Year-Round Fishing Adventures in Rapid City
Experience the allure of angling in the Rapid City region, where pristine Black Hills streams and lakes lie just beyond city limits. Yet, right within our city, you'll discover rippling creeks and calming ponds, including the largest creek in the central region of the hills. Wade the waters or search the shorelines for the perfect place to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout, along with northerns, perch and crappies – it might just be an angler's paradise.
The mountain lakes and freshwater streams in our region are abundant with wildlife. With a South Dakota fishing license and some local expertise, it won't just be the fish getting hooked.
Where to Cast a Line
Canyon Lake Park
- 4181 Jackson Blvd
- (605) 394-4175
Canyon Lake Park is one of the oldest city parks in Rapid City. The park totals 29…
Deerfield Lake
- West Pennington
Access to this site has been impacted by US Highway 385 Construction. Learn more…
Sheridan Lake Recreation Area
- Hwy 228
- (605) 673-9200
Just 15 miles from Rapid City, Sheridan lake has the largest swim beach in the Black…
Pactola Reservoir
- Hwy 385
- (605) 343-8755
Access to this site has been impacted by US Highway 385 Construction. Learn more…
The Outdoor Campus West
- 4130 Adventure Tr.
- (605) 394-2310
Visit Outdoor Campus – West for free educational classes available for youth…
Memorial Park
- 444 Mt. Rushmore Rd. N
- (605) 394-4175
Located on Rapid Creek adjacent to The Monument (formerly known as the Rushmore Plaza…
Rapid Creek
- 515 West Boulevard
- (605) 394-4175
Rapid Creek is the largest creek in the central region of the Black Hills, renowned…
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Where can I purchase a South Dakota fishing License?
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Fishing licenses are available for purchase online through the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website, or at one of the authorized license agents in the Rapid City area.
How much is a South Dakota Fishing License?
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Residential Annual Fishing License $28 | Resident 1 Day Fishing License $8 | Resident Senior Fishing (65 and Older) $12
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Nonresident Annual Fishing License $67 | Nonresident 1 Day Fishing License $16 | Nonresident 3 Day Fishing License $37
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Individuals under the age of 18 for both resident and nonresident do not require a fishing license.
*All prices include an additional surcharge of $6
Are guided fishing tours or lessons available in the area?
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Yes, several outfitters and guides offer fishing charters in Rapid City and the Black Hills area. In Rapid City specifically you can reach out to Dakota Angler & Outfitter for guided fly fishing charters or Outdoor Campus-West for lessons in fishing, fly fishing, or ice fishing.
When is the best time of year to fish in the Black Hills?
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Great fishing can take place in the Rapid City area from March to November. During the winter season ice fishing is popular on some of the Black Hills area lakes.
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