Fishing Virtual Mentor

Are you interested in trying fishing? You’re only four steps away!

Blank fishing license

1. Buy a License

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.
Costs:
More on licensing requirements

Purchase a License

Fishing guide cover

2. Be Aware of the Regulations

North Dakota does its best to keep fishing regulations as simple as possible. Regulations are updated every two years and published in a fishing guide.

Anglers are responsible for knowing and following all fishing regulations.

Pay special attention to the following:

Read North Dakota Fishing Regulations

Fishing poles and lures

3. Gather some Gear

Fishing doesn't have to be an expensive pastime.

A simple,versatile spinning rod, spinning reel and monofilament fishing line setup can be used to catch a number of species while shore-fishing.

Fishing Equipment Guide

Fishing maps graphic

4. Find a Fishing Spot

There are over 400 actively managed fishing waters in North Dakota.

You can choose from community fishing ponds, rural lakes and ponds, rivers and reservoirs.

The Department publishes up to date information online including fish stocking lists, cleaning station and other facilities locations, shore fishing sites, lake contour maps, fishing piers and more.

Tutorials and Resources

How Tos

Shore-Fishing
Basics

Basic Ice Fishing
Tips

Cooking and Cleaning
Walleye

How to Clean
a Walleye

Removing Y Bones from
Northern Pike

Fish
Recipes

Fish tacos

Miscellaneous

Full Fishing Information
Menu

Anglers fishing from pier

Fish Identification
(Common Fish of ND)

Common Fish of ND Brochure

Transporting Fillets
in North Dakota

Fishing Tools
and Information

Still have questions about fishing in North Dakota?