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nd.gov - The Official Portal for North Dakota State Government
Woman fishing at sunset

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.

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:

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 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?