• All public lands around the lake and river are open to hunting, except for developed recreation areas.
• Hunting licenses are only valid in the state issued.

Fishing Regulations

• Residents of South Dakota or Nebraska with valid licenses, anglers may fish anywhere on either side of:

• Missouri River
• Lewis and Clark Lake
• Lake Yankton
• Nonresidents
  • SOUTH DAKOTA - Nonresident License:
    • Missouri River: Fish anywhere along the Nebraska/South Dakota border waters except from Gavins Point dam downstream for 0.6 miles
    • Lewis & Clark Lake: Anywhere
    • Lake Yankton: Anywhere
• For more information about the South Dakota-Nebraska reciprocal access agreement, click here.

Fishing Locations and Times

• Walleye & Sauger
  • When: Early May to late June; mid September through November
  • Where: Midway Beach; Gavins Point; Lesterville & Tabor areas; Flats along Hutterite Colony (Miller Creek & Weigand - NE Side)
• Small & Largemouth Bass
  • When: May, June, September & October
  • Where: Springfield-Niobrara areas - best bet to catch large numbers & qualify fish - 2-4 lbs. average
• Crappie-Northern Pike
  • When: Early April after ice out; late fall.
  • Where: Marina; along the face of the dam; Springfield-Niobrara area
    
• White Bass
  • (Lewis & Clark's Most Plentiful Fish)
  • When: Late August, September, early October. Very good fighters and good eating. Lots of action, good for kid fishing! 1.5-2.5 lbs. average
• Catfish
  • When: Late June, July, August
  • Where: Springfield, Santee, and Niobrara areas
• Prime Fishing Spots
  • Lake Yankton- Handicap Fishing Pier Jetties located on the west side
  • Missouri River- Nebraska Tailwaters handicap Fishing Pier or "The Bubble" (located on the north side where Lake Yankton drains into the river)
  • Lewis and Clark Lake- Weigand/Burbach Jetties