Catfish Fishing in South Dakota

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Lakes In South Dakota

You can find catfish in most of South Dakotas major lakes including Angostura Reservoir, Belle Fourche Reservoir, Lake Albert, Lake Francis Case, Lake Kampeska, Lake Madison, Lake Oahe, Lake Pelican, Lake Poinsett, Lake Preston, Lake Sharpe, Lake Thompson, Lake Traverse, Lake Whitewood, Lewis And Clark Lake and Shadehill Reservoir. They cal also be caught out of rivers, smaller lakes and ponds across the state.

The South Dakota state record blue catfish was taken out of the Missouri River and the SD state record channel catfish and flathead catfish were both caught in the James River.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Fishing for Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus

Channel cats can be caught most any time of year except in extreme cold water conditions. The best time of year tends to be spring and fall followed by summer and lastly winter. Channel catfish favor crawfish and small fish, so look for them at varying depths where there is rock or gravel that attracts the crawfish or other forms of cover that attracts baitfish and other small fish. In the warmer summer months catfish can be found in areas with moss, which they feed on.

Fishing For Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris

Flatheads are caught primarily on bait like live shiners and chubs and only occasionally on cut or prepared baits. They are the second largest of the catfishes and lie in cover of submerged logs or other large structures. Prime fishing time for catching flathead catfish is after dark.

Fishing For Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus

Look for these big blue catfish on major rivers or in impoundments fed by large tributaries. They feed on fish frogs, mollusks, crayfish and large invertebrates. They find food more by use of their keen sense of smell. Look for them to be hiding in hollowed out logs or undercuts in structures. Use anything from live shiners to cut bait and stink baits to catch these big blue catfish.

Catfish Baits

If it resembles food in any way and emits scent or an odor it is likely to attract the interest of catfish. Every ardent catfish expert has their own secret recipe. The ingredients range from natural prey of fish and fowl to non-food items like soap and chemicals. Chicken, shrimp, liver and stink baits are the most common ingredients. The long whiskers of the catfish are always in search of an easy meal.

Catfish Organizations & Resources

Catfish Conservation Group
Catfish Conservation
U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments
Planet Catfish

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Check out catfish information in other areas using the list of states to the left.

All About Fishing for Catfish in South Dakota.

58 lbs - 0 oz

55 lbs - 0 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with mild current and sand or rock bottom.

123 lbs - 0 oz

56 lbs - 8 oz

75 - 84 Degrees

Prefers streams or large bodies of slightly stained to murky water with moderate current and hard bottom.

124 lbs - 0 oz

97 lbs - 0 oz

68 - 80 Degrees

Found primarily in large river systems with deep current and swift channels.