South Dakota paddlefish snagging runs Oct. 1–31 below Gavins Point

South Dakota’s paddlefish snagging season is open. Game, Fish and Parks’ 2026 Paddlefish Snagging Season Regulations set the season at Oct. 1–31, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central. Residents may snag the Missouri River from Gavins Point Dam to the mouth of the Big Sioux, and the Big Sioux from the I-29 bridge to the confluence. The sheet notes stilling-basin and discharge closures.

Nonresidents fishing on South Dakota tags may snag only downstream of 0.6 miles below the dam. The near-dam stretch requires a Nebraska nonresident tag. The limit equals the tags issued, with a maximum of two. Fish from 35 to 45 inches, measured eye to fork, must be released. Anglers may use one line and one hook with a gap of one-half inch or less. Tag the fish immediately on the dorsal fin, and do not close the tag before attaching it.

This is South Dakota’s sheet, separate from the Nebraska Missouri River paddlefish brief already on the desk.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: South Dakota GFP — 2026 Paddlefish Snagging Season Regulations (PDF) (season Oct. 1–31, 2026).