Hunting & Fishing in Yankton
Hunting
Hunting is a year-round sport in southeastern South Dakota. Small game, waterfowl and big game dominate the fall hunting seasons, while predator hunting fills the winter months and spring signals the start of turkey season. South Dakota’s state bird, the Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant, thrives in the habitat provided by the South Dakota landscape.
Fishing
Southeastern South Dakota has more than 175 fishing lakes as large as 29,000 acres. This region is equipped to host fishermen year-round with open seasons on most species of fish: bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, perch, sauger and walleye. Lewis & Clark Lake draws anglers from across the country with its alluring combination of largemouth and smallmouth bass, and Westside Park in Yankton has a great fishing pond for kids. If nothing’s biting, don’t worry – you can feed the friendly ducks that reside there.
Guides and Outfitters
The locations and descriptions of fishing guides and hunting outfitters in the Yankton area are featured in the business listings below.
Hunting and Fishing Seasons
For complete, up-to-date information on hunting and fishing in South Dakota, check out the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks Web site at www.gfp.sd.gov.
License Information
South Dakota has established seasons for hunting different species of animals and birds. A license is required. Fishing is permitted in South Dakota year-round. Limitations for the number and size of fish caught are set by the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department.
Licenses can be purchased at several local convenience stores, bait shops, sporting goods stores and park and recreation offices. Places to get hunting and fishing licenses in Yankton include:
- Captain Norm’s Bait Shop
- Dakota Archery & Outdoor Sports
- Hy-Vee
- TJ’s Mini Mart
- Wal-Mart
- Freedom Valu Center
- Kmart
Processing and Taxidermy
Yankton has options for processing your game and fish including: