Forms & Permits

Photo © Keith Anderson

Fish Importation Permit

A Fish Importation Permit is required for all live fish or fish eggs originating from sources outside the boundaries of the state of South Dakota before they can be brought into South Dakota.

All state, federal, and private hatchery facilities, private pond owners, resident anglers, non-resident anglers, and resident and non-resident bait dealers are required to obtain a fish importation permit from the department before obtaining fish or fish eggs from sources not in South Dakota.

You can apply for an importation permit online through Go Outdoors SD or by submitting a paper application through regular mail, using the link above. A $40 application fee is required for applications for private hatcheries and commercial bait dealers. There is no fee to submit an importation permit application for non-commercial purposes. If an application is approved, the permit issued is valid for 12 months from the date on the export facilities most recent fish health inspection report.  

Apply Online 

Online Fish Importation Permit Application Instructions

GFP requires that all fish or eggs originating from sources not in South Dakota be free of regulated fish diseases at the time of importation. The originating source and facility that the fish are held at prior to importation into South Dakota must be inspected at least annually for regulated fish diseases. A copy of a current fish health inspection report for the source or export facility must be included when applying for an importation permit through Go Outdoors SD or when submitting the application through regular mail.

All Fish Importation Regulations must be met for an importation permit to be issued. Questions regarding fish importation regulations and permits can be directed to the department's Fish Health Specialist at 605.394.1917.

For fish imported for stocking in ponds, dams or natural waters on private land, Fish Stocking Authorization must be approved before an importation permit will be issued.

Retail and personal aquaria hobbyists are not required to obtain a fish importation permit for ornamental fish species used in aquariums or private garden ponds. No person may possess, transport, sell or propagate a live fish species that is designated as aquatic invasive species in South Dakota. Administrative Rule 41:10:04:01. For more information contact the Aquatic Invasive Species coordinator at 605.367.5244.

Transportation Requirements

A copy of the permit must be in possession when transporting live fish or included with the shipping container for eggs or live fish.