Guide To Great Trout Fishing Locations In South Dakota
All about fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown and lake trout in local lakes and streams.
Trout Waters
Creeks, streams and rivers provide a majority of the trout fishing in South Dakota. However, a few of the major lakes contain schools of trout including Lake Oahe, Shadehill Reservoir, Deerfield Lake and Canyon lake.
Trout Species In The State
Rainbow trout
World record: 42 lbs 2 oz
State Record: 19 lbs 4 oz
Cutthroat trout
World record: 41 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 6 lbs 5 oz
Brook trout
World record: 14 lbs 8 oz
State Record: 12 lbs 0 oz
Brown trout
World record: 40 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 24 lbs 8 oz
Lake trout
World record: 72 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 30 lbs 0 oz
Click the images and links above for species details.
Select the best trout lures and baits
Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.
South Dakota State Record Trout
The state record rainbow trout was caught from the Oahe Tailwaters.
The state record cutthroat trout was taken out of Rapid Creek.
The state record brook trout was taken out of Deerfield Lake.
The state record brown trout came from Canyon Lake.
The state record lake trout was caught out of Pactola Reservoir.
The state record tiger trout was caught in Center Lake.
Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.
Big rainbow trout swim in state waters. Grab some gear and go trout fishing soon!
Visit the South Dakota Division of Wildlife website for information about trout fishing. Click here for additional information about trout stocking in SD.
The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.
Additional trout information
Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited
Trout locations and info, by state.
The habits of trout.
Trout are considered some of the most difficult fish to fool. Once you locate South Dakota waters with a population of trout, the challenge becomes identifying trout flies and lures that will trigger strikes. Visit the trout fishing page to learn more about the habitat each of the trouts prefer.
SOUTH DAKOTA
