1. Pactola Reservoir:

   Located in the Black Hills region, Pactola Reservoir is a picturesque destination for SUP fishing. Anglers can target trout, particularly rainbow trout, by using spinners, spoons, or bait such as nightcrawlers. The best time to fish here is during the summer months when the water temperature rises. In July 2019, an angler caught a 21-inch rainbow trout, showcasing the potential for exciting catches.

2. Lake Oahe:

   Lake Oahe, along the Missouri River, is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. This vast expanse of water offers a wide variety of fish species, including walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. For walleye, jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic swimbaits work well. Smallmouth bass are often caught using crayfish imitations or plastic worms. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for SUP fishing at Lake Oahe, with anglers landing trophy-sized fish throughout the years.

3. Lake Sharpe:

   Adjacent to Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe is another fantastic SUP fishing destination. This reservoir is known for its walleye fishing, with jigs and minnows being highly effective. Early summer and late fall are ideal times to target walleye, and skilled anglers have landed impressive specimens measuring over 30 inches.

4. Angostura Reservoir:

   Angostura Reservoir, situated near Hot Springs, offers a mix of warm-water and cold-water fish species. Anglers can target species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, and northern pike. Topwater lures, soft plastics, and crankbaits are recommended for bass and walleye, while spoons and jerkbaits work well for northern pike. The spring and fall seasons yield remarkable catches, with notable northern pike exceeding 40 inches caught in April 2021.

5. Sheridan Lake:

   Nestled in the Black Hills, Sheridan Lake is a scenic spot for SUP fishing. Rainbow trout are the prized catch here, and anglers have found success with flies such as Woolly Buggers, nymphs, or PowerBait. Late spring and early summer are the optimal times for fishing Sheridan Lake, with catches of 20-inch rainbow trout being recorded in May 2022.

6. Lake Francis Case:

   Lake Francis Case, formed by the Missouri River, is renowned for its walleye and smallmouth bass populations. For walleye, jigs with twister tails or live bait rigs with minnows are effective. Smallmouth bass can be targeted using tube baits, crankbaits, or jigs with soft plastic trailers. Late spring and early summer offer fantastic SUP fishing opportunities, with anglers landing sizable walleye over 28 inches.

7. Lake Poinsett:

   Lake Poinsett, located in eastern South Dakota, is a popular destination for both walleye and perch fishing. Anglers often find success with live bait rigs tipped with minnows or leeches for walleye. Perch can be caught using small jigs tipped with wax worms or minnows. The ice-out period and early summer are prime times to fish Lake Poinsett, with trophy-sized walleye and perch caught in April 2023.

8. Lake Thompson:

   Lake Thompson, the largest natural lake in South Dakota, offers diverse fishing opportunities. Walleye, northern pike, and perch are the primary targets for SUP anglers. Jigs with minnows or leeches are productive for walleye, while northern pike can be enticed by large spoons or swimbaits. Perch can be caught using small jigs tipped with minnows or wax worms. Spring and early summer are optimal for SUP fishing at Lake Thompson, with notable catches of walleye exceeding 25 inches in May 2022.

9. Belle Fourche Reservoir:

   Belle Fourche Reservoir, situated in the northwestern part of the state, is a haven for trout enthusiasts. Rainbow trout are the predominant species, and anglers often find success with spinners, spoons, or PowerBait. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for trout fishing here, with catches of 18-inch rainbows reported in October 2021.

10. Lake Kampeska:

    Lake Kampeska, located near Watertown, offers excellent opportunities for SUP fishing. Anglers primarily target walleye and smallmouth bass. For walleye, jigs tipped with minnows or leeches are recommended. Smallmouth bass can be enticed by soft plastic baits, jerkbaits, or crankbaits. Spring and early summer are the ideal times to fish Lake Kampeska, with noteworthy walleye catches exceeding 26 inches.

11. Lake Alvin:

    Lake Alvin, a small reservoir in Lincoln County, is a serene spot for SUP fishing. Anglers can target largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie here. Soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jigs with live bait are effective for largemouth bass. Bluegill and crappie can be caught using small jigs, grubs, or worms. Spring and summer are optimal for fishing Lake Alvin, with catches of largemouth bass exceeding 20 inches.

12. Lake Vermillion:

    Lake Vermillion, situated near Canistota, is a hidden gem for SUP fishing in South Dakota. Anglers can pursue walleye, crappie, and perch in its clear waters. Jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are productive for walleye, while crappie can be targeted using small jigs or minnows. Perch can be caught using small jigs tipped with wax worms or minnows. Late spring and early summer are the prime seasons for fishing Lake Vermillion, with notable walleye catches surpassing 24 inches.

13. Lake Herman:

    Lake Herman, located near Madison, is a tranquil spot for SUP fishing, known for its largemouth bass and crappie populations. Largemouth bass can be targeted using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures. Crappie can be enticed by small jigs or minnows. Spring and summer are ideal for fishing Lake Herman, with notable largemouth bass catches exceeding 18 inches.

14. Richmond Lake:

    Richmond Lake, situated near Aberdeen, is a fantastic SUP fishing destination with abundant fish species. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and crappie are popular catches here. Jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics are effective for walleye, while smallmouth bass can be enticed by crayfish imitations or plastic worms. Crappie can be targeted using small jigs or minnows. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for SUP fishing at Richmond Lake, with noteworthy walleye catches over 25 inches.

15. Lake Sinai:

    Lake Sinai, located near Brookings, offers a serene environment for SUP fishing. Anglers can target walleye, northern pike, and panfish. Jigs tipped with minnows or leeches work well for walleye, while northern pike can be caught using large spoons or swimbaits. Panfish such as bluegill and crappie can be enticed by small jigs or worms. Spring and early summer are optimal for fishing Lake Sinai, with notable walleye catches exceeding 27 inches.

16. Lake Traverse:

    Lake Traverse, situated on the South Dakota-Minnesota border, is a vast lake teeming with fish. Walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch are popular targets for SUP anglers. Jigs tipped with minnows or leeches are productive for walleye, while northern pike can be enticed by large spoons or swimbaits. Yellow perch can be caught using small jigs tipped with minnows or worms. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for SUP fishing at Lake Traverse, with remarkable catches of walleye over 28 inches.

17. Lewis and Clark Lake:

    Lewis and Clark Lake, formed by the Missouri River, is a premier SUP fishing destination. Anglers can target walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish here. Jigs tipped with minnows or leeches are effective for walleye, while smallmouth bass can be enticed by soft plastics, jerkbaits, or crankbaits. Channel catfish can be caught using cut bait, stink bait, or nightcrawlers. Spring and fall offer excellent opportunities for SUP fishing, with noteworthy walleye catches exceeding 29 inches.

18. Lake Cochrane:

    Lake Cochrane, situated on the South Dakota-Minnesota border, is a small, tranquil lake known for its panfish. Anglers can target bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch here. Small jigs tipped with worms, grubs, or small minnows are effective for all three species. Spring and summer are optimal for fishing Lake Cochrane, with notable catches of bluegill exceeding 9 inches.

19. Lake Herman State Park Pond:

    Located within Lake Herman State Park near Madison, this small pond offers a peaceful SUP fishing experience. Anglers can target trout, largemouth bass, and panfish. Spinners, spoons, or PowerBait are effective for trout, while largemouth bass can be caught using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures. Panfish can be enticed by small jigs or worms. Spring and early summer are the prime seasons for fishing Lake Herman State Park Pond, with notable trout catches exceeding 16 inches.

20. Newton Hills State Park Pond:

    Nestled within Newton Hills State Park, this serene pond is a hidden gem for SUP fishing. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are the primary catches here. Soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures work well for largemouth bass. Bluegill can be enticed by small jigs or worms, while catfish can be targeted using cut bait, stink bait, or nightcrawlers. Spring and summer are optimal for SUP fishing at Newton Hills State Park Pond, with notable largemouth bass catches exceeding 17 inches.

Conclusion:

South Dakota offers a wealth of SUP fishing opportunities, with its diverse waterways and plentiful fish populations. Whether you prefer chasing walleye, casting for smallmouth bass, or targeting trout, there are plenty of stunning locations to explore. Remember to check local regulations and fishing licenses before embarking on your SUP fishing adventure. Be prepared with the recommended lures or bait, and consider the best time of year to visit each location for optimal success. South Dakota awaits, ready to offer you thrilling SUP fishing experiences you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Glide Paddle Boards SUP Fishing Tips. 

Paddle Board Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide.

Learn all about paddle board fishing with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, we've got sup fishing tips for bass and much more. Discover the perfect fishing sup board for your next adventure with the Glide O2 Angler.. Glide offers a range of paddle boards suitable for all your paddle boarding needs.

New to sup fishing? Don't worry, we've got you covered with beginner tips from Glide. Find out if you can fish from a sup and learn the best techniques for landing fish while SUP fishing. Our article on Fishing from a Paddle Board provides tips, tricks, and insights for a successful fishing experience will help make the most of your sup fishing adventure.

Curious about what a fishing sup is? We've got the answer! Discover everything you need to start sup fishing, from the equipment to the techniques. Our Beginner's Guide to Spring SUP Fishing will help you get started on the right foot.

If you're interested in wildlife tips, be sure to check out our blog. We also have an informative article on the Beginners Guide To Bird Watching. For those who enjoy stand-up paddle boarding and wildlife encounters, don't miss our article on Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Wildlife Encounters..

Looking for the best paddle boarding spots in the United States? We've got you covered with The best places to paddle board in the United States a state by state tour of where to paddle board with Glide Paddle Boards. Explore our recommended locations and make the most of your paddle boarding adventures.

If you're in search of international paddle boarding spots, we've got two articles to help you out. Our Check out the ultimate guide on finding places to paddle board near you provides tips and tricks for discovering exciting new locations. For a global perspective, check out Epic Spots Globally To Paddle Board.