South Dakota Walleye Fishing Regulations - Bag Limits & Size Rules
| Regulation Type | Statewide Rule | Special Waters (Some) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Oahe May through March. |
* Always verify the specific regulations for your target water body. This table shows statewide minimums - individual lakes and rivers may be stricter. Source: 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
Special Regulations - South Dakota's Most Popular Walleye Waters
These major fishing destinations have additional Walleye regulations beyond the statewide minimum. Verify the current Freshwater Fishing Regulations before every trip.
| Water Body | Region | Daily Bag | Size Limit | Special Notes |
|---|
License Required to Fish Walleye in South Dakota
A valid South Dakota freshwater fishing license is required to fish for Walleye. Here's exactly what you need and what exemptions apply.
| Angler Type | License Required | Fee | Valid Period |
|---|
South Dakota Walleye Season Guide - Best Times to Fish
Top South Dakota Lakes for Walleye - Ranked
Lake Oahe South Dakota reservoir holds excellent walleye populations along rocky main-lake structure. Evening and low-light jigging along depth breaks is most productive. Trolling shad-colored crankbaits along the breakline connects with suspended fish in summer.
Full guideLake Francis Case reservoir holds excellent walleye populations along rocky main-lake structure. Evening and low-light jigging along depth breaks is most productive. Trolling shad-colored crankbaits along the breakline connects with suspended fish in summer.
Full guideLewis and Clark Lake South Dakota reservoir holds excellent walleye populations along rocky main-lake structure. Evening and low-light jigging along depth breaks is most productive. Trolling shad-colored crankbaits along the breakline connects with suspended fish in summer.
Full guideLake Sharpe reservoir holds excellent walleye populations along rocky main-lake structure. Evening and low-light jigging along depth breaks is most productive. Trolling shad-colored crankbaits along the breakline connects with suspended fish in summer.
Full guideAngostura Reservoir reservoir holds excellent walleye populations along rocky main-lake structure. Evening and low-light jigging along depth breaks is most productive. Trolling shad-colored crankbaits along the breakline connects with suspended fish in summer.
Full guideBig Stone Lake is a top-ranked walleye lake in South Dakota, known for consistent action from ice-out through fall. Rocky main-lake points, gravel humps, and weed edges at the 10–18 foot break are prime structure. Live bait rigs and jig-and-minnow presentations produce fish all season.
Full guideLake Kampeska is a top-ranked walleye lake in South Dakota, known for consistent action from ice-out through fall. Rocky main-lake points, gravel humps, and weed edges at the 10–18 foot break are prime structure. Live bait rigs and jig-and-minnow presentations produce fish all season.
Full guide