Photo credit
Fly fishing Meadow Creek in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana. Photo: Brandan W. Schulze, US Forest Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
South Dakota fishing license
You need one to fish in South Dakota. Buy it from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
Where to buy it
Online from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Many fly shops and sporting goods stores sell them too.
Buy a license on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website (opens in a new tab)
Where this link comes from
The agency's license store, opened Nov 8, 2026.
Before you go
| License | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resident annual fishing license | $31 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident annual fishing license | $80 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident 1-day license | $26 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Habitat Stamp (resident) | $10 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Habitat Stamp (non-resident) | $25 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
Free fishing days
- May 15-17, 2026 (Free Fishing Weekend) Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Who needs one
- No license needed under 18 Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Extra permits
- Habitat Stamp: needed for all licence buyers 18 and older (not with the One-Day Fishing License) Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
- Carry it while you fish, on paper or on your phone if the state allows.
- Fishing for trout? Some states also need a trout stamp or permit; the agency's page says.
- Read the special regulations for the water you pick: seasons, lures and limits can differ.
- Veteran or service member? South Dakota concessions, quoted from the agency.