South Dakota is a wonderful destination to fish. Nearly 98% of the state’s water is open for public fishing and boasts fishing spots such as Horse Thief Lake, Spearfish Canyon, and many more. The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020 to 31 January 2022 and is available to residents and non-residents. Typically, a fishing license will cost between $8.00-$67.00 (various licenses and stamps).
West Virginia’s residents will pay between $8.00-$55.00 for a fishing license, dependent on the resident’s age, duration of the license (short term, annual), and type of license (combination license). Non-residents can expect to pay between $16.00-$67.00, dependent on the same factors listed above.
When you are fishing in South Dakota, besides purchasing the correct fishing license, you will also need to obtain the applicable fishing stamp (Habitat Stamp) for your trip. This article will explore the cost of fishing licenses in South Dakota and any stamp cost, who will require a license, and who is exempt from one.
How Much Does A Fishing License Cost In South Dakota?
A resident/non-resident fishing license is required to catch/take fish, turtles, bait, and bullfrogs. South Dakota offers licenses of various duration periods, combination licenses that include hunting and fishing, and a family package for non-residents.
Here is a list of all available fishing licenses in West Virginia and their respective cost:
Resident Fishing Licenses
| Type Of License | Description Of License | Cost Of License |
| One-Day Fishing License | This fishing license is valid for one dayThe license will cover the angler from 12.01 am until midnight of the specified date on the license | $8.00 |
| Senior Annual Fishing License | The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020-31 January 2022Senior residents over the age of 65 years can apply for this annual license | $12.00 |
| Junior Annual Combination License | The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020-31 January 2022Resident youth aged 16-18 years can apply for this licenseThe license is valid until the end of the license period even if the licensee turns 19-years oldThis combination license covers both fishing and the hunting of small gameAllows the holder to take frogs and turtles, and also to hunt small game including grouse, pheasant, partridge, cottontail rabbit, quail, and tree squirrel | $27.00 |
| Resident Annual Fishing License | The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020-31 January 2022Residents aged 18-64 years of age can apply for this annual license | 28.00 |
| Senior Combination Hunting & Fishing Annual License | The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020-31 January 2022Senior residents over the age of 65 years can apply for this annual licenseThis combination license covers both fishing and the hunting of small gameAllows the holder to take frogs and turtles, and also to hunt small game including grouse, pheasant, partridge, cottontail rabbit, quail, and tree squirrel | 40.00 |
| Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing Annual License | The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020-31 January 2022Residents aged 18-64 years of age can apply for this annual licenseThis combination license covers both fishing and the hunting of small gameAllows the holder to take frogs and turtles, and also to hunt small game including grouse, pheasant, partridge, cottontail rabbit, quail, and tree squirrel | 55.00 |
| Hoop Net License | Only available to residents of South Dakota | $10.00 (each) |
| Trap License | Only available to residents of South Dakota | $10.00 (each) |
| Setline License | Only available to residents of South Dakota | $5.00 (each) |
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
| Type Of License | Description Of License | Cost Of License |
| Non-Resident One Day Fishing License | This fishing license is valid for one dayThe license will cover the angler from 12.01 am until midnight of the specified date on the license | $16.00 |
| Non-Resident Three Day Fishing License | This fishing license is valid for three consecutive daysThe license starts at 12.01 am on the first day listed on the license until midnight of the third day | $37.00 |
| Non-Resident Youth Annual Fishing License | The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020-31 January 2022This license is for non-resident youth under the age of 16 years who wants to have a separate daily limit of fishYouth not fishing with a licensed parent or guardian will also be required to purchase this licenseNon-Residents under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license when fishing with a parent/guardian who has a valid fishing license. However, the youth’s fish must be included in the daily total and possession limits of the license holder | $25.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing License | The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020-31 January 2022This license allows for non-residents to fish throughout the license period | $67.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Family Fishing License | The fishing license period is from 15 December 2020-31 January 2022This license allows non-residents and their immediate family (children under 16 years of age and spouse) to fish throughout the license period without buying any additional fishing licenses for the family.The combined harvest of all the family members may not exceed the daily or possession limit as a whole | $67.00 |
Habitat Stamp
| Type Of Stamp | Description Of Stamp | Cost Of Stamp |
| Resident Habitat Stamp | Any person that is 18 years or older will be required to purchase a habitat stamp when applying for a fishing or hunting licenseAny person without the stamp will not be allowed to fish, hunt or trapYou don’t have to purchase the stamp for a one-day fishing license or any youth license | $10.00 |
| Non-Resident Habitat Stamp | Any person that is 18 years or older will be required to purchase a habitat stamp when applying for a fishing or hunting licenseAny person without the stamp will not be allowed to fish, hunt or trapYou don’t have to purchase the stamp for a one-day fishing license or any youth license | $25.00 |
Disability License
| Type Of License | Description Of License | Cost Of License |
| Disability License (Disabled Residents) | Applicants to apply at GFP License Office to receive a $10.00 Disability Card that is equal to a fishing/small game license – valid for four yearsFor residents who have paraplegia or for people that are permanently unable to walkFor residents who are visually impaired or blindFor residents who has a developmental disability | $10.00 |
| Disability Licence (Veterans) | Resident veterans can apply on forms provided by GFP License OfficesResident veterans qualify if they receive a veteran’s allotment for a 40% or more disability that is deemed a service-connected injuryResident veterans qualify if they received the “K” award from the Department of Veteran AffairsResident veterans qualify if they have been a “Prisoner of War.” | $10.00 |
Fishing Regulations In South Dakota
When you plan any holiday trip, you will need to know the rules and regulations of the destination you are planning to visit. Familiarizing yourself with what you are allowed to do and what behavior should be avoided is a smart move from your side.
Here is the link when you want to fish in South Dakota with regards to regulations: Fishing Handbook
Top Fishing Spots In South Dakota
Whether it is your first time fishing in South Dakota, or if you have been before, or you need some suggestions as to where the good fishing spots are, here are a few options to research before planning your dream trip:
- Horse Thief Lake
- Sylvan Lake
- Angostura Recreation Area
- Spearfish Canyon
- Pactola Lake
- Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
- Crace Coolidge Creek
- Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
- Palisades State Park
Other Fishing License Cost
- How much is fishing license in West Virginia?
- How much is a fishing license in California?
- How much is a fishing license in Florida?
- How Much is a Fishing License in Colorado?
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has answered all and any questions you may have had regarding the cost of a fishing license in South Dakota. If you plan a fishing trip to the “Sunshine State,” you will be in for a fishing treat like no other. Do yourself a favor and read through the fishing handbook listed above to familiarize yourself with the area’s regulations you plan on fishing.
Go fish or go home!
References:
