Fishing Charters in South Dakota
Browse fishing charters in South Dakota that can help you catch blue catfish.


Dakota Prairie Angling
Watertown, South Dakota
Dakota Prairie Angling is a walleye guide service near Whitlocks Bay on beautiful Lake Oahe. Dakota Prairie Angling also provides ice fishing on northeastern South Dakota glacial lakes.


Central Dakota Guide Service
Central Dakota Guide Service provides you amazing guides for your hunting and fishing adventures.


Curtis Lagan Guiding
If you’re looking for a variety of fishing, look no further! Nestled in one of the greatest fishing spots in the country is Lake Oahe, a dammed area of the Missouri River.


Dave Spaid Hunting And Fishing Guide Service
Dave Spaid Guiding offers premier South Dakota fishing and hunting outfitter services. South Dakota Walleye Fishing and Pheasant Hunts at it's finest!


Brad Beeler Fishing
Brad Beeler Fishing Guide. Lake Oahe::Lake Sharpe::Missouri River::Pierre, SD


Fish Hunter Guide Service


Nebraska John Guide Service
Walleye Fishing Guide in Pierre Walleye fishing, Pierre, SD Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe


Buffalo Butte Ranch


South Dakota Access Guide Service
Prime South Dakota Pheasant hunting in South Dakota! Also offering Walleye & Pike Fishing! Excellent accommodations, food, and dogs with decades of experience.


Finn Provisions Fly Shop
Tail Finn offers fly fishing services for The Black Hills of South Dakota. Anglers of all abilities, no matter gender, or age are welcome to fish with us. Our seasoned group of guides want you to have fun, catch fish, and hopefully learn a thing or two about the sport we so dearly love.


Dakota Prairie Guide Service
South Dakota fishing guide and Pheasant hunting outfitter service for the Chamberlain and Oacoma, SD area, including the Missouri River, Lake Francis Case and Lake Sharpe.


Cleland Guide Service
Official website for Cleland Guide Service. A family owned business located in central South Dakota. Your fishing and hunting vacation awaits. Book early for be
Best Time to Catch Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish can be caught year-round in Rapid City. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Blue Catfish
While not typically the first species that comes to mind in the Black Hills, Rapid City offers some surprising opportunities for Blue Catfish anglers. The stretch of the Cheyenne River below Angostura Reservoir is your best bet. This tailwater fishery maintains relatively stable flows and temperatures, creating favorable conditions. Target the deeper holes and channel edges with cut bait – sucker meat or commercially prepared catfish bait are popular choices. The best time to target blues here is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Access can be a bit tricky; look for public access points along Highway 79 south of Rapid City, but be prepared for some walking. The Blue Catfish in this section of the Cheyenne aren't known for their massive size, but you can find some respectable fish, and the solitude of the setting makes for a unique fishing experience.
How to Catch Blue Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Blue Catfish in Rapid City.
Blue Catfish Fishing Regulations in South Dakota
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
1 per day
Size Limit
30-inch minimum
License Required
Fishing License
Only one blue catfish greater than 30 inches may be possessed.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the South Dakota state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for Blue Catfish in Rapid City?
Blue catfish in the Rapid City area respond well to a variety of baits, but cut bait (like sucker or herring), chicken liver, and nightcrawlers are popular choices. Experiment to see what's working best on a given day.
What's the minimum size Blue Catfish I can keep in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, you can keep Blue Catfish that are 30 inches or longer. Be sure to measure your catch carefully before deciding to keep it.
How many Blue Catfish can I keep per day in Rapid City?
In South Dakota, the daily bag limit for Blue Catfish is 1 per day. Make sure you adhere to this regulation.
Can I fish for Blue Catfish year-round in South Dakota?
Yes, the season for Blue Catfish in South Dakota is open year-round. This gives anglers ample opportunity to target this species.
More Blue Catfish Fishing in South Dakota
Other Species to Fish in Rapid City
Ready to Catch Blue Catfish in Rapid City?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.


