Fishing

Fishing Licenses

• Purchase Licenses Online
  • Purchase a fishing license on the Department's online licensing system.
• Other License Information and Purchasing Options
  • Fishing licenses types, prices and other information.

Fishing Regulations

• Fishing Regulations Guide
  • List of current fishing related regulations.
• Darkhouse Spearfishing Registration
  • Registration is required prior to darkhouse spearfishing in North Dakota.
• Paddlefish Snagging Season
  • Information on paddlefish and the spring snagging season.
• Fishing Tournament Permits
  • Fishing contests in which prizes or cash are given for catching fish from waters open to the public must receive a permit from the Game and Fish Department. Requirements and application.
• Fishing FAQs
• Walleye Regulation Fact Sheets

Where to Fish

• Where to Fish
  • Maps, boating access, fishing piers and facilities, fish stocking and other fishing related information.
• Fish Stocking Lists
  • Maps showing when and where different species of fish have been stocked in state waters.

Fish Identification

• Fish Identification
  • Guide to identifying common fish found in North Dakota waters.

Aquatic Nuisance Species

• ANS Information
  • Descriptions of ANS species known or thought to be in North Dakota Waters
  • Permitting system based on the need to control movement into or within North Dakota while allowing for traditional, educational, and/or beneficial uses of select aquatic species.
  • Maps showing locations of current known infestations of ANS in North Dakota.
  • ANS FAQs
• Online ANS Observation Report Form

Tagged Fish Reporting

• Tagged Fish Reporting Form
  • Information derived from reports of tagged fish captures is critical for understanding and managing fish populations in the state. Please report tags online at the link above.
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Records, Clubs and Certificates

• State Record Fish
  • Information on current records and on how to submit a fish for a record.
• Whopper/Catch and Release
  • Club rules and applications.
• First Fish Certificate
  • Certificate from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department celebrating an angler's first catch.

Miscellaneous Fishing Information

• Northern Pike - Deboning and Recipes
  • Video showing the process used for deboning northern pike.
• Fishing the Red River
  • Red River fishing guide produced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife with technical assistance provided by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
• Services for People with Disabilities
  • Information on outdoor related services available to people with disabilities in North Dakota including a list of handicap accessible fishing facilities.