MIGHTY MO FISHING Fish year-round in South Dakota’s biggest river. The reservoirs of the Missouri River offer endless expanses of open water along with secluded channels and remote bays. With so much area to explore, Missouri River anglers enjoy uncrowded waters and plenty of fish species to chase. Local fishing guides can accommodate your solo fishing trip, group trip, corporate outing, and some offer resort lodging and meal packages. Fall: The Fall Bite is a popular time for another wave of fishing, when the weather cools. Historically, fall is the season for catching record-breaking walleye. The salmon spawn on Lake Oahe takes off in October. Winter: Ice-fishing can happen on all lakes, typically after the holidays when South Dakota’s extreme temperatures provide optimal conditions for thick ice. Walleye Yellow Perch Small & Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Chinook Salmon Subscribe to the Fishing Report MISSOURI RIVER FISH SPECIES FISH BY SEASON Spring: A favorite time to fish in South Dakota, when the weather is chilly but not too cold or hot. Species move in spawn patterns, swimming upriver to the north ends of the reservoirs. Water levels are typically high in the spring. Fishing tournaments begin in spring and happen throughout the summer. Summer: Fish spread out in the water as temperatures rise, flowing back south on the reservoir systems. Water levels vary as dams release water based on the needs of the systems. FISHING LICENSES Nonresident Licenses: One-Day, Three-Day, Annual, Habitat Stamp Resident Licenses: One-Day, Annual, Combination, Senior Combo, Senior Annual, Habitat Stamp Youth Fish Free: Under 18 yrs GAME, FISH & PARKS PUBLICATIONS SD Fishing Handbook 2026 Boating Handbook SD State Park & Recreation Area Handbook 2026 Fishing and Parks publications are updated every year and published at the beginning of the year. See these handbooks for regulations, licensing, limits, boat ramps, docks, fisheries and species information. water accesS See the Public Water Access Map on the SD GFP website under Maps on their homepage navigation bar for accessible boat ramps, shore fishing, ice fishing, streams, and ramp closures. 194 // #SDMissouriRiver
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2026 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 194
