Fishing Charters in South Dakota

Browse fishing charters in South Dakota that can help you catch channel catfish.

Dakota Prairie Angling - Dakota Prairie Angling
Dakota Prairie Angling

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.

freshwaterWalleye
Watertown, South Dakota
Central Dakota Guide Service - Central Dakota Guide Service
Central Dakota Guide Service

Central Dakota Guide Service

5(2)Top Rated

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

inshore
Chamberlain, South Dakota
Curtis Lagan Guiding - Curtis Lagan Guiding
Curtis Lagan Guiding

Curtis Lagan Guiding

5(2)Top Rated

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.

freshwater
Gettysburg, South Dakota
Dave Spaid Hunting And Fishing Guide Service - Dave Spaid
Dave Spaid

Dave Spaid Hunting And Fishing Guide Service

5(4)Top Rated

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

inshoreWalleye
Pierre, South Dakota
Brad Beeler Fishing - Brad Beeler Fishing
Brad Beeler Fishing

Brad Beeler Fishing

5(1)Top Rated

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

freshwater
Pierre, South Dakota
Fish Hunter Guide Service - Fish Hunter Guide Service
Fish Hunter Guide Service

Fish Hunter Guide Service

5(1)Top Rated
inshore
Lake City, South Dakota
Nebraska John Guide Service - Nebraska John Guide Service
Nebraska John Guide Service

Nebraska John Guide Service

5(1)Top Rated

Walleye Fishing Guide in Pierre Walleye fishing, Pierre, SD Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe

freshwaterWalleye
Pierre, South Dakota
Buffalo Butte Ranch - Buffalo Butte Ranch
Buffalo Butte Ranch

Buffalo Butte Ranch

5(55)Top Rated
Gregory, South Dakota
South Dakota Access Guide Service - South Dakota Access Guide Service
South Dakota Access Guide Service

South Dakota Access Guide Service

5(7)Top Rated

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

Northern PikeWalleye
Mitchell, South Dakota
Finn Provisions Fly Shop - Finn Provisions Fly Shop
Finn Provisions Fly Shop

Finn Provisions Fly Shop

5(209)Top Rated

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.

Spearfish, South Dakota
Dakota Prairie Guide Service - Dakota Prairie Guide Service
Dakota Prairie Guide Service

Dakota Prairie Guide Service

5(8)Top Rated

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.

Chamberlain, South Dakota
Cleland Guide Service - Cleland Guide Service
Cleland Guide Service

Cleland Guide Service

5(8)Top Rated

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

Oacoma, South Dakota

Best Time to Catch Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Yale. Right now in February, activity is Poor.

Book a Channel Catfish Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish

freshwater

If you're looking for some great channel catfish action in eastern South Dakota, Yale is a sleeper spot. The smaller lakes and stock dams around Yale hold surprisingly large catfish populations, often overlooked by anglers heading to the Missouri River. Prime time is late spring to early summer, after the spawn, when the cats are actively feeding. Another excellent period is late summer into early fall as they fatten up for winter. Focus on areas with structure like submerged timber, creek channels, or rocky points. A simple slip-sinker rig with stinkbait, cut bait, or nightcrawlers works wonders. A local tip: many of these lakes are on private land, so always ask permission before fishing. Also, be prepared for some potentially muddy access roads, especially after rain.

How to Catch Channel Catfish

Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Yale.

Channel Catfish Fishing Regulations in South Dakota

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

No limit

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Fishing License

⚠️ 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 channel catfish around Yale, SD?

Channel catfish are opportunistic feeders. Common baits include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stink baits, and cut bait. Experiment to see what's working best on any given day.

Is there a size restriction for channel catfish in South Dakota?

No, there is no size limit for channel catfish in South Dakota. You can keep any size you catch.

What time of year is best for catching channel catfish near Yale?

While you can catch them year-round, the warmer months (late spring, summer, and early fall) are typically the most productive for channel catfish fishing.

Do I need a special license to fish for channel catfish in South Dakota?

No, you just need a standard South Dakota fishing license to legally fish for channel catfish.

More Channel Catfish Fishing in South Dakota

Other Species to Fish in Yale

Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Yale?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.