Fishing Charters in South Dakota
Browse fishing charters in South Dakota that can help you catch channel 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 Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Yale. Right now in February, activity is Poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Channel Catfish
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.


