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

Species		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.