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South Dakota Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual South Dakota fishing license costs $31 and a nonresident annual license $80, with a 1-day nonresident option at $26, according to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
South Dakota fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing | Resident | freshwater | annual | $31 |
| Resident 1-Day Fishing | Resident | freshwater | 1-day | $10 |
| Resident Senior Fishing (65+) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $17 |
| Resident Combination (small game + fishing, 18+) | Resident | freshwater + small game | annual | $60 |
| Resident Senior Combination (65+) | Resident | freshwater + small game | annual | $43 |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $80 |
| Nonresident 3-Day Fishing | Nonresident | freshwater | 3-day | $45 |
| Nonresident 1-Day Fishing | Nonresident | freshwater | 1-day | $26 |
| Nonresident Youth Fishing (under 18) | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | Free |
Prices from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, checked October 2026. Some vendors add a small processing or agent fee. Prices change – confirm on the official license site before you buy.
Rules
Who needs a South Dakota fishing license
- Who needs one: Residents 18 and older and nonresidents need a fishing license; resident youth under 18 do not.
- Kids: Resident youth under 18 need no license; nonresident youth under 18 license is $0 (needed if fishing on their own or keeping their own limit).
- Seniors: Residents 65+: Senior Fishing $17 (Senior Combination $43).
- Saltwater: Landlocked – no saltwater.
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in South Dakota
Charter captains and guides we list in South Dakota, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
South Dakota fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in South Dakota?
A resident annual license is $31 and a nonresident annual license is $80, and a 1-day nonresident license is $26. Full list above, from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
Who needs a fishing license in South Dakota?
Residents 18 and older and nonresidents need a fishing license; resident youth under 18 do not.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in South Dakota?
The agency fee pages we checked do not say. In many coastal states a licensed charter boat covers its paying passengers, but not everywhere – ask the captain when you book.
Where do I buy a South Dakota fishing license?
Online from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks at gfp.sd.gov, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
For captains and guides
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