Custer State Park in South Dakota is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities, including fishing. To legally fish within the park, you need to obtain a valid fishing license from the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) department. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the cost of a daily fishing license, the need for a separate license for the park’s creeks, and the specific fishing regulations you should be aware of.
Cost of a Daily Fishing License
The cost of a daily fishing license at Custer State Park varies depending on your residency status:
| License Type | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Small Game License (includes fishing) | $12 | N/A |
| 1-Day Fishing License | N/A | $10 (for nonresidents under age 18) |
It’s important to note that the 1-Day Small Game License is the option for residents, as it includes fishing privileges. Nonresidents under the age of 18 can purchase a 1-Day Fishing License, while all other nonresidents will need to obtain a Nonresident Small Game License.
Separate Fishing License for Creeks
Yes, you need a separate fishing license to fish in the creeks within Custer State Park. The license types and costs are as follows:
| License Type | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game License (includes fishing) | $33 | $121 |
The Small Game License, which includes fishing privileges, is the required license for both residents and nonresidents who wish to fish in the park’s creeks, such as Grace Coolidge and French Creek.
Specific Fishing Regulations for Creeks
In addition to the fishing license requirements, there are specific regulations for fishing in the creeks within Custer State Park:
- Daily Trout Limit: Anglers are allowed to catch a maximum of five trout per day.
- Stream Fishing: All anglers are required to obtain a valid fishing license and follow the state’s fishing regulations when fishing in the park’s streams and creeks.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are fishing within the legal limits and to help preserve the park’s natural resources.
Park Entrance License
Aside from the fishing license, you also need a park entrance license to access Custer State Park. The available options are:
- Daily Park License: $8 per vehicle, valid until the start of quiet hours the day issued or 4 p.m. the following day if issued to registered campers.
- Custer State Park Temporary License: $20 per vehicle, valid for seven days.
You can purchase these licenses online, by phone, or at various agent locations across the state.
Purchase and Application
You can purchase or apply for a fishing license and park entrance license through the following channels:
- Online: Visit the South Dakota GFP website (https://gfp.sd.gov/purchase/) to purchase your licenses online.
- Phone: Call the South Dakota GFP at 1-800-228-5472 to purchase your licenses over the phone.
- Agent Locations: Visit one of the many agent locations across the state, such as sporting goods stores or bait shops, to purchase your licenses in person.
Be sure to have the necessary information, such as your personal details and any applicable discounts or exemptions, ready when purchasing your licenses.
Conclusion
Fishing in Custer State Park is a unique and enjoyable experience, but it’s important to ensure you have the proper licenses and follow the specific regulations. By understanding the cost of a daily fishing license, the need for a separate license for the park’s creeks, and the applicable regulations, you can plan your fishing trip to Custer State Park with confidence and ensure you are fishing legally and responsibly.
References:
- https://gfp.sd.gov/license-types/
- https://gfp.sd.gov/purchase/
- https://gfp.sd.gov/pel/
- https://gfp.sd.gov/hunt-fish-license/
- https://www.custersd.com/Hunting-%26-Fishing