2018 North Dakota Fishing Waters

Authors and Contributors

Various

North Dakota has nearly 450 fishing waters that have public access and some degree of management by state Game and Fish Department biologists.

What follows are driving directions and infrastructure information for these managed waters, plus additional fish population remarks for many of them.

The number in parenthesis that follows each fishery is simply a code used by biologists to help identify those waters. The codes are also found on the accompanying maps to help readers locate specific waters.

The fishery outlooks provided by Game and Fish Department district fisheries supervisors and biologists are not all-inclusive reports, but rather peeks into each water’s fish populations to help frame angler expectations. With a record number of lakes scattered across North Dakota, fisheries biologists have yet to conduct thorough population assessments on many of these waters.

Any changes and updates on managed lakes appear online.

Most state public fishing waters have boat ramps. Lakes or rivers where no ramp exists are listed as “no ramp.” Check signs at each area for further restrictions.

Click on a thumbnail to go directly to that district's report.

Devils Lake Basin | Missouri River System

FISHERIES BY DISTRICT

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NORTHWEST FISHERIES DISTRICT

Aaron Slominski, district fisheries biologist, Williston

BURKE COUNTY

Northgate Dam (097) – 6 miles north, 1 mile west, 2 miles north, .5 miles west of Bowbells. Good populations of walleye and bluegill. Stocked with rainbow trout annually, with some nice-sized carry-over trout. Fair number of black crappie and a few largemouth bass. (Fishing pier).
Powers Lake (093) – Southeast side of Powers Lake. Pike in good numbers and a variety of sizes. (Fishing pier).
Short Creek Dam (094) – 5.5 miles north of Columbus. Fair populations of pike, walleye, perch and bluegill. (Fishing pier).
Smishek Lake (095) – 4 miles northwest of Powers Lake. Good number of perch and a few large bluegill. Also fair numbers of walleye and pike, with a few big fish of both species. White suckers are fairly abundant and a management problem. (Fishing pier).

DIVIDE COUNTY

Baukol-Noonan Dam (475) – 2 miles east, .5 miles south of Noonan. Stocked annually with rainbow trout. Some walleye and largemouth bass. Small yellow perch and bluegill present. (Fishing pier).
Baukol-Noonan East Mine Pond (508) – 2 miles east, .5 miles south of Noonan. The road was recently repaired and access is good. Stocked with rainbow trout in 2017. Some nice largemouth bass. Also contains good numbers of mostly small yellow perch and bluegill. Abundant black bullheads.
Magnuson’s Slough (250) – 12 miles north of Alamo on County Road 11. Adult perch stocked in 2016. Fish of various sizes present. (No ramp).
Skjermo Lake (126) – 3 miles west, 4 miles northwest of Fortuna. Good pike population, some perch and bluegill. (Fishing pier).

MCKENZIE COUNTY

Arnegard Dam (216) – .5 miles west, 3 miles north, 1.5 miles southwest of Arnegard. Primarily pike. Some adult perch and abundant black bullhead. Stocked with adult catfish in 2016. (Fishing pier).
Leland Dam (469) – 11 miles south, 8 miles west, 8 miles south, 2 miles southeast, 1.5 miles east, 1 mile north of Alexander. Strong bluegill and largemouth bass populations.
Sather Dam (217) – 11 miles south, 8 miles west of Alexander. Good number of smaller bluegill and some nice largemouth bass. (Fishing pier).
Watford City Park Pond (640) – Southeast side of Watford City. All fish lost to winterkill nearly every winter. Stocked annually in spring with adult channel catfish and catchable-sized rainbow trout. (Fishing pier, no ramp).

MOUNTRAIL COUNTY

Clearwater Lake (248) – 2 miles east, 3.8 miles north, .5 miles east, 3 miles north-northeast, .5 miles east of Stanley. Good northern pike population and a few smaller perch. Walleye stocked in 2016-17.
Stanley Pond (245) – Northeast side of Stanley. Significant winterkill most winters. Stocked annually in spring with adult channel catfish and catchable-sized rainbow trout. (Fishing pier).
Stanley Reservoir (251) – 1 mile south of Stanley. Winterkilled in 2017, stocked with fingerling pike in spring 2017.
White Earth Dam (249) – 6 miles north, 8.5 miles east, 2 miles south of Tioga. Fishery consists primarily of northern pike, but also a fair number of walleye, perch, a few black crappie and some large bluegill. White suckers are fairly abundant and a management problem. (Fishing pier).

RENVILLE COUNTY

Lake Darling (285) – 16 miles north, 13 miles west of Minot. Strong northern pike, walleye and yellow perch populations, and a few smallmouth bass. Black bullhead are extremely abundant and a serious management problem. (Fishing pier).

WILLIAMS COUNTY

Blacktail Dam (373) – 5 miles north, 5 miles west, 1 mile north of the junction of U.S. highways 2 and 85. Good numbers of pike, perch and bluegill and a fair number of walleye and smallmouth bass. White suckers are fairly abundant and remain a management concern. (Fishing pier).
Cottonwood Lake (381) – 1 mile east, .5 miles north of Alamo. Good pike fishery, with a variety of sizes. Perch abundant, though most are smaller. Walleye stocked in 2016-17. (Fishing pier).
East Spring Lake Pond (380) – North side of Williston. Winterkills every year. Fishing opportunities reliant on annual stocking of adult northern pike. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Epping-Springbrook Dam (374) – 1.5 miles east of Springbrook. Fair northern pike, walleye and perch populations. Black bullhead and white sucker are abundant and a serious management problem. (Fishing pier).
Kettle Lake (099) – 3 miles east, 2.5 miles north of Zahl. Lake was chemically renovated in spring 2017 and restocked with rainbow trout and adult bluegill. (Fishing pier).
Kota-Ray Dam (376) – 5 miles south, .5 miles east, 2 miles south of Ray. Nice largemouth bass present. Stocked annually with rainbow trout. Abundant, but mostly small perch, and a few large bluegill. Also holds some walleye and smallmouth bass. A few large walleye. (Fishing pier).
Little Muddy River (393) – East edge of Williston. Highly dependent on high water levels and fish movement from upper Missouri River. Fair populations of northern pike and channel catfish, with many other species present. (Fishing pier).
McGregor Dam (378) – 1 mile south of McGregor. Good number of walleye, a few yellow perch. Stocked annually with rainbow trout, with some nice-sized carry-over trout. Stocked with adult bluegill in 2017. (Fishing pier).
McLeod (Ray) Reservoir (377) – Southwest side of Ray. Decent walleye population, some nice perch and abundant small pike. Bluegill present. (Fishing pier).
Tioga Dam (379) – North side of Tioga. Primarily a pike fishery, although a few perch and bluegill present. (Fishing pier).
Trenton Lake (018) – South side of Trenton. Good numbers of northern pike, crappie and channel catfish. Due to periodic interconnection with the Missouri River, many other species present. (Fishing pier).
West Spring Lake Pond (033) – North edge of Williston. Stocked annually with rainbow trout and adult catfish. Black bullheads abundant and a serious management problem. (No ramp).

RIVERS AND LAKES

Upper Missouri River (014) – Missouri River from Williston to Montana state line. Primarily a spring and fall fishery for sauger and walleye, abundant channel catfish. Many other species present.
Yellowstone River (019) – Near the towns of Buford, Cartwright and Fairview. Primarily a spring and fall fishery for sauger and walleye, abundant channel catfish. Many other species present. (Fishing pier).

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SOUTHWEST FISHERIES DISTRICT

SOUTHWEST FISHERIES DISTRICT

Jeff Hendrickson, district fisheries supervisor, Dickinson

ADAMS COUNTY

Mirror Lake (040) – South side of Hettinger. Winterkilled in 2017. Stocked walleye fry in May. Abundant bullhead up to a half-pound. Some pike up to 1 pound. (Fishing pier).
North Lemmon (042) – 5 miles north of Lemmon, South Dakota. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Some brown trout up to 2 pounds. Abundant small yellow perch. Fair number of bluegill up to a half-pound. Fair number of largemouth bass up to 4 pounds. Some walleye up to 10 pounds. (Fishing pier).

BOWMAN COUNTY

Bowman-Haley Dam (085) – 11 miles south, 8 miles east, 2 miles south of Bowman. Good number of walleye up to 7 pounds, northern pike up to 15 pounds, white bass up to 1.5 pounds and smallmouth bass up to 2 pounds. Some yellow perch and crappie up to a half-pound. Abundant large carp up to 14 pounds, good for bowfishing. (Fishing pier).
Gascoyne Lake (086) – 1.5 miles northwest of Gascoyne. Pike stocked annually. Perch stocked in 2014. Small carp, bullhead and green sunfish abundant at times.
Kalina Dam (087) – 2 miles west, 1 mile south, 1 mile west, 1 mile south of Bowman. Abundant pike up to 6 pounds. Some small bluegill, perch and crappie. Make sure to access lake from south shore. (No ramp).
Lutz Dam (519) – 2.5 miles south, 2 miles west, .75 miles north of Griffin. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Abundant small bluegill and black crappie. Stocked adult yellow perch in 2017. (No ramp).
Spring Lake (088) – 1 mile south, 4 miles west of Rhame. Good number of pike up to 5 pounds and small perch.

DUNN COUNTY

BarZ Dam (664) – 8 miles north, 3 miles west, 2 miles north, 3 miles northwest of Killdeer. Adult bluegill stocked in 2017. (No ramp).
Big Flat Slough (370) – 4 miles north, 3.5 miles west, .5 miles north of Marshall. No recent information. (No ramp).
Lake Ilo (131) – 1 mile west, 1 mile south of Dunn Center. Abundant pike up to 10 pounds, some perch up to a half-pound. (Fishing pier).

GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTY

Beach City Pond (657) – Southwest side of Beach. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Camels Hump Lake (150) – Northeast of Sentinel Butte I-94 Exit 10. Rainbow trout stocked annually, with some up to 2 pounds. Abundant largemouth bass are mostly small, with some up to 6 pounds and bluegill up to three-quarters of a pound. Some brown trout and smallmouth bass.
Odland Dam (151) – 7 miles north of Beach. Abundant perch up to three-quarters of a pound and bluegill up to 1 pound. Abundant young walleye, with some up to 3 pounds. (Fishing pier).
Williams Creek Dam (152) – 7 miles south, 5 miles east, 2 miles south of Golva. Fair number of bluegill, with some up to a half-pound. Some largemouth bass up to 2 pounds and small green sunfish. (No ramp).

GRANT COUNTY

Heart Butte Reservoir (160) – 15 miles south of Glen Ullin. An abundance of mostly small walleye, with some fish up to 7 pounds, catfish up to 10 pounds, pike up to 7 pounds, white bass up to 2 pounds, crappie up to 1 pound and smallmouth bass up to 2 pounds. Good number of perch up to 1 pound and some bluegill up to 1 pound. Abundant large buffalo up to 30 pounds and bullhead up to 1.5 pounds, some large carp up to 15 pounds. (Fishing pier).
Raleigh Reservoir (163) – 3.5 miles west, .25 miles south of Raleigh. Abundant small bluegill and yellow perch, with some up to 1 pound. Water level is low, but boat ramp is usable. (Fishing pier).
Sheep Creek Dam (164) – 4 miles south, .5 miles west of Elgin. Rainbow trout stocked annually, with some up to 2 pounds. Abundant bluegill and crappie up to a half-pound. Fair number of largemouth bass up to 4 pounds. Some walleye up to 6 pounds. Brown trout up to 2 pounds. (Fishing pier).

HETTINGER COUNTY

Blickensderfer Dam (176) – 4 miles south, 1 mile east, .5 miles south of Mott. Abundant small bluegill, with some up to a half-pound. Some northern pike up to 5 pounds, small perch. Stocked adult largemouth bass in 2017. (No ramp).
Castle Rock Dam (174) – 2 miles west, 1.5 miles south, 1.5 miles west of Mott. Rainbow trout stocked annually, with some trout up to 2 pounds.
Indian Creek Dam (171) – 1.5 miles west, 2 miles south, 2 miles west, 3 miles south of Regent. Walleye abundant up to 10 pounds, small perch, with some up to a half-pound and bluegill up to 1 pound. Some smallmouth bass up to 2 pounds and largemouth bass up to 1 pound. (Fishing pier).
Larson Lake (173) – .5 miles north and 2 miles east of Regent. Fair number of pike up to 5 pounds and perch up to 1 pound.
Mott Watershed Dam (175) – North side of Mott. Rainbow trout stocked annually, with some up to 2 pounds. Abundant bluegill up to 1 pound. Abundant small largemouth bass, with a few up to 6 pounds. (Fishing pier).

MORTON COUNTY

Danzig Dam (243) – 2 miles north, 1.4 miles west, .2 miles north of I-94 Exit 120. Fair numbers of northern pike up to 10 pounds and walleye up to 2 pounds, some small perch and bluegill. Abundant carp up to 5 pounds and bullhead up to a half-pound.
Gaebe Pond (025) – 1.5 miles west of New Salem. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Adult catfish up to 5 pounds stocked most years. Some small perch and bluegill. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Krieg’s Pond (705) – .5 miles east of Hebron. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Adult perch stocked most years. Adult catfish stocked in 2015-16. (No ramp).

SIOUX COUNTY

Larson Lake (090) – 4 miles north, 1 mile west of Thunderhawk, South Dakota. History of winterkill. Largemouth bass and bluegill stocked in recent years. (No ramp).

SLOPE COUNTY

Cedar Lake (322) – 13 miles north, 2 miles west of Reeder. Stocked adult catfish and walleye fry in 2017. Removed 90 percent of bullhead population in 2015. Abundant carp up to 5 pounds. Good number of pike up to 12 pounds.
Davis Dam (323) – 16 miles west, 4 miles north of Amidon. Rainbow trout stocked annually, with some up to 1.5 pounds. Good number of bluegill up to three-quarters of a pound and largemouth bass up to 3 pounds.

STARK COUNTY

Belfield Pond (332) – Southwest side of Belfield. Partial winterkill in 2017. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Some bluegill up to 1 pound. Adult catfish and perch stocked in 2017. (Fishing pier).
Dassinger Pond (328) – 8 miles south, 1 mile east, .8 miles north of Exit 72. Walk through the gate 500 yards northwest. Adult largemouth bass and bluegill stocked as needed. (No ramp).
Dickinson Dike (331) – Southwest side of Dickinson. Rainbow trout stocked annually, cutthroat trout stocked in 2016. Adult catfish up to 5 pounds stocked most years. Fair number of largemouth bass up to 4 pounds and small bluegill. (Fishing pier).
Dickinson Reservoir (330) – 2 miles west of Dickinson. Abundant walleye up to 6 pounds, abundant bluegill up to 1 pound, good number of northern pike up to 11 pounds, good number of yellow perch up to 1 pound, some crappie up to a half-pound and catfish up to 15 pounds. Abundant bullhead up to 1 pound. (Fishing pier).
Slater Pond (503) – From I-94 Exit 84, .75 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles north, .5 miles east. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Abundant small perch. (No ramp).

RIVERS AND LAKES

Cannonball River (388) – In Slope, Hettinger, Grant and Sioux counties. Carp abundant most of the time. Some walleye, northern pike and catfish during spring spawning. (No ramp).
Heart River (390) – In Stark, Grant, and Morton counties. Abundant carp and buffalo most of the time. Some walleye, northern pike and catfish during spring spawning. (No ramp).
Little Missouri River (410) – Southwestern part of state. Abundant catfish up to 10 pounds. Some sauger and walleye during spring spawning. (No ramp).

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NORTH CENTRAL FISHERIES DISTRICT

Jason Lee, district fisheries supervisor, Riverdale

BOTTINEAU COUNTY

Boundary Lake (083) – 9 miles north, 11 miles east, 2.5 miles north of Bottineau. Decent number of 6- to 8-inch perch. (No ramp).
Carbury Dam (452) – 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Carbury. Decent number of pike. (Fishing pier).
Lake Metigoshe (077) – 9 miles north, 4 miles east, 1 mile north of Bottineau. Holds several sizes of bluegill, including some large fish, along with some nice crappie. Good number of walleye, with a wide range of sizes. Good pike fishing, with some large fish. (Fishing pier).
Long Lake (078) – 8 miles north, 7 miles east, 1 mile south, 1 mile east, .5 miles south, .3 miles east of Bottineau. Decent pike and walleye populations. Lots of small perch. Some nice bluegill.
Loon Lake (674) – 9 miles north, 4 miles east, 2 miles south, 2 miles east, .5 miles north of Bottineau. Fairly new perch fishery, with high perch numbers and some larger fish. (No ramp).
Pelican Lake (079) – 9 miles north, 8 miles east, .5 miles southwest of Bottineau. Decent number of northern pike.
Strawberry Lake (081) – 4 miles north, 2.5 miles east, .5 miles south of Carbury. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (Fishing pier).
Thompson Lake (074) – 9 miles north, 4 miles east, 2 miles south, 1 mile east, 1 mile south of Bottineau. Yellow perch stocked in 2012. (No ramp).

BURLEIGH COUNTY

New Johns Lake (750) – 11.8 miles south, 3 miles east of Mercer. Decent walleye numbers, with some larger fish. Pike numbers increased in recent years. Good number and sizes of smallmouth bass. Periodically stocked with muskie. (Fishing pier).

MCHENRY COUNTY

Bentley Lake (129) – 3 miles west of Drake. Fair number of small pike and some perch. (No ramp).
Buffalo Lodge Lake (205) – 2 miles east, 3 miles north, 2 miles east of Granville. Excellent pike numbers. Walleye population somewhat reduced. Perch mostly small. (Fishing pier).
Cottonwood Lake (202) – 2.5 miles north of Butte. Decent number of pike and a good number of nice-sized walleye. (Fishing pier).
George Lake (203) – 13 miles north, 1 mile east, 1.3 miles north, .5 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 52 and ND Highway 14. Good number of pike, with some large fish. (Fishing pier).
Round Lake (204) – 6 miles north, 3.7 miles east, 1 mile north of Drake. Good number of pike and some walleye. (No ramp).

MCLEAN COUNTY

Brush Lake (221) – 3 miles north of Mercer. Decent numbers of perch and walleye. Good pike population, with some larger fish. (Fishing pier).
Camp Lake (479) – 17.5 miles north, 2 miles east of Turtle Lake. Decent number of pike and lots of small perch. (No ramp).
Camp Loop Pond (546) – 3 miles southwest of Riverdale on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ downstream campground. Stocked annually with rainbow trout. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Coal Lake (528) – 3 miles south, 1.5 miles east, .75 miles north of Underwood. Newer walleye lake, with a good number of small- to medium-sized fish. (No ramp).
Crooked Lake (223) – 10 miles north, .2 miles east, .1 mile south of Turtle Lake. Good numbers of nice-sized pike and walleye, with some smaller perch. Bluegill population increasing in recent years. (Fishing pier).
Custer Mine (224) – 4 miles east, 2 miles south of Garrison. A good put-and-take rainbow trout fishery in a small, easy-to-fish pond.
East Park Lake (752) – 9 miles south of Mercer. Decent walleye numbers, with some larger fish. Fair number of small-to medium-sized yellow perch. Bluegill population has increased in recent years. (Fishing pier).
Lake Audubon (225) – North of Coleharbor. Good number of walleye and an excellent smallmouth bass fishery. Anglers should see good numbers of 14- to 19-inch walleye. Some large pike. (Fishing pier).
Lake Brekken (232) – 1.5 miles north of Turtle Lake. Good number of perch, mostly smaller. Good number of walleye, with some larger fish. (Fishing pier).
Lake Gertie (724) – 1 mile south of Benedict. Fairly new lake, with a good number of pike. (No ramp).
Lake Holmes (455) – 1 mile northeast of Turtle Lake. Small perch abundant. Good number of walleye, with some larger fish.
Lightning Lake (233) – .5 miles east of Turtle Lake. A quality trout fishery, with some large fish. Stocked annually with rainbow trout. (Fishing pier).
Long Lake (228) – 13 miles north, 4 miles east, 2 miles north, 1.5 miles west of Turtle Lake. Good number of pike.
Painted Woods Creek (418) – 5 miles southeast of Washburn. Fair number of northern pike. (No ramp).
Pelican Lake (757) – 7 miles north, 3 miles east, .4 miles north of Mercer. Abundant perch and some pike. (No ramp).
Riverdale City Pond (220) – North side of Riverdale. Popular pond for kids and family outings. Lots of small bluegill. Stocked annually with rainbow trout. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Schroeder East (170) – 14 miles north, 3.7 miles east of Mercer. Newer perch lake, with some decent-sized fish. (No ramp).
Scooby Lake (761) – .5 miles south, 1 mile west, .3 miles south of Benedict. Newer fishery, with a good number of small- to medium-sized walleye. (No ramp).
Strawberry Lake (226) – 17.5 miles north, 2 miles east of Turtle Lake. Good pike population. Lots of small perch and bluegill. (Fishing pier).
Triangle Y Pond (463) – 4 miles west, 1.5 miles south, 1 mile west, 1 mile south, 1 mile west, .5 miles south of Garrison. Small pond stocked with perch, used mostly by Triangle Y kids. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Turtle Lake (697) – 4.5 miles west, 1 mile north of Turtle Lake. Decent number of northern pike, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Weishaar WPA (488) – 8 miles north, 8 miles west, 1 mile north of Turtle Lake. Winter perch fishery. (No ramp).
West Park Lake (753) – 9 miles south, 3 miles west of Mercer. Fair number of walleye and small perch. Good number of pike, with some larger fish. (No ramp).

MERCER COUNTY

Beulah Mine Pond (235) – 2 miles north, 2.5 miles east, .5 miles north of Beulah. Some pike and perch. (No ramp).
Harmony Lake (560) – 6 miles north, 1 mile west of Hazen. Good number of bluegill, with some quality-sized fish. Stocked annually with rainbow trout. (Fishing pier).
Hazen Creek (382) – West end of Hazen. Rainbow trout stocked annually in spring. (No ramp).

OLIVER COUNTY

East Arroda Dam (262) – 1 mile east of Fort Clark ND Highway 200A. Decent crappie numbers, with some quality fish. Pike and perch numbers increased in recent years, with mostly smaller fish. Earthen fishing piers for shore-fishing access.
Nelson Lake (258) – 5 miles east, 3 miles south of Center. The best largemouth bass lake in the state. Open water year-round allows warm-water fish to grow better than in other lakes. Abundant quality-sized bluegill and crappie. (Fishing pier).
Oliver County Sportsmen’s Pond (266) – 4 miles south, .5 miles west of Center. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (No ramp).
West Arroda Dam (264) – 1 mile east of Fort Clark ND Highway 200A. Decent crappie numbers, with some quality fish. Pike and perch numbers have increased in recent years. Earthen fishing piers for shore-fishing access.

PIERCE COUNTY

Antelope Lake (617) – 5 miles east, 6 miles north of Anamoose. Nice-sized perch abundant. Good number of walleye, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Balta Dam (269) – .5 miles south of Balta. Stocked with northern pike fingerlings in 2014 and 2015.
Clear Lake (654) – 6 miles east, .7 miles south of Anamoose. Good numbers of quality-sized walleye and perch. (No ramp).
Davis Lake (024) – 2 miles west, 1.5 miles south of Balta. Stocked with northern pike fingerlings in 2014.
Lesmeister Lake (692) – 3 miles south, 3 miles west, 1.3 miles north of the intersection of ND highways 3 and 19. Newer walleye lake, with good numbers of small- to medium-sized fish. (No ramp).

RENVILLE COUNTY

Glenburn Pond (466) – North side of Glenburn. Small pond stocked annually with trout. Perch and bluegill stocked periodically. (No ramp).

SHERIDAN COUNTY

Barreth Lake (158) – 2 miles south, 2 miles east, 2 miles south, .6 miles west of Goodrich. Newer perch lake, with some keeper-sized fish. (No ramp).
Bender Lake (715) – .5 miles south, 4 miles west, .5 miles south of Martin. Fair number of mostly small perch. (No ramp).
Cherry Lake (698) – 7 miles north, 3 miles east, 2 miles north, .3 miles west of Mercer. Fair number of small perch, with some quality-sized fish. (No ramp).
Coal Mine Lake (482) – 14 miles south, 5 miles east of Anamoose. Significant winterkill in 2016-17 greatly reduced the number of northern pike. (Fishing pier).
Davis WPA (598) – 8 miles south, 1 mile east of Denhoff. Abundant perch, with some quality-sized fish. Decent number of walleye, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Doctor Lake (207) – 2 miles south of Denhoff. Newer perch lake, with some keeper-sized fish. (No ramp).
Heckers Lake (751) – 9 miles south, 2.4 miles east of Mercer. Fair numbers of perch and walleye, with some quality-sized fish. Decent numbers of pike and smallmouth bass. (No ramp).
Hinsz Lake (765) – 18 miles north, 4.2 miles east of McClusky. Decent numbers of quality-sized walleye and perch. (No ramp).
Kaibel Lake (756) – 10.2 miles south of Drake. Lots of perch, but many are smaller-sized. (No ramp).
Lake Richard (653) – 4.5 miles south of Drake. Abundant yellow perch, with some quality-sized fish. (No ramp).
Miller Lake (772) – 18 miles north, 2 miles east, .2 miles south of McClusky. Newer perch lake, first stocked in 2014. (No ramp).
Mud Lake (716) – 4.5 miles south of Anamoose. Newer perch lake, with a fair number of fish. (No ramp).
North (Hoffer) McClusky (461) – 2 miles north, 1 mile west of McClusky. Abundant northern pike. (No ramp).
Sheyenne Lake (314) – 13.5 miles south, 1.5 miles east, .4 miles north of Anamoose. Pike stocked periodically. (No ramp).
South (Hoffer) McClusky (316) – 2 miles north, 1 mile west of McClusky. Decent numbers of perch, walleye and pike. Some bluegill and crappie. (Fishing pier).
Stober Lake (562) – 9 miles east, 2 miles north, 2 miles east of McClusky. Good number of walleye, with some larger fish.
Vollrath Lake (699) – 5.5 miles north, 1 mile east, 1 mile south of Goodrich. Good number of perch, with some quality-sized fish. (No ramp).
Wolf Lake (558) – .5 miles south, 1.8 miles west of Martin. Restocked with pike fingerlings in 2013 and 2014. (No ramp).

WARD COUNTY

Hiddenwood Lake (443) – 8 miles south of Makoti. Decent numbers of yellow perch, walleye, smallmouth bass and pike. (Fishing pier).
Lake Korslein (774) – 5 miles west, 3 miles north, .5 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 83 and ND Highway 23. Newer perch lake, first stocked in 2014. (No ramp).
Makoti Lake (365) – 6 miles south of Makoti. Good number of pike and perch. (No ramp).
North Carlson Lake (360) – 10 miles east of Ryder. Good number of northern pike.
Rice Lake (362) – 4 miles north, 7 miles east, 2 miles north of Ryder. Good number of pike, with a wide range of sizes. (Fishing pier).
South Carlson Lake (361) – 10 miles east of Ryder. Good fishing in recent years for mostly smaller pike. Bluegill numbers increasing recently. (Fishing pier).
State Fair Pond (027) – North end of state fairgrounds. Small pond stocked annually with trout and panfish. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Velva Sportsmen’s Pond (364) – 7 miles south, 1.5 miles west, 1 mile south, .5 miles west of Velva. Consistently a quality fishery for nice-sized rainbow and brown trout.

WELLS COUNTY

Hurd Lake (718) – 2 miles west, 3 miles south of Hurdsfield. Newer perch lake, with a fair number of fish. (No ramp).

RIVERS AND LAKES

Knife River (392) – In Dunn and Mercer counties. Connected to the Missouri River, so a variety of fish species available. (No ramp).
Lake Sakakawea (020) – Near the cities of Williston, New Town, Garrison and Riverdale. See separate Missouri River System report.
McClusky Canal (464) – Central part of state in McLean, Burleigh and Sheridan counties. Excellent smallmouth bass fishery, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Missouri River (004) – Missouri River from near Riverdale to south of Bismarck. See separate Missouri River System report.
Souris River (Mouse River) (396) – North central part of state. Good numbers of pike, walleye and perch. (Fishing pier).

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SOUTH CENTRAL FISHERIES DISTRICT

Paul Bailey, district fisheries supervisor, Bismarck

BURLEIGH COUNTY

Apple Creek (398) – South central part of state. Good for northern pike, walleye, crappie and catfish. (No ramp).
Cottonwood Park Pond (635) – On west side of Cottonwood soccer complex in south Bismarck. Adult northern pike, and other species, may be stocked in spring. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Crimmins WPA (747) – 3 miles west, 11 miles north, .5 miles west of Wing. Walleye up to 22 inches abundant. Perch present. (No ramp).
Lake Harriet (Arena Lake) (610) – 8 miles west, 1 mile south of Tuttle. Pike abundant and perch present in low numbers. (No ramp).
Long Lake (104) – 1 mile south, 2.5 miles east of Moffit. Northern pike abundant. Contact refuge for specific angling regulations. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
McDowell Dam (101) – 4 miles east, 1 mile north of Bismarck on ND Highway 10. Bluegill and largemouth bass abundant. Rainbow trout stocked in spring. (Fishing pier).
OWLS Pond (026) – Just west of Bismarck Game and Fish office. Rainbow trout stocked in spring and fall. Other species (bluegill, perch, catfish and white bass) may be stocked. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Wilton City Pond (600) – South side of Wilton. Rainbow trout stocked in spring. (No ramp).

EMMONS COUNTY

Baumgartner Lake (529) – 6 miles south of Linton. Northern pike abundant and a low number of perch. (No ramp).
Braddock Dam (140) – 2 miles southwest of Braddock. Fair number of northern pike, walleye and yellow perch. Bluegill, channel catfish and black bullhead present.
Goose Lake (501) – 3 miles east of Braddock. Pike abundant and perch present. (No ramp).
Jake’s Lake (527) – 13 miles south, 1 mile east of Strasburg. Northern pike abundant. (No ramp).
Rice Lake (142) – 8 miles south of Strasburg. Walleye abundant and northern pike and perch present in fair numbers.
Senger Lake (526) – 1 mile north, 6 miles east of Strasburg. Multiple perch year-classes present in fair numbers. (No ramp).

KIDDER COUNTY

Alkaline Lake (590) – 15 miles south, 7 miles east, 1.4 miles southeast of Dawson. Walleye abundant. Excellent pike numbers, with fish occasionally surpassing 10 pounds. Large perch in low numbers.
Cherry Lake (177) – 15 miles north, 3 miles east of Steele. Northern pike abundant. Low number of perch.
Deer Lake (685) – 8 miles east of Robinson. Abundant perch up to 12 inches. (No ramp).
Des Moines Lake (593) – 5.5 miles east of Robinson. Fair number of northern pike. (No ramp).
Etta-Alkaline Complex (650) – 1 mile south, 2.5 miles west, 3 miles south of Dawson. Small northern pike abundant. (No ramp).
Fresh Lake (549) – 15 miles south, 7 miles east, 1 mile south of Dawson. Primarily a northern pike fishery, but a fair number of walleye and perch present. (No ramp).
Frettim Lake (180) – 2 miles east, 1 mile north of Robinson. Good numbers of walleye, northern pike, perch and bluegill.
Geier Lake (740) – 12 miles east, 9.5 miles north of Robinson. Walleye up to 22 inches abundant and a fair number of perch present. (No ramp).
Helen Lake (601) – 2.5 miles west, 6 miles north of Tuttle. Excellent pike fishery, with fish occasionally topping 8 pounds. Perch present. (No ramp).
Horsehead Lake (594) – 2 miles west, 8 miles south, .25 miles east of Robinson. Northern pike abundant. (No ramp).
Jasper Lake (573) – 7 miles north, .5 miles east of Robinson. Walleye up to 25 inches abundant and a fair number of large perch.
Koenig North (676) – 12.25 miles north, 1.5 miles east of Robinson. Multiple perch year-classes present (winter access only). (No ramp).
Koenig South (677) – 12.25 miles north, 1.5 miles east of Robinson. Multiple perch year-classes present (winter access only). (No ramp).
Lake Geneva (666) – 2 miles south, .5 miles east of I-94 Exit 195. Walleye up to 22 inches abundant and a fair number of large perch. (No ramp).
Lake Isabel (183) – 2 miles south, .5 miles east, .75 miles south of Dawson. Small northern pike abundant.
Lake Josephine (186) – 2 miles north of Tuttle. Walleye up to 25 inches abundant. Fair number of perch and pike present. (Fishing pier).
Lake No. 5 (476) – 3.5 miles west, 7.5 miles north, 1.5 miles east, 1 mile south of Dawson. Pike abundant, but the lake frequently winterkills. (No ramp).
Lake Williams (182) – Just south of the town of Lake Williams. Fair number of walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass.
Leno Lake (604) – 1 mile east, 7 miles north of Tuttle. Small pike abundant. (No ramp).
Long Alkaline Lake (629) – 3 miles west, 7 miles north of Robinson. Small pike abundant and yellow perch present. (No ramp).
McPhail WMA (569) – 7 miles north, 2 miles west of Tappen. Small perch abundant and a low number of walleye present. (No ramp).
Neustel Lake (712) – 2 miles north of Robinson. Fair number of perch present. (No ramp).
North Des Moines Lake (688) – 5.5 miles east of Robinson. Fair number of northern pike. (No ramp).
Pelican Lake (474) – 3 miles east, 11 miles north, 1 mile east of Robinson. Walleye and perch present in fair numbers. (No ramp).
Plowe Lake (735) – 6 miles east, 5 miles north, 1 mile east of Robinson. Walleye, northern pike and perch present in good numbers. (No ramp).
Rafferty Lake (734) – 12 miles east, 9.8 miles north of Robinson. Walleye up to 18 inches abundant. (No ramp).
Ranch Lake (684) – 1 mile west of Pettibone. Good numbers of pike and perch. (No ramp).
Remmick Lake (731) – 3 miles east, 6 miles north of Robinson. Small walleye abundant and low numbers of perch and bluegill present. Winter fishing only. (No ramp).
Round Lake (181) – 1 mile north, 1.5 miles east of Pettibone. Excellent walleye fishery, with fair numbers of perch and pike. (No ramp).
Seil Lake (739) – 6 miles east, 10 miles north, 4.25 miles east of Robinson. Yellow perch abundant. (No ramp).
Sibley Lake (646) – 7 miles north, 2 miles east, 1 mile south of Dawson. Small walleye abundant and larger fish present. Multiple perch year-classes present in good numbers.
Swan Lake (678) – 10.5 miles north of Robinson. Small perch abundant, but fish up to 12 inches present. (No ramp).
Trautmann Lake (733) – 1 mile west, 2 miles north, 1 mile west, 1 mile north of Robinson. Walleye up to 21 inches abundant and perch present in low numbers. (No ramp).
Willow Lake (645) – 9 miles north, 3 miles west of Robinson. Abundant perch up to 11 inches. (No ramp).
Woodhouse Lake (472) – 12 miles north, 12 miles east of Wing. Walleye up to 28 inches abundant. Fair number of small perch present. (No ramp).

LOGAN COUNTY

Beaver Lake (197) – 8 miles south, 8 miles east of Napoleon. Northern pike abundant, with fish occasionally surpassing 10 pounds.
Braun Lake (588) – 18 miles south, 1 mile east of Steele. Walleye and perch present in fair numbers. (No ramp).
Buchholz WPA (738) – 4 miles east, .75 miles north of Lehr. Fair number of yellow perch. (No ramp).
Doyles Lake (711) – 2.5 miles north, 2 miles east, 4 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles north of Wishek. Fair number of yellow perch. (No ramp).
Hauff Lake (589) – 7 miles north of Lehr. Small yellow perch common. (No ramp).
Kautz Lake (061) – 5 miles north, 6 miles west of Lehr. Perch up to 13 inches common. (No ramp).
Kleingartner Lake (710) – 10 miles south, 5 miles west of Gackle. Fair number of pike and perch. (No ramp).
Lepp Lake (717) – 1 mile east, 1 mile north of Lehr. Fair numbers of pike and perch. (No ramp).
Logan (Mueller) WMA (613) – 8 miles north, 5 miles west, .5 miles south of Lehr. Walleye abundant and a low number of perch up to 13 inches present. (No ramp).
Logan Lake (453) – 1 mile west of Gackle. Small perch and walleye abundant. (No ramp).
Marvin Miller Lake (533) – 6.5 miles south, 8 miles west, .5 miles north of Gackle. Excellent walleye fishery. Fair number of perch and a low number of northern pike.
Mundt Lake (199) – 3 miles east, 4 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles south of Lehr. Walleye abundant, with perch and smallmouth bass in fair numbers. (Fishing pier).
North Napoleon Lake (502) – 4.5 miles west, 1 mile north, 1 mile east of Napoleon. Pike and perch abundant. (No ramp).
Ost Lake (749) – 7 miles east, 1 mile north, 1 mile west, .5 miles north of Lehr. Perch up to 12 inches abundant. (No ramp).
Railroad Lake (708) – 5.5 miles east of Lehr. Yellow perch abundant and a low number of walleye present. (No ramp).
Ruff Lake (609) – 5 miles north, 3 miles west, 1 mile north, .5 miles east of Lehr. Yellow perch present. (No ramp).
Thurn Lake (620) – 5 miles north of Lehr, .5 miles east. Fair numbers of walleye and perch. (No ramp).
West Lake Napoleon (201) – 1 mile west of Napoleon. Northern pike abundant and a fair number of large perch present. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Wetzel Lake (737) – 11 miles west, 1 mile south of Gackle. Pike abundant and perch present. (No ramp).

MCINTOSH COUNTY

Becker-Schlepp Lake (628) – 3 miles north, 1 mile east, 1 mile north, .5 miles east of Ashley. Fair number of perch. (No ramp).
Clear Lake (215) – 6 miles east, 2 miles south of Wishek. Northern pike abundant and perch present. (No ramp).
Dollinger-Schnabel Lake (580) – 2 miles north, 5 miles west, 3 miles north of Venturia. Yellow perch up to 12 inches abundant. (No ramp).
Dorfman Lake (642) – 5 miles north, 2 miles west of Ashley. Walleye abundant, with a fair number of pike and perch. (No ramp).
Dry Lake (213) – 5 miles west, 4 miles north, 2 miles east, .5 miles south of Ashley. Excellent walleye and pike fishery. Low number of large perch.
Green Lake (210) – 2 miles east, 4 miles south, 1 mile east of Wishek. Quality walleye and perch fishery, with a low number of pike. (Fishing pier).
Harr Lake (514) – 10 miles east, 12 miles north of Ashley. Abundant walleye and a fair number of large yellow perch. (No ramp).
Homestead Lake (696) – 8 miles south, 8 miles east, 2 miles north of Wishek. Pike abundant and perch present. (No ramp).
Kislingbury Lake (763) – .5 miles east, 1.5 miles north of Ashley. Fair number of perch and small walleye. (No ramp).
Lake Hoskins (211) – 3 miles west of Ashley. Fair number of walleye, northern pike and yellow perch present. (Fishing pier).
Lehr WMA (570) – 2 miles east, 1 mile south of Lehr. Excellent walleye fishery. Low number of large perch.
McIntosh WMA (231) – 10 miles east, 9 miles north of Ashley. Low number of perch present. (No ramp).
Miller Lake (315) – 7.5 miles east, 2.5 miles south of Lehr. Pike up to 10 pounds abundant. Yellow perch present. (No ramp).
Mudd Lake (595) – 1 mile west of Lehr. Fair number of pike, with low numbers of perch. (No ramp).
Nagel Lake (Koepplin WPA) (707) – 1 mile east, 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Lehr. Walleye abundant and a fair number of perch present. (No ramp).
Pfeifle Lake (690) – 10 miles south, 2 miles east of Wishek. Pike up to 12 pounds abundant. (No ramp).
Pintail Lake (764) – 5 miles east of Ashley. Small perch abundant. (No ramp).
Pudwill Lake (214) – 9 miles south, 4 miles west, 1 mile north, .5 miles west of Lehr. Low number of pike present. (No ramp).
Rueb-Eszlinger (691) – 7.5 miles north, 2 miles west of Ashley. Multiple perch year-classes abundant. (No ramp).

MORTON COUNTY

Crown Butte Dam (237) – 4 miles west on access road on north side of I-94 Exit 147. Largemouth bass and bluegill abundant. Crappie present. (Fishing pier).
Fish Creek Dam (239) – 8 miles south, 2 miles east, 1 mile south of I-94 Exit 134. Largemouth bass and rainbow trout abundant. Smallmouth bass, brown trout and crappie found in lower numbers. (Fishing pier).
Harmon Lake (660) – 8 miles north of Mandan on ND Highway 1806. Largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie abundant. Rainbow trout and northern pike present in lower numbers. (Fishing pier).
Little Heart Pond (746) – 11 miles south of Mandan on ND Highway 1806. Catchable-sized rainbow trout stocked in spring. (No ramp).
Nygren Dam (242) – 6 miles north, 1 mile east, 3 miles north, .5 miles east of Flasher. Catchable-sized trout stocked in spring and small bluegill and largemouth bass present. (Fishing pier).
Porsborg Dam (675) – Northwest Mandan. Rainbow trout (and other species) may be stocked in spring. (No ramp).
Sweet Briar Lake (240) – 18 miles west of Mandan I-94 Exit 134. Fair numbers of walleye, pike, perch, bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass. (Fishing pier).

SIOUX COUNTY

Froelich Dam (318) – 9 miles north, 2 miles west of Selfridge. Walleye and pike abundant. Yellow perch, crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass present.

RIVERS AND LAKES

Lake Oahe (001) – Near the cities of Bismarck, Fort Yates, Hazelton, Linton and Strasburg. See separate Missouri River System report.

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NORTHEAST FISHERIES DISTRICT

Randy Hiltner, district fisheries supervisor, Devils Lake

BENSON COUNTY

Fort Totten Dam (663) – .5 miles east of Fort Totten. No recent information. (No ramp).
Gravel Pit Lake (661) – 4.5 miles west of Fort Totten. No recent information. (No ramp).
Mission Lake (662) – 5 miles south, 1.5 miles east, 2 miles south of Devils Lake. No recent information. (No ramp).
Silver Lake (058) – 4 miles west, 4.7 miles south, 2 miles east of Churchs Ferry. Connected to Devils Lake. Same species available. (No ramp).
Wood Lake (054) – 2 miles west, 1 mile south of Tokio. Perch and bluegill numerous, but most are less than 7 inches. Good number of walleye around 18 inches and a fair number of pike over 4 pounds.

CAVALIER COUNTY

Langdon City Pond (115) – South side of Langdon. Put-and-take trout lake, with most fish caught in May. (Fishing pier).
Mount Carmel Dam (114) – 9 miles north, 2 miles east, 2 miles north of Langdon. Fair number of perch, with most under 9 inches. Walleye numbers fair, with fish up to 20 inches. Decent number of nice pike. (Fishing pier).

EDDY COUNTY

Adams Lake (603) – 10 miles south of Warwick. Lots of smaller perch, with some up to 10 inches, and a few walleye. (No ramp).
Battle Lake (136) – .5 miles south, 1.5 miles west, 1.5 miles south of Hamar. High density pike lake, with catchable, thin fish. (No ramp).
Lake Coe (652) – 10 miles south of Warwick on east side of Eddy County Road 8. Good number of walleye, with several size-classes. Fish longer than 18 inches common. Lots of perch, but most less than 8 inches.
New Rockford Reservoir (137) – North side of New Rockford. Primarily a pike fishery, but walleye and smaller perch also present. Bullheads abundant. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
North Lake Washington (125) – 8.5 miles south, 1 mile east, 1 mile north of Warwick. Good catch of yearling walleye that are now up to 14 inches. Most perch still too small to be harvested. (No ramp).
Warsing Dam (135) – 1 mile northeast of Sheyenne. Good number of pike, with most fish about 25 inches. Some perch and small walleye. (Fishing pier).

FOSTER COUNTY

Dry Lake (548) – 7 miles east, 5 miles south, 2 miles east of Carrington. Fair number of walleye, with most about 18 inches. Some big walleye. Fewer perch and more bullhead and carp showing up. (No ramp).
Juanita Lake (147) – 2 miles east of Grace City. Some pike available, but not high numbers. Bullhead abundant. (Fishing pier).

GRAND FORKS COUNTY

English Coulee Pond (244) – 5 miles south, 3 miles east, 1 mile south, .5 miles east of Emerado. No recent information. (No ramp).
Fordville Dam (153) – 5 miles west, 1 mile north, .5 miles west, .5 miles north of Inkster. Fair number of larger walleye and pike, with a fair number of perch under 10 inches. Bullhead remain a management issue. (Fishing pier).
Kolding Dam (155) – 5 miles southeast, 1 mile south of Niagara on U.S. Highway 2. Managed for northern pike.
Larimore Dam (154) – 2 miles northeast of Larimore. Walleye, pike, largemouth bass, perch, crappie and bluegill provide angling opportunities. Various sizes of walleye and pike, with some bigger fish. Most crappie and bluegill are smaller, but also some nice fish. (Fishing pier).
Niagara Dam (156) – North of Niagara. Winterkills often. When a series of nice winters occur, nice-sized pike available.
Ryan Park Pond (659) – South side of Grand Forks. This small urban fishery is a good place to take a kid fishing and is stocked annually with trout. Bluegill also introduced. (Fishing pier, no ramp).

GRIGGS COUNTY

Carlson-Tande Dam (169) – 1 mile south, 5 miles west of Aneta. Some pike, a few nice walleye, smaller perch and varioussized panfish.
Lake Addie (596) – 4 miles east, 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Binford. Managed as a walleye and perch fishery. Walleye are nice-sized, with an average length of 18 inches. Smaller perch numbers are high, with some fish up to 10 inches.
Lake Jessie (597) – 4 miles east, 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Binford. Primarily an ice fishing lake for pike that average about 28 inches. A few perch present that may reach 9 inches (No ramp).
Red Willow Lake (168) – 6 miles north, 2 miles west of Binford. Walleye, pike, perch and bluegill common. Nice walleye available, but also eater-sized. Pike abundant in many sizes. Bluegill common and mostly smaller, but some up to 10 inches. Perch typically small. (Fishing pier).
Sibley Lake (435) – 1 mile west, 3 miles south of Binford. Good pike population, with fish averaging near 5 pounds. Some perch, with an average length of 9 inches. (No ramp).

NELSON COUNTY

Lake Laretta (506) – 2 miles west, 3 miles north of Michigan. Good number of medium-sized pike, with some pushing 15 pounds. Perch that survive pike predation are large but uncommon. Increasing walleye densities, with some nicer-sized fish. (No ramp).
McVille Dam (252) – 1 mile east of McVille. Some larger walleye, largemouth bass and pike available, but at low densities. Perch and bluegill abundant, but most are typically small. (Fishing pier).
Silver Creek Dam (268) – 4 miles west, .5 miles south of McVille. Small reservoir with a winter pike fishery. Perch also present, but are usually less than 9 inches long. Bullheads and suckers are a problem for the sport fishery. (No ramp).
Tolna Dam (254) – 1 mile south, 2 miles east of Tolna. Some larger walleye and fair densities of pike under 5 pounds. Perch numbers fairly low.
Whitman Dam (253) – 1.5 miles north, 3 miles east of Whitman. Keeper-sized perch, with most under 10 inches. Fair fishing for pike and walleye. Crappie population is good, with some larger fish. (Fishing pier).

PEMBINA COUNTY

Renwick Dam (265) – 6 miles west, 1 mile north of Cavalier. Mostly pike and perch, with some crappie. Most crappie under 8 inches. Perch numerous, but typically smaller. White suckers and bullheads abundant. (Fishing pier).

PIERCE COUNTY

Buffalo Lake (271) – 4 miles west, 1 mile south of Esmond. Winterkills often and pike fishing opportunities occur when winters are mild. Currently has a high pike population, with most fish about 24 inches. (Fishing pier).
Sand Lake (270) – 4 miles north of Pleasant Lake. Good pike fishery, with fish commonly up to 5 pounds. Perch numbers good, but most less than 8 inches.

RAMSEY COUNTY

Cavanaugh Lake (276) – 9 miles north, 1 mile west, .5 miles north of Devils Lake. Winterkills often, but fish repopulate the lake when high spring runoff occurs. Walleye and pike present. (No ramp).
Fenster Lake (621) – 3 miles north, 4 miles east of Crary. Pike in fair numbers, with most fish more than 5 pounds. Low density perch population. (No ramp).
Morrison Lake (509) – 3 miles east, 2 miles south of Webster. Typically has good winter pike fishing until oxygen levels decline. Most fish are less than 5 pounds. (No ramp).
Sweetwater Lake (277) – 3 miles east, 7 miles north of Devils Lake. Low winter oxygen levels may have caused a partial fish kill. (No ramp).

ROLETTE COUNTY

Belcourt Lake (300) – 2 miles north of Belcourt. No recent information.
Cain Lake (450) – 2 miles south, 9 miles west, .5 miles north of St. John. No recent information. (No ramp).
Carpenter Lake (291) – 12 miles west of St. John. Good pike population, with most fish longer than 24 inches. A few perch, but most are under 8 inches.
Dion Lake (293) – 10 miles west, 2 miles north, 1 mile east of St. John. Managed for walleye. Fair densities of fish up to 24 inches. Perch numbers expanding from illegal stocking, most are now about 9-10 inches. Illegally stocked pike present and some fish longer than 24 inches. (Fishing pier).
Gordon Lake (299) – 4.5 miles north, 1 mile west, .25 miles northwest of Belcourt. No recent information.
Gravel Lake (294) – 6 miles west, .5 miles north of St. John. Pike and perch fishery. Pike average about 24 inches and most perch under 10 inches. (Fishing pier).
Hooker Lake (295) – 8 miles west of St. John. One of a few rainbow trout lakes in the district. Trout stocked annually and reach maximum size in fall. Some older, larger trout available going into winter. (Fishing pier).
Island Lake (634) – 3 miles west, 2 miles south of Mylo. Good number of 25-inch-plus pike. Smaller perch also available.
Jarvis Lake (301) – .75 miles southwest, 6 miles west of St. John. No recent information. (No ramp).
Long Lake (618) – 2 miles south, 5.3 miles east of Rolette. Good number of pike, with the average fish more than 5 pounds. (No ramp).
School Section Lake (296) – 9 miles north, 2.5 miles east of Dunseith. Pike numbers good. Some perch available.
Upsilon Lake (297) – 6 miles west, 1 mile north of St. John. Perch fishing now considered fair with lower numbers and fewer fish longer than 10 inches. Pike common, with some large fish. Walleye in low numbers despite aggressive stocking. Bluegill numbers are good, with some big fish. (Fishing pier).
Wheaton Lake (292) – 4.5 miles north, 2 miles west of Belcourt. No recent information.

STEELE COUNTY

Finley Dam (Lynch Lake) (335) – 1 mile south of Finley. Pike stocked regularly and provide some fishing opportunities. High bullhead population and stunted perch are management problems. (No ramp).
North Golden Lake (339) – 10 miles east, 4 miles north, .5 miles west of Finley. Perch numbers are down, with most less than 10 inches. Fair to good numbers of keeper pike and walleye. Walleye longer than 20 inches and pike up to 5 pounds not uncommon. Low number of bluegill, but decent-sized.
South Golden Lake (337) – 10 miles east, 3 miles north, .5 miles west of Finley. Primarily a walleye and perch fishery, with some pike and bluegill. Walleye do get large, with fish up to 8 pounds. Decent number of 20-inch-plus fish. Perch numbers are relatively low. Pike numbers low, but bigger fish available. Some nice bluegill. Bullheads are a problem. (Fishing pier).

TOWNER COUNTY

Armourdale Dam (349) – 9 miles east, 1.5 miles north of Rolla. Good pike numbers and a fair number of eating-sized walleye. (Fishing pier).
Bisbee Dam-Big Coulee (350) – 1 mile east of Bisbee. Pike, walleye, perch, bluegill and crappie. Most walleye longer than 16 inches. Good pike numbers, with some up to about 6 pounds. Most perch are small, as well as the occasional large bluegill and crappie. (Fishing pier).

WALSH COUNTY

Bylin Dam (355) – 3 miles east, 3 miles south of Adams. Nice population of smaller pike, with some keeper walleye. (Fishing pier).
Dougherty Dam (032) – 1 mile west of Bylin Dam. Holds some pike. (No ramp).
Homme Dam (356) – 2 miles west of Park River. Lots of smaller perch and crappie, with some nice pike and walleye. White suckers and bullheads abundant and problematic. (Fishing pier).
Matejcek Dam (354) – 6 miles south of Lankin. Fair number of eating-sized walleye. Perch numbers appear fair for fish under 9 inches. Pike and crappie numbers fair. Some large crappie available. White suckers abundant.

WELLS COUNTY

Georgeson Lake (625) – 3 miles north, 3 miles east, .25 miles north of Bremen. Perch population is primarily smaller fish. Fewer bigger fish remain after the past two years of harvest. (No ramp).
Goose Lake (608) – 3 miles north, 3 miles east, 1 mile north of Harvey. Fair number of pike, with increasing size structure. Walleye population is in good shape, with a good number of fish longer than 18 inches. Perch down in numbers.
Harvey Dam (368) – Southeast side of Harvey. Fair number of walleye around 15 inches. Good pike population of various sizes, with fish more than 5 pounds. Bullhead are a management problem. (Fishing pier).
Heaton Slough (218) – 4 miles east, 8 miles south, 3 miles east of Bowdon. Pike of 3-8 pounds are common, with some perch. (No ramp).
Hurdsfield-Tuffy Lake (616) – 3.5 miles east of Hurdsfield. Lots of walleye between 12 and 18 inches, with the occasional big fish. Perch numbers fair, with most about 11 inches. (No ramp).
Monson Lake (124) – 1 mile south, 1 mile east, 8 miles south, 1 mile west of Bowdon. Strong perch population, with a balanced size structure. Walleye population is small, with some big fish. (No ramp).
Silver Lake (105) – 1 mile west, 7.5 miles south, 2 miles west, 2 miles north of Bowdon. High perch densities. Lots of fish from 9 to 12 inches. Occasional 13- to 14-inch fish possible. (No ramp).
Silver Lake WMA (721) – 3 miles south of Chaseley. Fair number of 9- to 11-inch perch, with the occasional jumbo possible. Fast-growing walleye around 15-17 inches. (No ramp).
Sykeston Dam (369) – Northwest side of Sykeston. Decent pike population, with some fish up to 8 pounds. Bullheads are a major problem. A few perch and bluegill present. (Fishing pier).
Weisz Lake (720) – 2 miles west, 1.5 miles south of Hurdsfield. Mostly smaller perch. (No ramp).

RIVERS AND LAKES

Turtle River (404) – In Grand Forks County. Rainbow trout stocked twice in spring and once in fall to provide a unique riverine trout fishery. Mostly a put-and-take fishery. (No ramp).

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SOUTHEAST FISHERIES DISTRICT

Brandon Kratz, district fisheries supervisor, Jamestown

BARNES COUNTY

Blumers Pond (023) – 1 mile south of Valley City. Abundant perch and bluegill. Occasional trout. (No ramp).
Clausen Springs (051) – 3 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles north of the junction of ND highways 46 and 1. Abundant largemouth bass and bluegill. Occasional perch. (Fishing pier).
Clauson Lake (704) – 4 miles west, .5 miles south, .5 miles east of Nome. Abundant perch. (No ramp).
Eckelson Lake North (605) – 3 miles north, .5 miles east, 1 mile north, .5 miles east of Eckelson. Abundant perch, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Eckelson Lake South (671) – 4 miles south, 1.5 miles east of Eckelson. Moderate numbers of pike and perch. (No ramp).
Fox Lake (586) – 1 mile north, .75 miles west of Eckelson. Abundant walleye and perch, with some larger fish.
Hatchery Kids Pond (064) – 2 miles northwest of Valley City. Good shore-fishing for early season trout. (No ramp).
Hobart Lake North (636) – 3.5 miles northwest of I-94 Exit 288. Perch abundant, with some large fish. (No ramp).
Hobart Lake South (532) – 1.4 miles south, 3.4 miles west of I-94 Exit 288. Perch abundant. (No ramp).
Island Lake (672) – 3 miles south, .5 miles east of Urbana. Abundant walleye. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Kee Lake (606) – 7 miles south, 2 miles east of Eckelson. Abundant walleye. Moderate number of perch. Occasional pike. (No ramp).
Koebernick Pond (602) – 1 mile north, 4 miles west, 1 mile north of Rogers. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Lake Ashtabula (046) – 10 miles north of Valley City. Abundant walleye, pike and smallmouth bass. Good number of larger fish. Moderate number of perch. Occasional crappie, white bass and bluegill. (Fishing pier).
Meadow Lake (565) – 6 miles west, 6 miles north of Litchville. Moderate number of perch. Some larger fish present. Low number of walleye. (No ramp).
Middle Eckelson (670) – 2 miles east of Eckelson. Abundant pike. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Moon Lake (049) – 2 miles west, 5.5 miles south, 4 miles west, 2 miles north of Valley City. Abundant walleye and perch. Occasional smallmouth bass, brown and/or rainbow trout.
Mosher WPA (564) – 2.5 miles north, 4.5 miles east of Dazey. Abundant walleye. Winter fishery. (No ramp).
Olson WPA (633) – 1.5 miles north of I-94 Exit 283. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Sanborn Lake (557) – 2 miles east, 1 mile north, .5 miles east of Sanborn. Moderate number of pike. (No ramp).
Sanborn WPA (567) – 1 mile east of Sanborn. Abundant pike. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
St. Mary’s Lake (045) – 2 miles west, 5.5 miles south, 4 miles west, 1 mile north of Valley City. Abundant walleye and perch. (No ramp).
Sweetwater Lake (052) – 4 miles south, 1 mile east of Sanborn. Moderate numbers of crappie, perch and walleye. (No ramp).

CASS COUNTY

Brewer Lake (111) – 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Erie. Abundant largemouth bass and bluegill. Some larger bass present. Occasional walleye and crappie. (Fishing pier).
Brooks Harbor (326) – .5 miles south, .5 miles west of SD I-94 Exit 346. Perch present. (No ramp).
Casselton Pond (219) – Southeast corner of Casselton. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (No ramp).
Casselton Reservoir (106) – Just west of Casselton. Abundant pike and bluegill. Occasional perch. (Fishing pier).
Lindemann Lake (703) – 2 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles north of Enderlin. Abundant walleye and perch. (No ramp).
North Woodhaven Pond (656) – 2.25 miles south, .25 miles east of I-94 Exit 348. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Bluegill present. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
South Woodhaven Pond (673) – 2.8 miles south, .25 miles east of I-94 Exit 348. Perch present. (Fishing pier, no ramp).

DICKEY COUNTY

Heinrich Lake (611) – 17.5 miles east, 1 mile south of Ashley. Moderate number of perch, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Hofer Lake (145) – 7 miles east, 1.75 miles north of Ellendale. Moderate number of pike. (No ramp).
Moores Lake (119) – 18.5 miles west, 1 mile north of Ellendale. Moderate numbers of pike and perch. (No ramp).
Pheasant Lake (120) – 6 miles west of Ellendale. Moderate numbers of pike, perch, bluegill, crappie, catfish and walleye. (Fishing pier).
Shimmons Lake (531) – 20.5 miles west, 1 mile south of Ellendale. Abundant pike. (No ramp).
TAD Lake (760) – 8 miles west of Oakes. Abundant walleye. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Wilson Dam (121) – 7.5 miles west of Monango. Moderate numbers of perch, pike and bluegill. (Fishing pier).

LAMOURE COUNTY

Alfred Lake (574) – 7 miles east, 1.5 miles south of Gackle. Pike and perch present. (No ramp).
Boom Lake (Marion Lake) (561) – .5 miles west of Marion. Moderate numbers of pike and walleye.
Cottonwood Lake (192) – 5 miles west, 5 miles south, 1 mile west of LaMoure. Moderate number of pike. (No ramp).
Diamond Lake (553) – 5 miles north of Kulm. Abundant walleye and perch. Moderate numbers of pike.
East Kalmbach Lake (157) – .5 miles south, 4.5 miles west, .5 miles south of Jud. Abundant pike. Occasional perch. (No ramp).
Flood Lake (511) – 3.5 miles north of Kulm. Abundant pike.
Heinrich-Martin Dam (189) – .75 miles east, .5 miles south of Adrian. Abundant largemouth bass and bluegill. Moderate numbers of crappie, perch and pike.
Kalmbach Lake (194) – .5 miles south, 4.5 miles west, .5 miles south of Jud. Abundant pike.
Kulm-Edgeley Dam (191) – 4 miles west, 2 miles south of Edgeley. Moderate numbers of pike and perch. Low numbers of walleye and bluegill.
Lake LaMoure (196) – 1 mile south, 1 mile east, 2.5 miles south, 1 mile west, .5 miles south of LaMoure. Abundant pike and crappie. Moderate numbers of walleye and perch. Occasional bluegill. (Fishing pier).
Limesand-Seefeldt Dam (193) – 8 miles south, 3 miles west of Marion. Abundant pike. Moderate numbers of bluegill, perch and crappie.
Schlecht-Thom Dam (195) – 5 miles west, .5 miles north of Edgeley. Moderate numbers of pike and bluegill.
Schlenker Dam (Lehr Dam) (422) – 11 miles west, .5 miles south of the junction of U.S. Highway 281 and ND Highway 46. Moderate numbers of pike and bluegill.
Twin Lakes (552) – 4 miles north of LaMoure. Abundant walleye, pike and perch. Some larger fish present.

LOGAN COUNTY

Arnies Lake (623) – 1.5 miles south of Gackle, 2 miles east, 1 mile south. Moderate numbers of pike, perch and walleye. (No ramp).
Erickson Lake (722) – 8.5 miles north, 3 miles west, 1 mile north, 1.5 miles west, .5 miles south of Kulm. Abundant perch, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Oriole Lake (267) – 8.25 miles south of Gackle. Abundant pike. (No ramp).

MCINTOSH COUNTY

Berlin Lake (779) – 9.5 miles east, 7 miles north, 2 miles east, 2 miles north of Ashley. Perch present. (No ramp).
Blumhardt Dam (208) – 9.5 miles east, 7 miles north, 1.5 miles east of Ashley. Brown and rainbow trout, with some larger fish.
Coldwater Lake (209) – 15.5 miles east, 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Ashley. Moderate numbers of walleye and pike, with some larger fish. (Fishing pier).
Serpent Lake (781) – 13.5 miles east, 2 miles north, 1 mile east of Ashley. Moderate number of pike. (No ramp).

RANSOM COUNTY

Dead Colt Creek (284) – 5 miles south, 1 mile east, .5 miles north, .5 miles east of Lisbon. Abundant largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Some larger bass. (Fishing pier).
Lone Tree Lake (Englevale) (283) – .5 miles north, 2 miles west of Englevale. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Mooringstone Pond (281) – .75 miles west of the city of Fort Ransom. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (No ramp).

RICHLAND COUNTY

Bisek Slough (682) – 2 miles north, .5 miles west of Lidgerwood. Abundant pike and perch.
Elm Lake (693) – .5 miles east, 3.5 miles south of Lidgerwood. Abundant pike and crappie. Moderate number of walleye. (No ramp).
Four Corners Lake (727) – 3.5 miles east, 2 miles south, .5 miles west of Lidgerwood. Abundant walleye. (No ramp).
Grass Lake (272) – 2 miles west, 1 mile north, 1 mile west, 1 mile north, 1.5 miles west of Lidgerwood. Moderate to low numbers of pike, walleye and largemouth bass. Abundant crappie.
Gullys Slough (572) – 4 miles east, 1 mile south of Lidgerwood. Moderate numbers of pike and walleye. (No ramp).
Haus Lake (745) – 2 miles east, 7 miles south, .25 miles east of Lidgerwood. Moderate number of walleye. Occasional perch. (No ramp).
Heley Lake (725) – 5 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles south of Lidgerwood. Moderate numbers of walleye and perch. (No ramp).
Horseshoe Lake (287) – 4 miles west, 1 mile south of Hankinson. Moderate numbers of pike, perch, bluegill and walleye. Some larger walleye present.
Kreiser Slough (680) – 4 miles north, 3 miles west of Lidgerwood. Abundant pike and perch. (No ramp).
Lake Elsie (289) – 1 mile south, 1.5 miles west of Hankinson. Abundant walleye and crappie. Moderate numbers of smallmouth bass, bluegill and perch. Occasional catfish. 14-inch minimum length limit on walleye. (Fishing pier).
Lueck Lake (622) – 6 miles east, 2.5 miles south of Lidgerwood. Abundant walleye. Some larger fish present. (No ramp).
Mooreton Pond (288) – 2 miles east of Mooreton. Abundant bluegill. Moderate numbers of walleye and rainbow trout. Occasional perch, bass and channel catfish. (Fishing pier).
Reiland Lake (729) – 3 miles north, .5 miles east of Lidgerwood. Abundant walleye. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Shriner Lake (754) – 4.5 miles south, .25 miles east of Lidgerwood. Moderate numbers of pike and perch. Occasional walleye and crappie. (No ramp).
Silver Lake (681) – 2 miles north, 2 miles west of Lidgerwood. Abundant pike and perch. (No ramp).
Vislisel Lake (728) – 1 mile north, 2 miles east, 1 mile north, 1 mile west of Lidgerwood. Abundant walleye and perch. (No ramp).
Wahl Lake (523) – 1 mile east, 2 miles south of Lidgerwood. Abundant walleye and bluegill. Occasional pike. (No ramp).
West Moran Lake (669) – 2 miles east, .5 miles south of Lidgerwood. Abundant walleye. (No ramp).

SARGENT COUNTY

Alkali Lake (302) – 3 miles south of Cayuga. Low density walleye population. Crappie abundant.
Bergh Slough (647) – 1 mile south, 2.5 miles east of Forman. Moderate numbers of pike and crappie. (No ramp).
Buffalo Lake (307) – 6 miles north, 1 mile east of Rutland. Moderate numbers of walleye and pike. Occasional crappie. 14-inch minimum length limit on walleye.
Consolidated Lake (651) – 2 miles south, 3 miles east of Forman. Moderate numbers of pike, walleye and largemouth bass. Crappie present. (No ramp).
Deuce Lake (257) – 1.5 miles south, 1 mile east, .25 miles south of Forman. Moderate numbers of pike and crappie. (No ramp).
Fiala Lake (571) – 1 mile west, 2 miles south of Forman. Moderate number of pike, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Kraft Slough (643) – 1 mile south, 9 miles east, 2.5 miles north of Oakes. Abundant walleye and perch.
Lake Tewaukon (305) – 5 miles south of Cayuga. Contact Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge for most recent information. (Fishing pier).
Lake Walstead (667) – 4 miles south, 1 mile east, 1 mile north of Forman. Abundant walleye. Moderate number of pike. (No ramp).
Nelson Lake (313) – 4.5 miles south, .5 miles east of Forman. Abundant pike. Moderate numbers of perch and walleye. (No ramp).
Ole Breum Lake (744) – 5 miles north, 1 mile east of Rutland. Moderate number of perch. Low number of pike. Occasional walleye and crappie. (No ramp).
Silver Lake (303) – 3 miles west, 2 miles south of Rutland. Moderate number of walleye. (Fishing pier).
Sprague Lake (309) – 6 miles west, 4 miles south, 1.5 miles west of Cayuga. Fair number of walleye.
Tosse Slough (679) – 7.5 miles south, 1 mile east, 2 miles south, 1 mile east of Geneseo. Low numbers of pike and walleye. Some larger pike present.

STUTSMAN COUNTY

Alkali Lake (539) – 11 miles north, 5 miles east, .5 miles south of Jamestown. Moderate numbers of pike, perch and walleye. Some larger walleye present. (No ramp).
Bader Lake (427) – 4 miles south, 1 mile east of I-94 Exit 228. Moderate numbers of walleye and pike.
Barnes Lake (346) – 1 mile east, 6 miles north of Woodworth. Abundant walleye. Moderate number of pike.
Big Mallard Marsh (599) – 9 miles north, 2.5 miles east of Woodworth. Walleye abundant.
Clark Lake (340) – 1 mile west, 3 miles north, 4 miles west of Woodworth. Moderate numbers of walleye and pike. Occasional perch.
Cleveland Slough (665) – .5 miles south of Cleveland along County Road 67. Abundant perch. Occasional large pike. (No ramp).
Crystal Springs (179) – 1 mile east of Crystal Springs. Abundant walleye and perch. Moderate number of pike.
Cysewski Lake (148) – 11 miles north, 4 miles east, 2 miles north, .5 miles east, 1 mile north of Jamestown. Abundant perch. (No ramp).
East Easter Lake (782) – 5 miles north, 4 miles east, 1 mile south of Streeter. Abundant perch, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Gaier Lake (784) – 8.5 miles north, 1 mile west of Cleveland. Moderate number of perch, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Ghost Lake (785) – 8 miles east, 3 miles south, 1 mile west of Woodworth. Moderate number of perch, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Hehn-Schaffer Lake (459) – 4 miles north of Gackle. Moderate numbers of pike, perch and walleye. (Fishing pier).
Hieb Lake (786) – 3.5 miles east, 6 miles north, 1 mile east of Medina. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Hoggarth Dam (576) – 3 miles west, 3 miles south of Courtenay. Walleye and perch present. (No ramp).
Jamestown Reservoir (341) – 2 miles north of Jamestown. Moderate numbers of pike and walleye. Abundant crappie. Occasional perch and smallmouth bass. (Fishing pier).
Jim Lake (342) – 6 miles east of Pingree. No recent information. (No ramp).
Little Britches Pond (492) – Next to Jamestown Reservoir marina. Abundant rainbow trout. Moderate numbers of crappie and perch. Occasional walleye and pike. (No ramp).
Manley Lake (631) – 4 miles south, 9 miles west, .25 miles north of Pingree. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Mud and Pearl Lakes (730) – 10 miles north, 2.5 miles west of Medina. Abundant perch, with some larger fish present. (No ramp).
Paris Lake (789) – 8 miles east, 3.5 miles south of Woodworth. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Pipestem Reservoir (348) – 5 miles northwest, .8 miles west, 1 mile south of Jamestown. Abundant pike and crappie. Moderate number of walleye.
R and M Lake (579) – 4 miles east, 5 miles north of Buchanan. Abundant walleye. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Reule Lake (607) – 2 miles north, 5 miles west, 1.7 miles south of Medina. Abundant walleye. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Schock Lake (592) – 11 miles north, 3.5 miles east, 1 mile north, .5 miles west of Jamestown. Abundant perch. (No ramp).
School Lake (790) – 5 miles north, 5 miles east, 3 miles north of Streeter. Abundant perch. (No ramp).
Spiritwood Lake (343) – 11 miles north, 4 miles east of Jamestown. Abundant smallmouth bass. Moderate numbers of walleye and perch. Low number of pike. (Fishing pier).
Stink Lake (766) – 2.5 miles east of Crystal Springs. Abundant walleye and perch. Occasional pike. (No ramp).
Streeter Lake (460) – South side of Streeter. Low pike population. Rainbow trout present.
Sunday Lake (649) – 1 mile west, 3 miles north of Woodworth. Abundant pike. Low number of perch. (No ramp).
Trautman Slough (793) – 4 miles south, 2 miles west, 1 mile south of Cleveland. Abundant walleye. Occasional perch. (No ramp).
Zimmerman Lake (796) – 2 miles north of Cleveland. Abundant perch. (No ramp).

RIVERS AND LAKES

Bois de Sioux River (412) – Southeast corner of state in Richland County. Good catfish and walleye populations. (No ramp).
James River (400) – Southeastern part of the state. Shore-fishing opportunities where lowhead dams and bridge crossings congregate pike and walleye.
Red River (411) – Eastern edge of state. Abundant catfish. Some larger fish common. Moderate number of walleye, with larger fish present. (Fishing pier).
Sheyenne River (397) – Southeastern part of state. Abundant smallmouth bass. Moderate numbers of walleye and catfish. (Fishing pier).
Wild Rice River (409) – Southeastern part of state. Moderate numbers of catfish, walleye and pike. (No ramp).

MISSOURI RIVER SYSTEM

Dave Fryda, Missouri River System supervisor, Riverdale

NORTHERN PIKE

Lake Sakakawea/Lake Oahe – Northern pike abundance in Sakakawea has declined from record highs the last couple years, but still remains exceptional. However, the population is maturing and average size is increasing. Pike exceeding 15 pounds will become more common in 2018 and the next few years. Pike abundance in Oahe has declined from recent years, but average size is excellent, with many fish in the 15- to 20-pound range.

WALLEYE

Lake Sakakawea – Walleye fishing was exceptional in 2017 and should remain so in 2018. High forage abundance and good habitat conditions have allowed Sakakawea walleye to maintain good body condition, good growth rates and high abundance. Overall walleye abundance is the highest documented in the last 45 years due to several strong year-classes in recent years. Anglers will find excellent numbers of 15- to 20-inch fish in 2018, with good numbers of larger fish present.
Missouri River/Lake Oahe – The fishery downstream of Garrison Dam to the South Dakota border was greatly impacted following the flood of 2011. The Garrison Reach upstream of Bismarck has been slow to recover and still suffers from depressed forage conditions. Most walleye from the abundant 2009 year-class are now 18-plus inches and reproduction was decent from 2014-16, so smaller walleye are present in good numbers. The upper Oahe fishery recovered much better than the Garrison Reach. Forage conditions have improved and growth rates of walleye have followed.

CATFISH

Upper Lake Sakakawea, Missouri River and Yellowstone River – A strong catfish population, with some fish exceeding 10 pounds.
Lake Sakakawea – Good population of catfish throughout the reservoir, but the best numbers and fishing success are in the upper end.
Garrison Dam Tailrace – Provides some good fishing for smaller catfish, especially in summer. Cats from this area are great table fare thanks to relatively cold water throughout summer.
Missouri River, south of Garrison Dam – Channel catfish are abundant and underutilized throughout the entire reach. Catfish are abundant throughout upper Lake Oahe.

SALMON

Missouri River System – The Missouri River salmon fishery was greatly affected by high water in 2011, but has recovered well. Salmon fishing in 2016-17 was good and should remain so in 2018. Young male salmon were very abundant in the 2017 spawning run, suggesting that the 2016 year-class is strong and fishing should be good over the next couple years. With a strong smelt forage base, salmon fishing should remain good in coming years.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

Lake Sakakawea – Smallmouth bass population remains good and anglers will continue to encounter good numbers of fish. The population also contains good numbers of whopper-sized fish.

TROUT

Garrison Dam Tailrace – Continues to produce trophy brown and rainbow trout. Channel catfish are abundant and underutilized throughout the entire reach.

DEVILS LAKE BASIN

Randy Hiltner, district fisheries supervisor, and Todd Caspers, fisheries biologist, both Devils Lake

WALLEYE

Devils Lake – Walleye population continues to do well. Reproduction in recent years has generally been good and there are many fish less than 18 inches long. The number of walleye 15 to 20 inches long is a bit above the long-term average. The number of walleye longer than 20 inches is lower than that of smaller fish, but these larger fish are right around their long-term average. The number of larger walleye would likely be better, but weak hatches from 2003-05 are likely contributing to their lower abundance.
Stump Lake – Walleye population in Stump Lake is doing well. There are a variety of sizes available, with good numbers of fish from 15 to 20 inches. Larger fish seem to be showing up more frequently, as the population continues to mature.
Lake Irvine – Boat access conditions currently poor, as the makeshift boat launch site a few miles north of Churchs Ferry is essentially unusable. Walleye population in Lake Irvine is doing well. Fish are abundant, with many sizes available. Most are between 15 and 20 inches, but larger fish are present.

NORTHERN PIKE

Devils Lake – Northern pike will continue to provide excellent angler opportunities in 2017-18. Pike in Devils Lake are doing very well and continue to reproduce naturally. Pike are abundant and can be found throughout the lake, particularly in the shallower areas. Most are between 24 to 32 inches, but trophy-sized pike are present in the lake. Pike are a underutilized in Devils Lake, so anglers should not be shy about keeping their limit.
Stump Lake – Northern pike numbers are near average, and they are relatively abundant in Stump Lake. Most pike are between 26 and 34 inches, but there are bigger fish present.
Lake Irvine – Pike are also abundant. Most are medium-sized, but there are some larger pike available. Pike in Lake Irvine are underutilized, so anglers should not be shy about keeping their limit. In fact, the pike seem to be too abundant for their own good, as their body condition has declined, so keeping pike from this lake would actually be beneficial for the population as it may help reduce competition for food.

YELLOW PERCH

Devils Lake – The number of catchable-sized yellow perch in Devils Lake seems a bit higher than last year. The number of perch from 8 to 12 inches are near the long-term average, while other sizes of perch are below the long-term average. Overall, there should be perch for anglers to pursue in 2018.
Stump Lake – The number of yellow perch in Stump Lake was very good, but their numbers decreased recently, although they still appear to be above average. There should be perch fishing opportunities in 2018, as the numbers of 8-inch and larger fish are about average.
Lake Irvine – The number of yellow perch in Lake Irvine is low, but the few perch in the lake tend to be larger.

WHITE BASS

Devils Lake – White bass numbers have increased recently. However, most are from the strong hatch in 2015, so fish are still relatively small. Most will probably be between 10-12 inches long in 2018. Most of the other size-classes are significantly below their long-term averages due to weak reproduction from 2010-14.
Stump Lake – White bass numbers in Stump Lake increased greatly this year, likely due to the strong hatch in 2015. However, most of the white bass will still be relatively small. Most will likely be between 10 to 12 inches in 2018.
Lake Irvine – White bass numbers in Lake Irvine are low, but they tend to be good-sized.

Return to North Dakota Outdoors March/April 2018 Edition