Fishing Fun: 6 South Dakota State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Sandy Allen

Sandy Allen

— 3 min read
Fishing Fun: 6 South Dakota State Parks to Reel in the Big One
Photo: Lake Oahe - South Dakota Missouri River Tourism (Facebook)

South Dakota isn’t just Mount Rushmore and rolling prairie. It’s a top-tier fishing paradise with 63 state parks and recreation areas. From tranquil glacial lakes to rushing Black Hills streams and massive reservoir fishery, here's your guide to the best state park spots for anglers of every level.

1. Custer State Park 

Photo: Wikimedia/vwcampin/CC by SA 2.0

Cast for brown, brook and rainbow trout, as well as bass and northern pike in the crystal-clear waters of Custer State Park in the Black Hills. French Creek’s tailwaters (easy dry-fly/nymph fishing) and lakes like Sylvan, Bismarck, Center, Legion and Stockad are popular for fly fishing and are all stocked annually. Enjoy scenic canyons, abundant wildlife (watch for bison) and diverse fishing options. 

  • Water: Fresh
  • Key Species: Bass, northern pike, trout
  • Fishing Type: Shore, fly, boat, canoe, kayak

2. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Photo: Lake Vermillion Recreation Area (Facebook)

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is an excellent area to reel in bluegill, northern pike and walleye. The 512-acre man-made lake has calm shoreline access, fish cleaning stations and boat ramps, making it ideal for family outings and weekends of fishing, boating and paddle sports. There is a campground with cabins.

  • Water: Fresh
  • Key Species: Walleye, crappie, bluegill, northern pike
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore, pier, ice in winter

3. Roy Lake State Park

Photo: Roy Lake State Park (Facebook)

The glacial lakes of Roy Lake State Park are perfect for reeling in smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye and bluegill. The park offers full facilities and boat and kayak rentals to enjoy from a private boat dock for rent. 

  • Water: Fresh
  • Key Species: Walleye, bluegill, smallmouth and largemouth bass 
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore, kayak, ice in winter

4. Lake Herman State Park

Photo: Lake Herman State Park (Facebook)

The 1,350-acre Lake Herman State Park is stocked with panfish, walleye and northern pike and has good motoring access for boaters to enjoy from private boat slips for rent. Trolling from boats is popular, and fishing rod rentals are available. 

  • Water: Fresh
  • Key Species: Panfish, bass, bullhead, northern pike
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore, pier

5. Lake Oahe

 

Photo: South Dakota Missouri River Tourism (Facebook)

Part of a Missouri River reservoir, Lake Oahe is located in North and South Dakota, near Pierre on the SD end. It’s the place to go to catch chinook salmon, walleye and perch. At 231 miles in length and depths of more than 200 feet, it’s a premier spot for fishing from private boat lifts for rent.

  • Water: Fresh
  • Key Species: Chinook salmon, walleye, perch, channel catfish, white bass
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore

6. Bear Butte State Park

Photo: Wikimedia/indianertosset/CC by SA 3.0

The 215-acre Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis offers a peaceful campground, a boat ramp, picnicking, a visitor’s center and lakeside fishing in the Black Hills. There’s an ADA-accessible pier. Backed by the majestic molten rock laccolith Bear Butte, anglers can enjoy wildlife viewing, nature watching and a serene atmosphere.

  • Water: Fresh
  • Key Species: Yellow bullhead, northern pike, crappie, channel catfish.
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore, ADA-accessible pier

Read more