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Kid holding a fish he caught

Open Water Fishing Information

Fishing Licenses

Anyone age 16 and older fishing in North Dakota is required to have a fishing license.

Licenses are annual and valid from April 1 to March 31.

Purchase a License

Blank fishing license

Regulations

North Dakota fishing regulations are updated every two years and published in a fishing guide.

View Fishing Guide

Woman fishing with guide cover superimposed

Where to Fish

Interactive and printable fishing waters maps and information are available to help you find the perfect fishing spot.

  • Fish stocking lists
  • Lake contour maps
  • Fisheries status updates
  • Cleaning stations
  • Boat ramps
  • Shore fishing access
  • Handicap accessible fishing sites
  • Other fishing information

View Fishing Waters Maps and Information

Fishing maps graphic

Paddlefish Snagging

Paddlefish snagging season begins May 1. Snagging requires an additional snagging license. The season may be closed early if the harvest limit is reached prior to the normal closing date.

Paddlefish Snagging Information

Paddlefish

Boating Information

Boat registration, safety regulations, boat access locations, etc.

Boating Information

Boat on a lake

Virtual Fishing Mentor

Are you new to fishing or would like to learn more about fishing equipment? Check out our Virtual Fishing Mentor equipment page to get started.

View Fishing Mentor

Annual Fish Challenges

Try your hand at completing the North Dakota Classic Challenge (northern pike, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, channel catfish) or Sportfish Challenge (bluegill, walleye, bass, trout).

Take the Challenge

People holding fish they caught for the challenge

Miscellaneous Resources



Aquatic Nuisance Species


ANS - curly leaf pondweed

Species, Regulations, Infested Waters, etc.

ANS Information


Tagged Fish Reporting


Tagged walleye

If you catch a tagged fish, please report the tag information.

Report Tag


Fish ID


Yellow perch drawing

Learn how to identify common North Dakota fish species

What is this Fish?


Y Bones


Northern pike Y bone

Learn how to remove Y bones from northern pike

Y Bone Tutorial


Fish Recipes


Fish taco

Learn some new recipes

Fish Recipes


Top Shore-Fishing Tips
(Jason Mitchell Outdoors)


Get some shore-fishing tips


Legal Transport of Fillets



Legal Transport
Regulations


Fishing guide cover with angler and fishing pole in background

Transporting Fillets
in North Dakota



How to Clean
a Walleye for Transport



Season Previews

2024 open water fishing season previews will be published during the weeks of March 25 and April 1.

(Last updated for the 2024 open water season)



Southwest Fisheries District



Lake Sakakawea



Northeast Fisheries District



South Central Fisheries District



Southeast Fisheries District



Devils Lake Complex, Red River



North Central Fisheries District and Lake Audubon



Northwest Fisheries District



Boat Ramps and Facilities



North Dakota Outdoors Magazine


Biologist releasing fish into a lake

NDO Magazine - March/April Fishing Edition

More Fishing Information