North Dakota’s diverse waterways offer anglers excellent opportunities to catch and enjoy delicious fish. From expansive lakes to winding rivers, the state boasts rich fishing grounds teeming with prized species. Walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and channel catfish rank among the best fish to catch and eat in North Dakota.

Seasonal patterns influence fish behavior and catch potential across the state. Spring brings walleye and northern pike to shallow spawning areas, while summer sees these species move to deeper waters. Yellow perch can be caught year-round, providing a reliable target for anglers in all seasons.

Fishing enthusiasts flock to popular spots like Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, and the Missouri River system. These waters host abundant populations of game fish, attracting both local and out-of-state visitors. With proper preparation and knowledge of fishing regulations, anglers can enjoy rewarding experiences and delicious meals from North Dakota’s waters.

Fishing Destinations and Species in North Dakota

North Dakota offers diverse fishing opportunities across its lakes and rivers. Anglers can target a variety of species including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and bass in prime locations throughout the state.

Devils Lake

Devils Lake is a renowned fishing destination in eastern North Dakota. Spanning over 160,000 acres, it’s known for excellent walleye, northern pike, and white bass fishing.

The lake features numerous bays and structures that provide ideal habitats for fish. Anglers often find success targeting walleye near underwater points and drop-offs.

Devils Lake’s perch fishery is particularly notable, with trophy-sized yellow perch available year-round. Ice fishing is popular here during winter months.

Several boat ramps and fishing piers provide easy access to the water. Local guides and bait shops offer valuable insights on current fishing conditions and hot spots.

Lake Sakakawea

Lake Sakakawea, created by Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, is North Dakota’s largest reservoir. It spans 178 miles and offers exceptional fishing for walleye, northern pike, and salmon.

The lake’s diverse structure includes flooded timber, rocky points, and deep channels. These features attract a variety of fish species throughout the year.

Walleye fishing is particularly productive in spring and fall. Anglers often troll crankbaits or use bottom bouncers with live bait to target walleye.

The lake also supports a growing population of smallmouth bass. Rocky shorelines and submerged structures are prime areas for bass fishing.

Lake Oahe

Lake Oahe, shared with South Dakota, extends into southern North Dakota. It’s known for its walleye, northern pike, and catfish populations.

The lake’s clear waters and rocky structure create ideal conditions for walleye. Anglers often find success using jigs and minnows near underwater points and drop-offs.

Northern pike fishing can be excellent, especially in the spring when pike move into shallow bays to spawn. Large spoons and crankbaits are effective lures for targeting pike.

Lake Oahe also offers good opportunities for channel catfish. Cut bait and prepared stink baits are popular choices for catfish anglers.

Missouri River

The Missouri River provides diverse fishing opportunities as it flows through North Dakota. The river’s tailrace areas below Garrison Dam and Oahe Dam are particularly productive.

Walleye fishing is a major draw, with the possibility of trophy-sized fish. Jigging and live bait rigs are effective techniques in the tailrace areas.

The river also supports populations of sauger, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Anglers can find success targeting these species around current breaks and structure.

Catfishing is popular in the lower sections of the river. Both channel catfish and flathead catfish can be caught using cut bait or live bait.

Red River

The Red River, forming North Dakota’s eastern border, is known for its channel catfish fishery. It’s home to some of the largest catfish in North America.

Catfish anglers often use cut bait, frogs, or nightcrawlers to target these whiskered giants. The best fishing is typically from late spring through early fall.

The river also supports populations of walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. These species can be targeted in deeper pools and near current breaks.

Several fishing piers along the Red River provide shore fishing access. These structures are particularly useful during high water periods.

Jamestown Reservoir

Jamestown Reservoir, located in central North Dakota, offers good fishing for walleye, northern pike, and crappie. The reservoir covers 2,095 acres and features varied structure.

Walleye fishing is productive in spring and fall. Anglers often use jigs and minnows or troll crankbaits to target walleye.

The reservoir’s northern pike population provides exciting action, especially in early spring. Spinnerbaits and large minnows are effective for pike.

Crappie fishing can be excellent, particularly during the spawn in late spring. Small jigs and minnows are popular baits for crappie.

Lake Audubon

Lake Audubon, adjacent to Lake Sakakawea, offers quality fishing for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The lake covers 19,000 acres and features abundant underwater structure.

Walleye fishing is consistently good, with fish often found near rocky points and submerged islands. Jigging and trolling are both effective techniques.

Northern pike provide action throughout the year, with spring and fall being particularly productive. Large spoons and soft plastics work well for pike.

The lake’s yellow perch fishery is notable, with good numbers of fish available. Ice fishing for perch is popular during winter months.

Popular Fish Species

North Dakota offers diverse fishing opportunities with several prized species. Anglers can target a variety of fish in the state’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

Walleye

Walleye is North Dakota’s most sought-after game fish. These golden-eyed predators thrive in large lakes and rivers across the state. Devils Lake is renowned for its walleye fishing, attracting anglers from far and wide.

Walleyes prefer cooler waters and are often found near underwater structures. They feed actively during low-light periods, making dawn and dusk prime fishing times.

The state record walleye weighed 16 pounds, 6 ounces. Most caught are smaller, typically 1-3 pounds. Anglers use live bait, jigs, and crankbaits to target walleyes.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are aggressive predators found in many North Dakota waters. These long, torpedo-shaped fish have sharp teeth and put up a strong fight when hooked.

Pike inhabit weedy areas in lakes and slow-moving rivers. They ambush prey, striking with explosive speed. Spinners, spoons, and large minnows are effective lures.

The state record pike weighed 37 pounds, 8 ounces. Most caught range from 2-10 pounds. Pike are popular for both sport fishing and eating, though they require careful cleaning due to their Y-shaped bones.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are abundant in many North Dakota lakes. These tasty panfish are prized for their firm, white flesh. Devils Lake is famous for its jumbo perch, some weighing over 2 pounds.

Perch school in large numbers, often near underwater structures. They feed throughout the day, making them accessible to anglers of all skill levels.

Small jigs tipped with minnows or worms are effective for perch fishing. Ice fishing for perch is especially popular in winter months.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Bass fishing is growing in popularity in North Dakota. Largemouth bass thrive in weedy, warmer waters, while smallmouth prefer cooler, rocky habitats.

Both species are known for their acrobatic fights when hooked. Anglers use a variety of lures including plastic worms, jigs, and topwater baits.

The state record largemouth weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces, while the record smallmouth was 6 pounds, 13 ounces. Catch-and-release is common among bass anglers to maintain healthy populations.

Catfish

Channel catfish are found in many North Dakota rivers and reservoirs. These whiskered bottom-feeders can grow to impressive sizes, with the state record weighing 42 pounds, 1 ounce.

Catfish are often caught using smelly baits like cut bait or prepared stink baits. They are most active at night, making them a popular target for evening fishing trips.

The Red River is known for its trophy catfish, with many exceeding 20 pounds. Catfish are prized for both their fighting ability and table quality.

Salmon

Chinook salmon were introduced to Lake Sakakawea and are now a popular target for anglers. These oceangoing fish have adapted to freshwater life in North Dakota’s largest reservoir.

Salmon fishing typically peaks in late summer and early fall as the fish prepare to spawn. Trolling with downriggers is a common technique for targeting these hard-fighting fish.

The state record Chinook salmon weighed 31 pounds, 2 ounces. While not native to North Dakota, salmon have become an exciting addition to the state’s fishing opportunities.

Fishing Techniques and Tackle

North Dakota offers diverse fishing opportunities year-round. Anglers can employ various techniques and tackle to target different species across the state’s lakes and rivers.

Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in North Dakota requires specialized equipment and techniques. Anglers often use medium to medium-heavy rods paired with baitcasting reels. Popular lures include plastic worms, jigs, and crankbaits.

Soft plastics work well when rigged Texas-style or on a Carolina rig. Topwater lures can be effective during warm months, especially in the early morning or late evening.

When targeting largemouth bass, focus on structure such as submerged logs, weed beds, and docks. For smallmouth bass, rocky areas and drop-offs are productive spots.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in North Dakota. Anglers need an ice auger, ice scoop, and portable shelter for comfort.

Short, sensitive rods paired with small reels are ideal for ice fishing. Tip-ups are another effective method, allowing anglers to cover more area.

Live bait such as minnows, waxworms, and maggots are top choices for ice fishing. Jigging spoons and small jigs tipped with bait can also entice strikes from walleye, perch, and northern pike.

Safety is crucial when ice fishing. Always check ice thickness and carry safety gear like ice picks and a flotation device.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing in North Dakota can be productive for trout, bass, and panfish. A 5-weight rod is versatile for most situations, paired with floating line and a selection of leaders and tippets.

Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers are essential flies to carry. Match the hatch by observing insects on the water and choosing similar fly patterns.

For trout, focus on rivers and streams with clear, cool water. Bass can be targeted in lakes and larger rivers using poppers and streamer patterns.

Practice your casting technique to improve accuracy and presentation. A stealthy approach is often necessary, especially in clear water conditions.

Regulations and Conservation

North Dakota implements fishing regulations to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable angling. These rules cover seasons, limits, and conservation practices for different species.

Fishing Seasons

North Dakota’s fishing seasons vary by species and location. Walleye fishing is open year-round in most waters. Northern pike season runs from May to March in many areas. Some waters have special regulations or closed seasons to protect spawning fish.

Ice fishing is popular from December through March, depending on ice conditions. Anglers must follow specific ice fishing rules, including shelter removal dates and hole size limits.

The state offers free fishing days on June 1-2, 2024 and December 28-29, 2024. Residents can fish without a license on these dates.

Spawning and Conservation

Protecting fish during spawning is crucial for population sustainability. Walleye typically spawn in April and May when water temperatures reach 45°F. Northern pike spawn earlier, often as soon as ice melts.

Many lakes have protected spawning areas where fishing is restricted. Catch-and-release practices are encouraged, especially for larger fish that are prime spawners.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department conducts regular fish surveys and stocking programs to maintain healthy populations. Anglers can contribute to conservation efforts by following regulations and reporting any unusual fish observations.

Licensing and Permits

All anglers 16 and older must have a valid North Dakota fishing license. Options include:

• Annual resident license
• Annual non-resident license
• Short-term licenses (3-day, 10-day)
• Combination licenses (fishing and hunting)

Licenses can be purchased online, at authorized vendors, or by phone. Some waters require additional permits or stamps.

Disabled veterans and seniors over 65 may qualify for reduced fees or free licenses. Children under 16 can fish without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult.

Additional Fishing Amenities

North Dakota offers a variety of amenities to enhance the fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Many fishing lakes provide ample shore access, allowing those without boats to enjoy productive fishing spots.

Community fisheries are popular in urban areas, providing convenient fishing opportunities close to home. These well-stocked ponds often feature accessible fishing piers and platforms.

Numerous lakes across the state boast well-maintained fishing piers, enabling anglers to reach deeper waters without a boat. These structures are particularly useful for targeting species like walleye and northern pike.

Some larger lakes offer fish cleaning stations, allowing anglers to process their catch on-site. Many locations also provide boat ramps and rentals for those looking to explore further from shore.

Camping facilities are available near prime fishing spots, letting visitors extend their stay and maximize fishing time. Some areas include picnic grounds and playgrounds, making them suitable for family outings.

Bait shops and tackle stores can be found near popular fishing destinations, ensuring anglers have access to necessary supplies. Many also offer local fishing reports and advice on current hotspots.

Planning Your Fishing Trip

Successful fishing trips in North Dakota require careful preparation. Timing, accommodations, and local expertise can significantly impact your experience.

Choosing the Right Time

Spring and early summer offer prime fishing opportunities in North Dakota. Walleye spawn in April and May when water temperatures reach 45°F. Northern pike become active as soon as ice melts. Summer months provide excellent conditions for bass fishing. Fall brings cooler temperatures and active fish preparing for winter.

Consider weather patterns and water levels when planning your trip. Late spring to early fall generally offers the most stable conditions. Weekdays typically see less fishing pressure than weekends.

Accommodations Near Fishing Locations

North Dakota offers various lodging options near popular fishing spots. Campgrounds provide affordable stays close to nature. Many lakes feature waterfront cabins for easy access to fishing grounds. Hotels in nearby towns offer comfort and amenities for longer stays.

Lake Sakakawea State Park provides camping and cabin rentals with boat ramps and fish cleaning stations. Devils Lake area offers resorts catering specifically to anglers. Research accommodations in advance, especially during peak fishing seasons.

Local Fishing Guides

Hiring a local guide can greatly enhance your North Dakota fishing experience. Guides possess in-depth knowledge of local waters, seasonal patterns, and effective techniques. They often provide equipment and can help secure necessary licenses.

Many guides specialize in specific species or bodies of water. Some popular guiding services operate on Devils Lake, known for its walleye and perch fishing. Lake Sakakawea guides offer expertise in catching salmon and trout.

Book guides well in advance, especially for prime fishing dates. Verify their credentials and ask about their experience with your target species.