Cold hills creeks and warm prairie reservoirs give the state a surprising range of angling. South Dakota keeps its best rewards for those willing to leave the pavement behind.

Rapid and Spearfish creeks hold trout stocked and wild in the Black Hills.

What sets it apart

The Missouri reservoirs are known nationally for their walleye fishing. Small as it sounds, it is exactly the sort of thing that defines the experience on the ground.

Ice fishing draws crowds to the glacial lakes of the northeast each winter.

Why it matters

Step back, and a larger picture comes into view: this is South Dakota in miniature, rugged and unhurried. Come prepared, respect the land, and South Dakota's wild country will give back in kind.