish Snagging/Archery Hours:6a.m.-9p.m.Permit Fee: $25residents(350issued),nonresidentpermitswillnotbeissuedforthisseason.
GAVINS POINT DAM ARCHERY
Open Area:MissouriRiverfromGavinsPointDamdownstreamtothemouthoftheBigSiouxRiver(rivermile734).Season: June1-30.Method:Hand-drawnbowandarrow.Landing Aids:Landingnets,gaffsandsimilardevices.Season Limit: Onepervalidpermit.Size Restrictions: None.DailyPaddlefishArcheryHours:Sunrise to sunsetPermit Fee: $25residents(255issued),$25nonresidents(20issued).
Onlypersonsengagedinlawfulfishing,boating,huntingortrappingmayenteranyofthefollowingareasfrom11p.m.-6a.m.year-round:PublicShootingAreas,GameProductionAreas,WildlifeRefuges,LakeandFishingAccessAreas,andPublicWaterAccessAreas. Nopersonmayuseamotorvehicleforthepurposesoffishing,huntingortrappingonanylandunderthecontroloftheSouthDakotaCommissionerofSchoolandPublicLands,exceptforroads,trailsorparkingareasdesignatedandsignedbyGFP. Campingisonlypermittedinestablishedcampgrounds. Commercialactivities(includingguiding)arenotallowedonlandsownedbytheUSFish&WildlifeService,unlessauthorizedbyaspecialusepermit.AnglersshouldcontacttheappropriateadministrativeagencywithotherquestionsregardinglanduseofpubliclandsnotcontrolledbyGFP.
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Thespearingandarcheryseasonsallowlicensedanglerstotakefishwithalegalspear,legalspeargun,legalcrossboworbowandarrow,withsomerestrictionsforspecificseasonsanddatesforgamefishandroughfish.
PADDLEFISH
SPEARINGANDARCHERY
SALMONSNAGGING
GAVINS POINT DAM SNAGGING
Open Area:MissouriRiverfromGavinsPointDamdownstreamtothemouthoftheBigSiouxRiver(rivermile734)andontheBigSiouxRiverfromthemouthupstreamtotheI-29bridge.Season:Oct.1-31.Method:Snagging. Landing Aids:Landingnetsandsimilardevices.Nogaffsallowed.Season Limit: Onepervalidpermit.
Size Restrictions: Anypaddlefishtakenmeasuringbetween35”-45”inclusive,fromfrontoftheeyetothenaturalforkofthetail,mustbeimmediatelyreleasedtothewaterwhereitiscaught.Daily Paddlefish Snagging Hours: 7a.m.-7p.m.Permit Fee:$25residents(1,550issued),$25nonresidents(50issued).
DEFINITIONS Spear:Ashaftwithasharp,barbedpointorpointspropelledbymusclepower. Speargun:Amuscle-loadeddevicepropellingaspearattachedtoalanyardnomorethan20’long. BowandArrow:Ahand-drawnbowthathasanarrowwithatleastonebarbedpointattachedtothebowbyaline. Crossbow:Abowmountedcrosswiseonastockequippedwithafunctionalmechanicalsafetydevicethatdischargesaprojectilewithatleastonebarbedpointattachedtothecrossbowbyaline.
SPEARING/ARCHERY HOURS One-halfhourbeforesunrisetoone-halfhouraftersunset.Refertotheroughfishsectionforspecifictimeperiodswhenroughfishmaybetaken24hoursperdayonSouthDakotainlandandborderwaters.
LIMITS Lengthlimitsarethesameasforhookandlinefishing.Dailyandpossessionlimitsarethesameas,andincombinationwith,hookandlinelimits.Roughfishtakenbyspearingorarcherymustberetained.
Open Area: LakeOahefromOaheDamtotheNorthDakotaborderSeason:October1-November30.Species:Salmononly.Allotherfishspeciessnaggedmustbeimmediatelyreleased.Restrictions:Onlyonelinewithonehookmaybeusedtosnagsalmon.
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SPEARINGANDARCHERYDIVER-DOWN FLAG Divers and anyone using an underwaterairsupply,includingasnorkel,mustdisplayadiver-downflagfirmlyattachedtoasecurelyanchoredfloat,rubbertube,diverorboatwhilediving.Theflagmustbeatleast12”by15”andmustberedwithawhitediagonalstriprunningfromtheupperleftcornertothelowerrightcorner.Diversmustalsostaywithin75’oftheflag.Diver-downflagsarenotrequiredinareaswheremotorboatorsailboatoperationisprohibited.
RESTRICTIONS Underwaterspearfishingisnotpermittedwithin100yardsofdesignatedswimmingorwaterskiing areas,boatdocks,powerintaketubesorspillways. Underwaterdivingisnotpermittedwhereplacementofthediver-downflagwouldrestrictboataccessatpublicaccessrampsorwatercraftnavigation. Boats using internal combustion enginesmaynotbeoperatedwithin75’ofadiver-downflagunlesstheboatispartoforrelatedtothedivingactivity. Artificiallightmaybeusedtotakegamefishandroughfishbylegalmethods. SpearingandarcheryareprohibitedinAngosturaMarinaandLewisandClarkMarina.
ROUGH FISH SEASONS AND DATES Roughfish,excludingprotectedspecies,maybetakenbylegalspear,speargun,bowandarroworcrossbowinthefollowingwatersduringthedateslistedbelow.CatfishintheMissouriRiverInlandWatersareconsideredroughfishformanagementpurposesandcanbetakenyear-roundanytimeofdateornight.
» South Dakota Inland Waters Season: Year-roundanytimeofdayornight.
» South Dakota - Minnesota Border Waters Season: Year-roundanytimeofdayornight.
» South Dakota-Nebraska Border Waters Season:Year-roundanytimeofdayornight.
» South Dakota-Iowa Border Waters Season: Year-roundanytimeofdayornight.
GAME FISH Gamefishmaybetakenwithlegalcrossbows,spearguns,spears,andbowandarrowinthefollowingareaswiththerestrictionslisted.
GAME FISH POSSESSION Peopleactivelyengagedinspearfishing/bowfishingmaynotpossessspearedgamefishinareasnotopentothespearingofgamefish.
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DIVER-DOWN FLAGSBoaters and divers are encouraged to exhibit courtesy on the water.
» Diver-downflagsindicateadiveriswithin75feet. » Boatsmaynotbeoperatedusinganinternalcombustionenginewithin75feetofadiverdownflag.
» Boatsunderthepowerofanelectricmotormaylegallybeoperatedwithin75feetofadiver-downflag.
» Adiver-downflagmustbeanchoredtoafloat,arubbertube,adiver,oraboattoindicateadiverisnear.
GAME FISH SEASONS AND DATESSeason/Location Dates Waters Species
Statewide*
*For exceptions see Waters
Year-round All inland waters, including the Missouri River inland waters. EXCEPT, Lynn, Middle Lynn and Amsden (Day County), Lake Sinai and Twin Lake east of U.S. Hwy 81 (Brookings County), Twin Lake west of U.S. Hwy 81 (Kingsbury County), and North Island and South Island Lakes (McCook and Minnehaha Counties).
Northern pike and all catfish species
Missouri River Inland Waters
May 1 - March 31 Lake Francis CaseLake SharpeLake OaheOn the Missouri River from Ft. Randall Dam downstream 5.5 miles to the Nebraska border
All game fish species except paddlefish and sturgeon
Eastern SD May 1 - March 31 Waubay and Bitter Lakes (Day County), Swan and Dry #2 Lakes (Clark County), Albert, Henry, Thompson and Whitewood Lakes (Kingsbury County).
All game fish species except paddlefish and sturgeon
Western SD May 1 - March 31 Angostura, Belle Fourche (Orman Dam) and Shadehill Reservoirs
All game fish species except paddlefish and sturgeon
Black Hills May 1 - March 31 Pactola Reservoir All game fish species except trout and salmon
SD/NE Border Waters
July 1 - Dec. 31 Missouri River from the confluence upstream to the South Dakota-Nebraska state line where the river is entirely within South Dakota. (This includes Lewis and Clark Lake)
All game fish species except paddlefish and sturgeon
SD/MN Border Waters
Nov. 15 (annually) - Feb. 28, 2021
All boundary waters except the Bois de Sioux River
Northern pike and all catfish species
SPEARINGANDARCHERY
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TURTLES,SMELTANDBULLFROGREGULATIONS
TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE AND GIFTING
TURTLES(allspeciesexceptfalsemap)
Season:Year-roundDaily Limit:2ofeachspeciesPossession Limit:4ofeachspeciesLegal Methods: Hook and line, legalminnowseines,gaffhooks,legalspears,orlegalturtletrap.Trapswithmeshlessthan4”squaremusthaveanopeningatleast6”indiameterleadingfromitoranentranceopeningsuspendedatorabovethewaterlevel. Trapsmustbeclearlymarkedwiththeowner’snameandaddress.Itisillegal to buy, sell, barter or trade anyspeciesofturtle,includingpartsthereof.Apersonmaynotexportsnappingturtlesforanypurposeotherthanpersonalconsumption.
SMELT
Season: Year-roundLimit:5gallonsdaily,nopossession
limitLegal Methods: Smelt may be taken byhookandline,dipnets,liftnets,castnetsandseines.Dimensionsandmeshsizesoflegalequipmentarethesameasthosespecifiedforthetakingofbait.Restriction:Livesmeltcannotbetransported.
BULLFROGS
Season:Year-roundDaily Limit:15Possession Limit:30Restriction: Frogs may not be taken withfirearms.
DEFINITIONS PublicStorage:Publicstorageisany business that stores game birds, gamefishorgameanimalsforafeeoraconvenienceandhasaSouthDakotasalestaxlicense.Nopersonmayplaceintopublicstorageanygamebird,gamefishorgameanimal unless the game bird, game fishorgameanimalhasattachedtoitatagshowingtheowner’snameandaddress,thenumberandspeciesofbird,fishoranimalandthedatethebird,fishoranimalwasplacedinstorage.Anypersonwhoacceptsintopublicstorageanygamebird,gamefish,orgameanimalmustpostnoticeofthetaggingrequirementsofthissectioninaconspicuousplaceadjacenttothepublicstorage. Domicile:Aperson’sestablished,
fixedandpermanenthometowhichtheperson,wheneverabsent,hasthepresentintentionofreturning. WildlifeProcessingFacility:AnypersonorentitythathasaSouthDakotasalestaxlicensetooperateabusinessthatreceives,possessesorhasincustodyanywildanimalbelongingtoanotherpersonforpurposesofpicking,skinning,cleaning,freezing,processingorstorage.
RECORDS REQUIREDNowildlifeprocessingfacilitymay:
» Receiveorhaveincustodyanywildanimalunlessaccuraterecords are maintained that canidentifyeachwildanimalreceived by, or in the custody of,thefacilitybythenameof
A valid fishing license is required to take turtles, smelt and bullfrogs.
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thepersonfromwhomthewildanimalwasobtained,andshowthenumberofeachspecies;thedateeachwildanimalwasreceived;thenameandaddressoftheownerofeachwildanimalthatwasreceived;thedateeachwildanimalwasdisposedof;andthenameofthepersonorbusinesstowhomeachwildanimalwasdelivered, or
» Destroyanyrecordsrequiredtobe maintained under this section foraperiodofoneyearfollowingreceiptofeachwildanimal, or
» Allowanywildanimal,orpartsthereof,toleavethefacilitywithoutareceiptbearingthenameofthefacility,numberandspeciesofwildanimalsandthenameoftheownerofeachwildanimal.
INSPECTION Nowildlifeprocessingfacilitymaypreventanydepartmentrepresentativefromenteringthefacilitiesduringnormalbusinesshoursandinspectinganywildanimal,recordsandthepremisesofthefacility.
SHIPPING BY COMMON CARRIER Apersonmayshiphisorherownlawfullypossessedfishbycommoncarrier.Thecontainerwiththefishinsidemusthaveaffixedtotheoutsideofthecontaineraclearlyvisible statement containing the followinginformation:
» Name, address and license numberofthepersonshippingthefish.
» Thenumberandspeciesoffishinthecontainer.
» Thedateofshipment. » Thenameandaddressofthepersontowhomthefishhasbeenshipped.
TRANSPORTATION OF FISH Tolegallytransportfishyoumust:
» Nottransportfishfilletsunlessthosefilletscanbereadilycounted.
» Packagefrozenfishindividuallyfortransportationorwhenplacedinpublicstorage.
» Tagandidentifyanyfishplacedinpublicstorage.
» Rememberthatindividualpiecesoffishconstituteonefillet;twofilletsaretheequivalentofonefish.
TRANSPORTATION PERMIT Transportationpermitsallowonepersontotransportanotherperson’slegallytakenfish.Transportationpermitsarenotgivenasameansofallowingapersontoexceedhisorherpossessionlimit.Permitswillnotbeissuedbeforetheyareneeded.Followthesestepstoobtainapermit:
» ContactaConservationOfficerorregionalofficetoarrangeameetingplaceandtime.
» Allpersonsinvolvedmustmeetwiththeofficerandbringtheirfishinglicensesandfishtobetransported.
SALE OF FISH Exceptwhereprovided,nopersonmaybarter,sellorofferforsaleatanytimeorknowinglypurchaseanyfishtakenorkilledinanyofthe
A valid fishing license is required to take turtles, smelt and bullfrogs.
TRANSPORTATION,STORAGE AND GIFTING
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TRANSPORTATION,STORAGE AND GIFTINGwatersofthisstate.Lawfullytakenfishthathavebeenmountedmaybesold.
GIFTING WILDLIFE AND FISH Alicenseemaygiftgameandfish,oranypartofgameandfish,toanotherpersonifeachofthefollowingconditionsismet:
» Thegame/fishwaslawfullytaken,caughtorkilled;and
» Thenumberoramountofgame/fishgifteddoesnotplacetherecipientinviolation
ofanyseason,dailyorpossessionlimitestablishedforthespeciesofgame/fishbeinggifted;and
» Ifgiftingtoanunlicensedperson,thelicenseeshallgiftthegame/fishatthedomicileoftherecipient.Forthepurposeofthisrule,giftmeansthevoluntarytransferofgame/fishfromanypersontoanotherwithoutfeeorconsideration.
ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIESTwoprotectedsturgeonspeciesarenativetotheMissouriRiversystem.Thepallidsturgeonislistedasbothafederalandstateendangeredspeciesandtheshovelnoseisfederallylistedasthreatenedduetothesimilarityinappearancetothepallid.Theseasonisclosedyear-roundonallsturgeonspeciesinSouthDakota.
Leastternsandpipingploversareshorebirdsprotectedbystateandfederalendangeredspecieslaws.TheynestonsandyshoresandislandsalongtheMissouriRiver.Itisillegaltodisturborharassthesebirdspeciesbecausethiscancausenestfailure.Manylargecoloniesarefencedtoprotectthecamouflagednestsandyoungbirdsfromharm,butsmallercoloniesmaynotbefenced.Donot disturb these rarebirdsatnestingsites,anddonotallowunsuperviseddogstovisitthesecolonies.
Softshellsandotheraquaticturtlesnestonsomeofthesamesandybeachesriverrecreationistsmayuse.Ifyounoticeanyturtle nesting concentrations, avoid disturbing the turtles and keeppetsawayfromthearea.InformSDGame,FishandParksoftheselocations.
Shovelnose Sturgeon
Pallid Sturgeon
Least Tern
Piping Plover
Least Tern Image © USFWSPiping Plover Image © Doug Backlund
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FISHCONSUMPTIONADVISORIES The purpose of this information is not to discourage you from eating fish. It is intended as a guide to help you select sizes and species of fish low in mercury. By following these recommendations, you and your family can enjoy the benefits of eating fish. The South Dakota Dept. of Health, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, and GFP cooperate to test fish for metals, pesticides and PCBs. Almost 150 of South Dakota’s most popular fishing waters have been tested for fish contaminates and as a result, fish consumption advisories have been issued for elevated mercury levels on waters listed below.
GUIDELINES FOR WATERS WITH ADVISORIES
General:Includesmen,children over seven years ofage,andwomenwhodonotfitintothecategoryentitled,“highrisk.”Fishconsumptionmayexceedtherecommendedrateforaperiodoftimeaslongasconsumptionaveragestooneseven-ouncemealperweek.Aseven-ounceportionisroughlythesizeoftwodecksofplayingcards. High Risk: Includesanywomanwhoispregnant,planstobecomepregnantorisnursing.Theconsumptionrecommendation is based uponawomanweighingapproximately140pounds.Fishconsumptionshouldnotexceed the recommendation ofsevenouncespermonth(12meals/year). Children:Includeschildrenunderseven.Fishconsumptionshouldnotexceed the recommendation offourouncespermonth(12meals/year).
Additional advisories may have been issued after the time this publication was printed. For more information about waters not included in the list of current consumption advisories, please visit doh.sd.gov/food/fish-advisories.aspx.
MERCURY FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
LAKE COUNTY SPECIESElm Lake Brown County Walleye (>25 inches)
Newell Lake Butte County Walleye (>18 inches)Northern Pike (>18 inches)
Reid Lake Clark County Walleye (>23 inches)Swan Lake Clark County Walleye (>21 inches)Long Lake Codington County Walleye (>17 inches)
Pudwell Dam Corson County Walleye (>18 inches)Crappie (>12 inches)
Bitter Lake Day County Walleye (all sizes)Northern Pike (>30 inches)
Hazeldon Day County Walleye (>21 inches)Lake
MinnewastaDay County Walleye (>18 inches)
Lardy Lake Day County Walleye (>25 inches)Lynn Lake Day County Walleye (>18 inches)
Middle Lynn Lake
Day County Walleye (>18 inches)
Opitz Lake Day County Northern Pike (>26 inches)Lake Isabel Dewey County Northern Pike (>25 inches)
Largemouth Bass (>17 inches)
Little Moreau Lake
Dewey County Northern Pike (>26 inches)
Twin Lakes Kingsbury, Brookings Counties
Walleye (>18 inches)Northern Pike (>19 inches)
North & South Buffalo Lake
Marshall County Walleye (>21 inches)
North Island Lake
Minnehaha, McCook Counties
Walleye (>18 inches)Smallmouth Bass (>18
inches)Scott Lake Minnehaha County Walleye (>25 Inches)
Twin Lakes Minnehaha County Walleye (all sizes)New Wall
LakePennington County Crappie (>13 inches)
Largemouth Bass (>16 inches)
Coal Springs Reservoir
Perkins County Northern Pike (>25 inches)
Lake Hurley Potter County Largemouth Bass (>18 inches)
Lake Roosevelt
Tripp County Largemouth Bass (>18 inches)
Northern Pike (>24 inches)
AQUATICINVASIVESPECIESAquatic Invasive Species ListAquatic Invasive Species RegulationsAquatic Invasive Species Infested Waters
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AQUATICINVASIVESPECIES
AQUATICINVASIVESPECIES LIST
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AQUATICINVASIVESPECIES REGULATIONS AquaticInvasiveSpecies(AIS)canhavenegativeeffectstoSouthDakotawaters,including:reducinggamefishpopulations,impactingwaterqualityandinterferingwithrecreationalboating.
REGULATIONS Externalfeltsolefootwear(bootsandwaders)maynotbeusedinSouthDakotawaters. Apersonmaynotpossess,transport,sell,purchaseorpropagateanAISexceptfor:
» Apersonpossessingavalidscientificcollector’spermit;
» ApersonauthorizedbyGFPtostocktriploidgrasscarpforpondmanagementpurposes;
» ApersoncontractedbyGFPtoconductcommercialfishingoperations;
» Acommercialplantharvesteroperatingwithintherequirementsofadepartmentapprovedworkplanoralakeshorepropertyowneroperatingwithintherequirementsofadepartmentapprovedpermit;
» ApersonintheprocessofremovinganAISfromaboat,boatdockorliftorrelatedequipment;
» Anowneroragentoftheownerofaboat,boatdockorlift,orrelatedrequipmentintheprocessoftransportingtheboatfordecontaminationusingadepartment-approvedprocess;or
» • Anemployeeofabusinessapprovedbythedepartmenttotransportandpossess
boats,boatdocksandliftsforthepurposeofwatercraftdecontamination.
» Inthecaseoffishandcrayfishspecies,onlydeadspecimensmaybetransportedorpossessed.
WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS Allplants,mud,animals,orotherorganic material must be removed fromboatsandtrailers Apersonmaynotlaunchorattempttolaunchaboat,motorboat,boattrailer,boatdock,orboatliftofanykindintothewatersofthestatewithanaquaticinvasivespeciesattachedoronboard. Exceptforemergencyresponseboats, all trailered boats shall have alldrainplugs,bailers,valvesorotherdevices used to control the drainage ofwateropenedorremovedandkeptout,exceptwhileinaboatrampparkingarea,orwhilebeinglaunchedorloaded.
WATERCRAFT INSPECTIONS Anyvehicletransportingaboat,otherwatercraft,orrelatedequipmentmuststopatopenAISinspectionstations. Shouldanaquaticinvasivespeciesbefoundorsuspectedtobepresentasaresultofaninspection,adepartmentapproveddecontaminationwillberequiredpriortolaunching.
DECONTAMINATION REQUIRED – CONTAINMENT WATERS Aboatthathasanypartcontinuouslyinthewaterforthreeormoreconsecutivedaysonawater
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infestedwithzebraorquaggamusselsorisbeingremovedfromaninfestedwaterandretainsonegallonormoreofwaterafteralldrainplugs,bailers,valves,orotherdevices used to control the drainage ofwaterhavebeenopenedorremoved must be decontaminated byaGFPapproveddecontaminationprocedurepriortoasubsequentlaunch. Anyboatorotherwatercraftwithadultzebramusselsattachedmust be decontaminated by a GFP approvedprocedurepriortoitsnextlaunch.
FISH AND BAIT TRANSPORTATION RESTRICTIONS Exceptwheninaboatrampparkingareaoronthewater,baitandfishcannotbetransportedinwaterfromalake,riverorstream.
NOTE:Silverandbigheadcarpthatjumpintoaboatorarenettedfromtheairusingadipnetmaybekept.Onlydeadsilverandbigheadcarpmaybetransported.
AQUATICINVASIVESPECIES REGULATIONS
sdleastwanted.com
UNLESS YOU’RE...
LOADING,LAUNCHING OR
ON THE WATERAll PLUGS Must be out
60 | 2021 South Dakota Fishing Handbook
AQUATICINVASIVESPECIESINFESTED WATERSANGOSTURA RESERVOIR AsianClam,CurlyleafPondweed
BEAVER CREEKNewZealandMudsnail BIG SIOUX RIVER BELOW FALLS PARK IN SIOUX FALLS BigheadCarp,GrassCarp,SilverCarp BIG STONE LAKECurlyleafPondweed
BLUE DOG LAKECurlyleafPondweed CANYON LAKECurlyleafPondweed CASCADE SPRINGSRed-RimmedMelania CASTLE CREEK BELOW DEERFIELD RESERVOIR Didymo
DAKOTA LAKECurlyleafPondweed FALL RIVERRed-RimmedMelania
HERRICK LAKECurlyleafPondweed
HORSETHIEF LAKEEuropeanRudd INTERSTATE LAKE BROOKINGSEuropeanRudd
JAMES RIVERBigheadCarp,GrassCarp,SilverCarp LAKE ALICEEuropeanRudd,CurlyleafPondweed
LAKE BYRONBigheadCarp,SilverCarp
LAKE COCHRANEZebraMussel LAKE FAULKTONFloweringRush
LAKE HURLEYCurlyleafPondweed LAKE FRANCIS CASEZebraMussel,AsianClam,EurasianWatermilfoil,EuropeanRudd,CurlyleafPondweed
LAKE KEMPESKAZebraMussel LAKE LOUISEFloweringRush LAKE MITCHELL (DAVISON CO.)CurlyleafPondweed LAKE OAHEEuropeanRudd,CurlyleafPond-weed,EurasianWatermilfoil
LAKE ROOSEVELTCurlyleafPondweed LAKE SHARPEZebraMussel,EuropeanRudd,CurlyleafPondweed,EurasianWatermilfoil,PurpleLoosestrife
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LAKE TRAVERSE CurlyleafPondweed LAKE YANKTONZebraMussels,AsianClam,Curly-leafPondweed LEWIS AND CLARK LAKEZebraMussel,AsianClam,RustyCrayfish,RedSwampCrayfish,Euro-peanRudd,BrittleNaiad,CurlyleafPondweed,EurasianWatermilfoil,PurpleLoosestrife MCCOOK LAKEZebraMussel,BrittleNaiad,Curly-leafPondweed MINA LAKEEuropeanRudd MISSOURI RIVERBELOW GAVINS POINT DAMBigheadCarp,GrassCarp,SilverCarp,AsianClam,ZebraMussel,RustyCrayfish
NELSON LAKECurlyleafPondweed NEWELL RESERVOIREuropeanRudd PACTOLA RESERVOIREuropeanRudd
PICKEREL LAKECurlyleafPondweed,ZebraMussel
RAHN LAKECurlyleafPondweed RAPID CREEKCurlyleafPondweed,Didymo,PurpleLoosestrife ROY LAKECurlyleafPondweed SHERIDAN LAKEEuropeanRudd,CurlyleafPondweed STOCKADE LAKECurlyleafPondweed
VERMILLION RIVERBELOW EAST VERMILLION STATE REC AREABigheadCarp,GrassCarp,SilverCarp
ForacompletelistofAISregulations and the most current listofAISinfestedwaters,visit SDLEASTWANTED.COM.
AQUATICINVASIVESPECIESINFESTED WATERS
THEY ARE HEREZEBRA
MUSSELS
SDleastwanted.com
» COST BILLIONS ANNUALLY acrosstheU.S.onmitigationtoprotectdrinkingwater,irrigation,andpowerproduction.
» DAMAGE MOTORS AND INCREASE MAINTENANCE COSTSforboaters.
» ALTER FOOD WEBbyremovinglargeamountsoffoodforpreyfish,larvalsportfish,andnativeplanktivoreslikepaddlefish.
» INCREASE TOXIC BLUE-GREEN ALGAE BLOOMS by preferentiallyconsuminggreenalgae.
» FOUL THE TASTE AND SMELL OF DRINKING WATER.
» PRODUCE UP TO 1 MILLION EGGS PER FEMALE EACH YEAR.Eradicationisimpossible.
CLEANBOATS AND TRAILERS OF ALL MUD AND PLANT DEBRIS.
L I V E W E L L S, P U M P S A N D BA I T B U C K E T S .
D R A I N
DRYBOATS, L IVE WELLS AND TRAILERS.
EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE THE WATER.
Habitat Stamp
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT GFP.SD.GOV/USERDOCS/DOCS/HABITAT_STAMP_FAQ.PDF Game, Fish
& Parks
SOUTH DAKOTA
What is the Habitat stampA habitat stamp is required for anyone 18 years of age or older who purchases or applies for a hunting, fishing or furbearer license. This includes both residents and nonresidents. The habitat stamp must be purchased before obtaining or applying for a license or at the time of a license sale or application. Habitat stamp funds will be used to create and improve habitat for a variety of wildlife and fish species. In many cases, habitat enhancements made with habitat stamp funds intended to benefit game species will also provide direct benefits to species of greatest conservation concern.
Frequently Asked Questions1. How much does a habitat stamp cost? The annual fee for the habitat stamp is $10 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.
2. I just want to purchase a one-day license, do I have to buy a habitat stamp? No, a habitat stamp is not required for the one-day hunting or fishing license, youth hunting license, private shooting preserve license, hunt for habitat application fee, or landowner hunting license.
3. Is a habitat stamp required for a landowner license? What about other hunting, fishing or trapping that takes place on my own land? A habitat stamp is not required for a landowner hunting license. Hunting small game, fishing and trapping on a landowner’s own land does not require a license purchase nor does it require a habitat stamp. The purchase of any license or permit to hunt, fish or trap when not on the landowner’s land requires the purchase of a habitat stamp.
4. Am I required to purchase a habitat stamp to purchase a furbearer license? Yes, a habitat stamp is required to purchase a furbearer license for trapping.
5. Am I required to purchase a habitat stamp in order to apply for a license or am I required to purchase one once I am successful in the draw? All individuals 18 years of age or older are required to purchase a habitat stamp prior to applying for a license.
SHORELINEALTERATIONSAND DOCK REGULATIONS
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SHORELINEALTERATIONSAND DOCK REGULATIONS
BEFORE YOU ALTER A SHORELINE GFPhasrulesinplacethatprohibitanypersonfrommodifyingashorelineorbottomlandwithoutpermission.Theserulesareinplacetohelpprotectthestate’swaterresourcesforthebenefit,welfare,andenjoymentofallcitizensandvisitors. Beforeyouproceedwithanyworkon,alteration,ordisturbanceofalake,lakebed, or lakeshore, a “Permit to Alter LakeshoreorBottomLands”mustbeissuedbyGFP.Thereisnocostfortheapplication,anditcanbefoundongfp.sd.govoratanyGFPoffice. Activitiesforwhichapermitmayberequiredinclude:
» Constructionofditchesorchannels » Dredging or excavating to remove
sediment, or rock » Seawallinstallationorrepairs » Retainingwallorbreakwater
construction » Rip-rapinstallationorrepairs » Fillingorcreatingartificialbeach » Stockpilingbrush,trees,vegetation,
construction materials or debris in the lake or on the shore
» Removalorclearingofaquaticvegetation
» Any other activity that may have animpactonthelake,lakebed,orlakeshore
Anypersonthatperformsworkinthelake,lakebed,orlakeshorewithoutapermitforthatworkmayberequiredtorestore the lake, lakebed, or lakeshore toitsoriginalconditionbeforeitwasdisturbed.GFPstaffwillassessbothsingularandcumulativeimpactsofaproposedprojectonthelakeanditsresources, taking into consideration the natural resource, natural scenic beauty, andrecreationalopportunities.Theoverallgoalofthepermittingprocessistostrikeabalancebetweenpeopleusingthestate’swaterresourceswhileprotectingthemforfuturegenerations.
SOUTH DAKOTA DOCK REGULATIONS Dockstyles,shapes,andaccessorieshavecomealongwayinrecentyearstomeetthedesiresandneedsoftoday’slakepatrons.GFPwouldliketoremindyou that these structures are used on apublicresourceandarethereforeregulated:
» A dock may not extend over the waterformorethan60feet
» Thewalkingplatformmustbeatleast30incheswidebutnowiderthan10feet
» Aboatlift,“T”or“L”,orasimilarattachmentmaynotbeplacedmorethan60feetfromshore
» All docks must be securely anchoredinplacetopreventdrifting
» Dockscannotbeplacedwheretheybecomeapublicnuisanceor severely distract the aesthetic valuetothepublicwatersandtheshorelineofadjacentproperties
» Onlylandownerswhosepropertyadjoinspublicwaterscanplaceadockwithintheriparianboundariesofthelandowner’sproperty
» Landownerswhosepropertyis50feetorlessinwidthareallowedtoplacenomorethanonestationarydockandonefloatingdockinthewater
» Landownerswhosepropertyismorethan50feetwideareallowedtoplacenomorethantwostationarydocksandonefloatingdockinthewater
» DocksplacedontheMissouriRiverand its reservoirs are administered bytheCorpsofEngineers
Ifyouwishtoplaceadockthatdoesnotconformtotheserequirements,contactaConservationOfficertoseeifyouqualifyforavariancepermit.
SHORELINEALTERATIONSANDDOCK REGULATIONS
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LargemouthBass
PumpkinseedSunfish
Smallmouth Bass
RockBass
Bluegill
Jawextendspasteye
Redeye
Gill cover lobe black
Redeye
Gillcoverlobehasredororangespotattop
SOUTHDAKOTAFISH IDENTIFICATION
SouthDakotaishometomorethanonehundredfishspecies.Thefollowing,byfamily,arethosemostcommonlysoughtorencounteredbyanglers.
SUNFISH FAMILY
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Gill cover lobe black
Gillcoverlobehasredororangespotattop
SOUTHDAKOTAFISH IDENTIFICATION
WhiteCrappie
BlackCrappie
Dorsalfinhas5or6hardspines
Dorsalfinhas7or8hardspines
CATFISH FAMILY
FlatheadCatfish
ChannelCatfish
Black Bullhead
Tailsquareandunforked
Dark mottling on sides
Deeplyforkedtailfin
Bodymarkedwithpigmentedspots
MostcommonbullheadinSouthDakota
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SOUTHDAKOTAFISH IDENTIFICATION
PIKE FAMILY
PADDLEFISH FAMILY
STURGEON FAMILY
Northern Pike
Muskellunge
Lightmarkingsondark background
Roundedtailfins
pointedtailfinsDark markings on a light background
Pallid Sturgeon
Shovelnose Sturgeon
Belly mostly naked
Belly covered by bony scalelikeplates
Paddlefish
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SOUTHDAKOTAFISH IDENTIFICATION
TEMPERATE BASS FAMILY
DRUM FAMILY
CODFISH FAMILY
MINNOW FAMILY
WhiteBass
FreshwaterDrum
Burbot
CommonCarp SilverCarp BigheadCarp
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SOUTHDAKOTAFISH IDENTIFICATION
TROUT AND SALMON FAMILY
RainbowTrout
BrownTrout
BrookTrout
LakeTrout
ChinookSalmon
Lightbodywithdarkspots
Whitemouth
Largedarkspotsandreddotsonbrownbody
Light,wormlikemarkingsondarkupperbody
Whiteleadingedgeonlowerfins
Squaretail
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SOUTHDAKOTAFISH IDENTIFICATION
PERCH FAMILY
SMELT FAMILY
Walleye
Sauger
YellowPerch
Nospotsondorsalfin
Spotsondorsalfin
Whitetiponbottomoftailfin
Saddlelike markings on body
RainbowSmelt
The Second Century HabitatFund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)corporationwhoadvocatesfor
habitat stewardship, collaborateswithcommunitypartnersandstrivesto be conservation leaders to benefitallofSouthDakota.
The Second Century Habitat Fundhas the vision to restore and retain pheasant habitat developmentwhile providing awareness to theimportance of sustaining SouthDakota’s strong outdoor heritageof pheasant hunting for futuregenerations. Our goal is puttingseed in the ground and assisting
landownerswithplantingmarginalacres to grasslands for wildlifehabitat. In 2020, the WorkingLands Habitat program was ableto assist private landowners withseedingapproximately5000acrestoperennialgrass.
We need everyone’s help to besuccessful in keeping the SouthDakota pheasant hunting heritagealive. You can be a part of thisimportantmovementbysupportingthe Second Century Habitat Fundand donating on our website orbecomeamemberofourCorporateFriendsprogram.
DONATE NOW AT SDHABITATFUND.ORG
From the watersof the MissouriRiver to the
Badlands and Black Hills, from the elkherds of the westto the pheasantsof the east, SouthDakota is home to a unique array of
lands, waters and wildlife. The state’snatural resources and its history helpforge its people and create a legacytobepassedon to futuregenerations.The South Dakota Parks and WildlifeFoundationexists to helppreserve thisheritage.
The South Dakota Parks & WildlifeFoundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3corporation.Ourgoalistoenhanceandincrease outdoor recreational activities inSouthDakota.InpartneringwithGFP,the Foundation brings private fundingtomajorpublicprojectsforalltoenjoy.
TheFoundationhaspartneredwithGFPto fundraiseformajorprojects suchasthe Custer State Park Visitors Center,land acquisition for Palisades StatePark, Good Earth State Park VisitorsCenter,TheOutdoorCampusWest,andMickelsonTrailBridges.
Private donations help us to supportoutdoor recreational opportunities forfuture generations to enjoy. Pleasedonate to the South Dakota Parks &Wildlife Foundation on ourwebsite orbecomeaFriendofParksandWildlife.
Contact Lisa Weyer at 605.773.4503, [email protected] or visit Parkswildlifefoundation.org
74 | 2021 South Dakota Fishing Handbook
Faulk
MinnehahaCuster
Walworth
Brookings
Deuel
Spink
Union
Clark
Lyman
Yankton
Jackson
Sully
Roberts
Bennett GregoryFall River
Meade
Lake
Harding
Stanley
Pennington
Ziebach
Marshall
Mellette
Edmunds
Campbell
Codington
Perkins
Jones
Todd
HaakonLawrence
Hutchinson
Potter
Butte
ClayBon
Homme
McPherson
Brown
Hamlin
Grant
Moody
Corson
TrippOglala Lakota LincolnTurner
Kingsbury
Day
Dewey
JerauldBuffalo
Davison
Douglas
Sanborn Miner
Hanson
Charles Mix
Hyde
Brule
Hughes
Aurora
BeadleHand
McCook
GENERAL INFORMATION: 605.223.7660 TTY: 605.223.7684, email: [email protected]
SOUTH DAKOTA REGIONAL CONSERVATION OFFICER SUPERVISORS:Western–JimMcCormick,RapidCity(605.381.9500)Central–JoshCarr,FortPierre(605.730.1574)Southeastern-JeremyRoe,SiouxFalls(605.940.3519)Northeastern-KraigHaas,Watertown(605.882.5202)
WILDLIFE DIVISION OFFICES
CONSERVATIONOFFICERSMartin TomBeck 605.381.6433Hill City JeffEdwards 605.381.9995Hot Springs D.J.Schroeder 605.381.6438Hot Springs DuaneStanley 605.8900239Custer RonTietsort 605.431.7048Custer KevinStolz 605.431.0010Custer JimGanser 605.431.8099Spearfish BrianMeiers* 605.391.6023
Rapid City ChrisDekker 605.390.0923Rapid City RossFees 605.381.3734Wall JennaCapper 605.391.2132Rapid City AdamGeigle* 605.390.1230
Belle Fourche BillEastman 605.391.1575Lemmon KeithMutschler 605.391.7364Sturgis RyanPearson 605.391.0836Spearfish JoshThompson 605.381.4704Spearfish MikeApland* 605.391.1574
Fort Pierre DylanPeterson 605.730.3774Gettysburg KendyllDeRouchey 605.730.1568Onida TylerKrekelberg 605.730.1384Mobridge JacobSchwint 605.845.6261Platte JeffMartin* 605.730.1575
gfp.sd.gov|605.223.7660 | 75
conservation officers * denotes District Conservation Officer Supervisor
Miller JonDunlap 605.730.1570Chamberlain DianaLandegent 605.730.1578Fort Pierre JohnMurphy 605.730.1571Miller CoryFlor* 605.680.0003
Chamberlain TravisMarch 605.730.1573Winner DillonBates 605.730.1576Pierre JasonHamil 605.280.7619Presho SpencerDowney* 605.730.0774
Aberdeen NickCochran 605.881.7594Redfield ShanePedersen 605.460.0450Ipswich EricVoight 605.380.4376Ipswich JoeGalbraith* 605.380.4563
Britton CaseyDowler 605.881.3775Webster AustinNorton 605.881.2177Webster CalvinMeyer 605.237.3275Sisseton DeanShultz 605.881.3773Aberdeen TimMcCurdy* 605.380.4572
Clear Lake AdamBehnke 605.881.3780Watertown KyleLenzner 605.881.3777Watertown SethLorton 605.880.0009Estelline DanSternhagen 605.881.0018Milbank BlakeSwanson 605.881.3779Clark ZachThomsen 605.881.2260Milbank JamiePekelder* 605.881.3778
Plankinton LynnGueke 605.220.6943Huron JustinHarman 605.941.4552Mitchell AndyPeterson 605.770.0340Salem MattTalbert 605.360.0491Howard CraigFishel 605.201.3001Howard EvanMeyer* 605.553.4299
Brookings JeffGrendler 605.360.0509Humboldt JaredHill 605.941.0181Madison CodySymens 605.480.3364Lake Preston ShaneVanBockern 605.360.0514Sioux Falls JeremyRakowicz* 605.941.0074
Tyndall ToddCrownover 605.360.0497Elk Point TonyStokely 605.677.7814Canton JoshVandenBosch 605.940.0222Yankton ScottPospishill 605.760.3996Yankton DonAllaway 605.350.1669Yankton DanAltman* 605.941.4549
1.888.OVERBAG | tips.sd.gov
PROTECTINGWILDLIFE SINCE 198412,535INVESTIGATIONS4,718ARRESTS$892,981FINES$815,425LIQUIDATEDCIVILDAMAGES$189,730 REWARDS PAID