May 16-18, 2008, during State Parks Open House Weekend, anyone may fish in South Dakota without a license. The rest of the year, however, licenses are required for residents and nonresidents.

U.S. and Canadian citizens who are over 16 and have valid Social Security numbers (not required of Canadian citizens) can purchase over-the-counter licenses online at www.sdgfp.info; a credit card and a printer are needed to buy the license and print it for use. Parents may purchase youth permits for their children.

Those who need to present some other form of physical documentation (e.g., nonresident students attending school in South Dakota and nonresidents serving in the military stationed in South Dakota) must purchase their licenses from a storefront agency.

Non-U.S./Canadian citizens who need to purchase fishing licenses in advance of entering the United States should call Game, Fish and Parks, (605) 773-3485, to make special arrangements.