A 1-day nonresident license lets you fish in South Dakota for a single calendar day without buying a full-season permit

South Dakota's 1-day nonresident fishing license is sold by the state Game, Fish and Parks department and costs $15. It covers one calendar day of fishing — from midnight to midnight — and is valid for any freshwater or walleye fishing in the state during that period. You do not need to be a resident, and you do not need to own property in South Dakota to purchase one.

The license is meant for people passing through or taking a short trip. If you plan to fish more than one day, a 3-day nonresident license ($35) or a full-season nonresident license ($65) will cost less per day and give you more flexibility. The 1-day option works best if you have a single afternoon or morning to spend on the water and want to avoid the commitment of a longer permit.

Key Takeaways

  • A 1-day nonresident license costs $15 and covers fishing from midnight to midnight on one calendar day.
  • You can purchase a 1-day license online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website, by phone, or at most bait and tackle shops and sporting goods retailers across the state.
  • The license covers freshwater species and walleye but does not cover trout in designated trout streams or any saltwater fishing (South Dakota has no saltwater fishery).
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a game warden if asked.
  • Possession limits, size restrictions, and season dates vary by species and water body, so check the current South Dakota fishing regulations before you go.

Where and How to Buy a 1-Day License

You can purchase a 1-day nonresident license three ways: online, by phone, or in person. The online option is fastest — go to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website, select "Fishing Licenses," choose "Nonresident," and pick the 1-day option. You will receive a PDF to print or display on your phone. Payment is by credit or debit card.

By phone, call the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks office at 605-223-6923 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). They will process your payment and email or mail your license. In person, visit any licensed vendor — bait shops, Walmart, Cabela's, and many sporting goods stores throughout South Dakota sell licenses over the counter. Bring a valid photo ID and your payment method.

Whichever route you choose, have your name, date of birth, and address ready. The license is issued to you by name and is not transferable.

What Waters and Species Your License Covers

A 1-day nonresident license covers freshwater fishing for most species in South Dakota — bass, pike, perch, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and walleye. It is valid on lakes, rivers, and ponds throughout the state. However, it does not cover trout in designated trout streams or trout lakes. If you want to fish for trout, you need a separate trout stamp, which costs an additional $10 and is sold alongside the base license.

South Dakota has no saltwater fishery, so that restriction does not apply. The license also does not cover spearfishing, bow fishing, or any method other than rod and reel (or hand line in some cases — check current regulations). If you plan to use any gear beyond a standard fishing rod, confirm the method is legal for your target species before you fish.

Possession Limits and Size Restrictions

Your license gives you the right to fish, but it does not override South Dakota's possession and size limits. These vary by species and by water body. For example, walleye typically has a 15-inch minimum size and a daily limit of 5 fish, but some lakes have different rules. Largemouth and smallmouth bass often have a 12-inch minimum and a limit of 5 fish per day, but again, specific waters may differ.

Before you fish, check the current South Dakota fishing regulations guide, available free on the Game, Fish and Parks website. The guide lists every species, every major water body, and the exact rules for each. Regulations change seasonally and year to year, so do not rely on what you remember from a previous trip. A game warden can cite you for exceeding a limit or keeping undersized fish, even if you did not know the rule had changed.

What to Bring and How to Prove You Have a License

If you purchased your license online, print the PDF or have it ready on your phone. If you bought it in person, the vendor will give you a paper license or a card. Keep it with you at all times while you are fishing — a game warden can ask to see it, and you are required to produce it on demand. A photo on your phone counts as proof if the image is clear and shows your name, the license type, and the date.

Bring your valid photo ID as well, in case a warden asks for it. You do not need to carry the original receipt or any other paperwork, but having it does not hurt. If you lose your license, contact the Game, Fish and Parks office and they can issue a replacement, though this may take a few days.

Seasons and Timing Considerations

Most freshwater species in South Dakota are open year-round, but walleye and some other fish have specific seasons. Walleye season typically runs from mid-May through March, but the exact dates shift each year. Bass season usually runs from mid-June through December. Panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch) are generally open year-round.

Before you buy your license, confirm that the species you want to fish for is in season. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website lists current season dates. If you arrive and discover your target species is closed, you can still fish for other species with the same license — you just cannot keep fish that are out of season.

When a 1-Day License Does Not Make Sense

If you are planning to fish more than one day during your trip, do the math. A 3-day nonresident license costs $35 (about $11.67 per day), and a full-season nonresident license costs $65. If you are staying for three days or longer, the multi-day or full-season license will save you money and give you more flexibility — you can fish whenever you want without worrying about the calendar day changing at midnight.

Also, if you plan to fish for trout, factor in the $10 trout stamp. A 1-day license plus a trout stamp costs $25, which is getting close to the price of a 3-day license. If you think you might fish again during your stay, the longer license is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at midnight if my 1-day license expires at midnight?

No. Your license is valid from midnight to midnight on a single calendar day. If your license expires at midnight on Tuesday, you cannot fish after 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday. If you want to fish on Wednesday, you need a separate license for that day.

Do I need a separate license for each person in my group?

Yes. Each person who fishes must have their own license. A 1-day license covers one person for one day. If two people are fishing together, you each need your own license.

What happens if a game warden checks me and I don't have my license?

You can be cited for fishing without a license. The fine varies but is typically $100 to $200 plus court costs. If you purchased your license online and have the PDF on your phone, show it to the warden immediately. If you genuinely forgot to print or download it, contact the Game, Fish and Parks office as soon as possible to verify your purchase.

Can I use my 1-day license to fish in a private pond or on private land?

A state fishing license is required on all public waters. On private land, the landowner's permission is what matters — you do not need a state license to fish on private property with the owner's consent. However, most people fishing in South Dakota use public lakes and rivers, where the license is required.

Is there an age limit for buying a 1-day license?

South Dakota does not require a license for children under 16. Anyone 16 or older must have a license to fish. If you are buying a license for someone else, you will need their name and date of birth.