Proud Angler
The goal of the South Dakota Trophy Fish Award (Proud Angler) is to recognize anglers who are fortunate enough to catch a trophy fish. Fish rarely survive long enough to become a trophy, and anglers preferring to practice catch and release are especially encouraged to participate in this program. These large fish are biologically important in healthy fish populations. Anglers are encouraged to consider applying for a catch-and-release award so more anglers can share in the opportunity to catch a trophy.
If you have caught a fish that qualifies, submit this form.
Minimum Qualifications
| Weight | Length (released fish only) | ||
| Bass | |||
| Largemouth | 5 lb. | 20 in. | |
| Smallmouth | 3 lb. | 18 in. | |
| Rock | 1 lb. | 10 in. | |
| White | 2 3/4 lb. | 17 in. | |
| Bluegill | 1 lb. | 10 in. | |
| Bullhead | |||
| Black | 2 lb. | 15 in. | |
| Brown | 2 lb. | 15 in. | |
| Yellow | 2 lb. | 15 in. | |
| Catfish | |||
| Blue | 15 lb | 30 in. | |
| Channel | 15 lb | 30 in. | |
| Flathead | 15 lb | 30 in. | |
| Chinook Salmon | 12 lb. | 30 in. | |
| Crappie | |||
| Black | 2 lb. | 15 in. | |
| White | 2 lb. | 15 in. | |
| Lake Herring | 1 1/2 lb. | 15 in. | |
| Muskellunge | 20 lb | 40 in. | |
| Northern Pike | 15 lb | 38 in. | |
| Tiger Muskie | 15 lb | 38 in. | |
| Paddlefish** | 50 lb | 45 in. | |
| Sauger | 4 lb. | 22 in. | |
| Trout | |||
| Lake | 5 lb. | 24 in. | |
| Splake | 4 lb. | 20 in. | |
| Brook | 1 lb. | 14 in. | |
| Brown | 5 lb. | 20 in. | |
| Rainbow | 5 lb. | 20 in. | |
| Kokanee | 2 lb. | 14 in. | |
| Walleye | 8 lb. | 27 in. | |
| Whitefish | 4 lb. | 16 in. | |
| Yellow Perch | 1 3/4 lb. | 14 in. | |
| ** Only legal size paddlefish taken during season are eligible for award. | |||