Photo © Sam Stukel

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass are abundant in warm water ponds, lakes and impoundments especially when protected from wind and containing submerged vegetation. It is found statewide and feeds primarily on fishes, insects and crustaceans.

Largemouth Bass have a long, slender body with a large mouth and head. The upper jaw reaches to the rear margin of the eye or farther in adults. Their body is dark olive in color fading to white on the belly. They have a dark mid-lateral stripe and a deep notch in the dorsal fin that separates the spiny and soft-rayed portions.

Daily Limit:

Statewide: 5

Limits apply to any combination of largemouth and/or smallmouth bass.


MN/SD Border waters: 6

Several lakes have specific smallmouth and largemouth length regulations, please see your South Dakota Fishing Handbook for more information.

Possession Limit:


Proud Angler Qualifications:

5 pounds

20 inches (released fish only)