Fishing is a sport than anyone can participate in! Whether you are looking for relaxation, to spend time with your family and friends or you’re in search of a new adventure you’re sure to find everything you are looking for and more when you get involved in the sport of angling!
If you’re looking to just get your feet wet in the sport (or literally get your feet wet) you don’t have to spend a great deal of money or time to have everything you need to drop a line. In fact, there are likely great fisheries within a half hour or less from where you are reading this right now and a $100 bill can get you everything you need to hit the water.
If fishing is something you’ve been looking to get involved with but we’re quite sure where to start, we’ve got everything you need to know! Let’s get started!
Introduction to Fishing
Getting started into fishing is simpler than you think. All you need is your license, some basic equipment and to find a spot close to you. Let’s walk through these basic steps and get you ready to hit the water!
New Angler Resources
We have a wide variety of resources to help you learn everything you need to know about fishing to help you have success on the water! Learn about the different species you can catch, the different waterbodies you can target and how you can find success out on the water!
The more time you spend on the water, the more tackle you are going to acquire! As you target a variety of species on a variety of waters, the techniques you use will vary as well. Learn about the various types of equipment you’ll need as you spend more time out on the water and become a more diverse angler!
Find Your Fishing Spot
Are you looking for a good fishing spot near you? We’ve got you covered! You can find information on all of our favorite waterbodies and some advice to help you get started!
South Dakota
South Dakota is home to some incredible fishing opportunities! Whether you are looking to learn how to fish on the Missouri River or explore the Glacial Lakes region, we’ve got all the information you need to find success!
South Dakota-Missouri River Reservoirs
South Dakota-Glacial Lakes Region
Not quite ready to hit the big water? No problem! There are numerous urban fisheries that can present excellent fishing very close to home as well. Explore some of these waterbodies below!
Sioux Falls: Family Park, Diamond Lake, Wall Lake, Beaver Lake, Clear Lake, Loss Lake, Twin Lake
Brookings: Brookings Nature Park, Interstate Lake, SDSU Ponds, Lake Campbell, Oakwood Lakes
Pierre: 4th Street Pond, Hipple Lake (Farm Island), Fort Pierre National Grasslands Ponds
Watertown: Redlin Ponds, Lake Kampeska, Goose Lake, Grass Lake, Squaw Slough
Madison: Lake Madison, Lake Herman
Nebraska
Nebraska offers some very diverse fisheries across the state. While western Nebraska features expansive reservoirs and excellent walleye, pike, white bass and even muskie fishing, eastern Nebraska lakes and reservoirs can offer excellent largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie fisheries. We’ve got everything you need to find success!
Looking for some other options to try? Check out these other fisheries that can be found close to home!
Omaha: Walnut Creek Lake, Cunningham Lake, Prairie Queen Lake, Louisville Lakes
Lincoln: Branched Oak Lake
Fremont: Fremont Lakes State Park
Purchase Your Fishing License
Your fishing license is your key to hitting the water, but the money you spend on your license goes right back into fisheries management! Without your license, many of these fisheries and areas to fish wouldn’t be what they are today!
More Resources
Are you looking to learn more about fishing or getting involved in the outdoors? There are some great resources and opportunities that exist to help you advance in your outdoor career!
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Outdoor Campuses
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has two outdoor campuses available on both sides of the state. At each campus, you can take courses on fishing, hunting, trapping and other outdoor skills. You’ll learn from educators who have made the outdoors their life passion and are eager to share their knowledge!
See Weekly Fish Stockings
Knowing what local waterbody has been stocked is always great information to have when planning your next fishing trip. Fortunately, this information is readily available for anglers across South Dakota and Nebraska. Check out the latest stocking report and see if your local waterbody has been stocked lately!
Fishing Regulations
Understanding the fishing regulations for your state is another important aspect of being an ethical angler. Fortunately, these regulations are readily available for all anglers! Find the fishing regulations for your state!
Becoming an Outdoors Woman
Are you a female who is interested in learning along with likeminded individuals from educators who are passionate about the outdoors? Check out Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW)! At BOW, you can enroll in classes on a variety of topics and learn from some of the best educators you will find!
Going Fishing Guide
Are you looking for the complete manual for becoming an angler? Check out Nebraska’s Going Fishing Guide! Here you’ll find everything you need to know about rods, reels, line, tackle, knots and more!
Still Have Questions?
Still have questions or looking for a little bit more insight? Reach out to Nick at any time! You can text or call him directly at 402-689-9947, message him on Facebook or message him on Instagram.
