Fishing For Salmon In South Dakota
Guide to fishing for chinook and coho salmon in SD.
South Dakota is not typically known for its salmon fishing, as the state is not located near the ocean. However, there is one species of salmon that can be found in some of the state's waters: the Chinook salmon. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about salmon fishing and identify popular salmon waters in the state.
Chinook Salmon
One of the most sought-after salmon species in South Dakota is the chinook salmon, also known as king salmon. These powerful and impressive fish can reach impressive sizes and provide anglers with thrilling battles. Anglers often target them by trolling with downriggers or casting spoons and crankbaits.
Chinook Salmon, like all Pacific salmon, die after spawning. They grow large and put up a great fight when hooked. Fish for chinook with down riggers to troll around the thermocline. Use flashers, trailed with bait for best results. The current South Dakota state record for chinook salmon stands at over 44 pounds.
One of the main waters where Chinook salmon can be found in South Dakota is Lake Oahe, which is a massive reservoir on the Missouri River. Lake Oahe provides excellent habitat for these salmon, and anglers can target them using various techniques, including trolling, casting, and jigging.
Coho Salmon
Another species of salmon found in South Dakota is the coho salmon. These coho's can are often more available to be caught during the fall when they migrate closer to the shoreline. These acrobatic fish put up a fierce fight and are highly prized by anglers. Trolling with spoons, plugs, or flies is a popular method for targeting coho salmon.
Coho Salmon are smaller in size compared to other salmon but still provide a thrilling fight when hooked. Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are another prized species targeted by anglers in South Dakota. These fish are known for their aggressive nature and aerial displays when hooked. Coho salmon offer thrilling battles, often leaping out of the water and making blistering runs. They can be caught by trolling or casting near shore areas during their migratory periods. Use small spinners, or bait on a bobber setup. Good bait options include wax worms, minnows, shrimp, and nightcrawlers.
While South Dakota's salmon fishing opportunities are limited compared to other states with more extensive ocean access, the presence of Chinook salmon in Lake Oahe provides anglers with a unique and exciting opportunity to catch this prized species in an inland setting.
Salmon Fishing Waters in South Dakota
Lewis And Clark Lake and Pactola Reservoir offered some salmon fishing in years past. Currently Lake Oahe, Lake Poinsett, Lake Sharpe and Oahe Tailrace are the only waters in South Dakota with significant populations of salmon.
Click the image or link above for species details.
South Dakota State Record Salmon
The state record Atlantic salmon was caught from Lake Oahe.
The state record chinook salmon came from Lake Oahe.
The state record coho salmon was caught in the Missouri River.
The record kokanee salmon was taken out of Pactola Reservoir.
South Dakota Salmon Fishing
The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies, as well as a variety of other lures and baits.
The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies. For more details check here for articles about fly fishing.
About The Pacific Salmon Family
Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by species. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which empty into the ocean, and adjoining ocean waters.
Salmon Organizations
Salmon fishing waters and information, by state.
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SOUTH DAKOTA
