South Dakota vs Wyoming fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Wyoming is $28 cheaper than South Dakota. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, South Dakota is $18.50 cheaper than Wyoming. You need a license from age 18 in South Dakota and from 14 in Wyoming.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | South Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $26 | $14 |
| 3 days | $70 | $42 |
| 7 days | $105 | $84 |
| 1 year | $105 | $123.50 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $41 | $48.50 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| South Dakota | Wyoming | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 18 | 14 |
| Senior residents | Resident senior annual fishing license (65+): $17 (ages 65+) | No senior discount |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | Habitat stamp (resident): $10 Habitat stamp (non-resident): $25 | Conservation stamp (12 months): $21.50 |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | It depends on the boat and where you fish | Not applicable |
| License on your phone | – | – |
| Annual licenses last | To January 31 after the license year | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 |
Full details and sources: South Dakota fishing license · Wyoming fishing license
Shared waters
Neither state lists a special agreement for waters shared with the other. Where you fish decides which license you need.
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | South Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Trout |
Trout, salmon and splake Lake trout (Black Hills) |
Trout (brown, cutthroat, grayling, golden, rainbow, salmon, tiger trout and hybrids) Brook trout |
| Walleye |
Walleye and sauger |
No statewide size limit; bag 6 |
| Crappie |
No minimum; bag 15 (possession 30) |
Crappie, yellow perch and sunfish (including rock bass) |
| Catfish |
Channel and flathead catfish White bass, rock bass and bullhead |
Channel catfish |
| Northern pike |
No minimum; bag 6 (possession 12) |
See area rules; bag No statewide limit; see drainage area exceptions |
| Yellow perch |
No minimum; bag 15 (possession 30) |
Crappie, yellow perch and sunfish (including rock bass) |
| Muskellunge (muskie) |
Muskellunge and tiger muskie |
Tiger muskie |
| Salmon |
Trout, salmon and splake |
Trout (brown, cutthroat, grayling, golden, rainbow, salmon, tiger trout and hybrids) |
Questions
Is a South Dakota fishing license valid in Wyoming?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, South Dakota or Wyoming?
1 day (fresh water): South Dakota $26, Wyoming $14. 1 year (fresh water): South Dakota $105, Wyoming $123.50.
At what age do you need a fishing license in South Dakota and Wyoming?
You need a license from age 18 in South Dakota and from 14 in Wyoming.