South Dakota Aquatic Access Lease Agreements

GFP leases private land next to lakes and streams for year-round public fishing access, paying a $500/year base annual payment plus amenity-based add-ons and an upfront signing bonus ($500/yr for a 5-year term, $1,000/yr for 10 years). Leases are often 1–5 acres but have no maximum. Terms on non-meandered waters are capped at 10 years.

• Private property adjoining waterbodies; guide: 'No size restrictions on acreage.'

• 'Can be paired with other programs like WIA for hunting and fishing access to increase payment.'

Guide: 'Non-Meandered Waters max term is set to 10 years.' Signing bonus repaid for unused full years if cancelled early; restrictions (e.g., ice access only) may reduce payment.

Published amounts: Web: bonus payments 'generally $500/yr for 5-year contract, $1,000/year for 10-year contract, etc.), along with annual payments to the landowner.' Guide p.25: '$500/year base payment term'; added payment rates based on access amenities and fishery.

'For more information, please work with the Aquatic Habitat and Access Biologist in your area.'

Deadline text on the page: Guide p.25: 'Annual Payment is issued in May or November depending on the time of sign up.'