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2019 North Dakota Fishing Waters

Authors and Contributors
Various

North Dakota has more than 400 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.

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.

NW Thumbnail NC Thumbnail NE Thumbnail

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Devils Lake Basin  |  Missouri River System


FISHERIES BY DISTRICT


NW District Map Click for a larger image.

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. Good population of northern pike in a variety of sizes. Low number of yellow perch. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • Short Creek Dam (094) – 5.5 miles north of Columbus. Fair populations of northern pike and walleye, low numbers of yellow perch and bluegill. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • Smishek Lake (095) – 4 miles northwest of Powers Lake. Decent numbers of walleye and northern pike, with some large fish of both species. Abundant small yellow perch and bluegill, with some large bluegill. White suckers abundant and a management problem. (Fishing pier).

DIVIDE COUNTY

  • Baukol Noonan Dam (475) – 2 miles east, .5 miles south of Noonan. Decent northern pike population. Walleye and largemouth bass present. Abundant small yellow perch and bluegill. Stocked with rainbow trout in 2018. (Fishing pier).
  • Baukol Noonan East Mine Pond (508) – 2 miles east, .5 miles south of Noonan. Good number of largemouth bass. Abundant small bluegill and small yellow perch. Black bullheads present. Stocked with rainbow trout in 2018.
  • 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. Suffered a partial winterkill in 2018. Stocked with adult yellow perch in spring 2018. Northern pike and bluegill in low numbers. (Fishing pier).

MCKENZIE COUNTY

  • Arnegard Dam (216) – .5 miles west, 2 miles north, 1.5 miles west of Arnegard. Good number of northern pike. Yellow perch present, but mostly smaller fish. Abundant black bullhead population. Stocked with adult catfish in 2018. (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. Potential winterkill.
  • Sather Dam (217) – 11 miles south, 8 miles west of Alexander. Good number of smaller bluegill and some nice largemouth bass. Potential winterkill. (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. Decent number of 13 to 14 inch walleye and abundant small northern pike. Yellow perch in low numbers.
  • Stanley Pond (245) – Northeast side of Stanley. Significant winterkill most winters. Stocked annually in spring with adult channel catfish and catchable sized rainbow trout. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • Stanley Reservoir (251) – 1 mile south of Stanley. Abundant small northern pike. Potential winterkill.
  • White Earth Dam (249) – 6 miles north, 8.5 miles east, 2 miles south of Tioga. Fair numbers of walleye and northern pike. Low numbers of yellow perch, black crappie and some large bluegill. White suckers 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 bullheads 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 walleye and northern pike, with some bigger fish. Abundant small yellow perch and bluegill, with some bigger bluegill in low numbers. Low number of smallmouth bass. White suckers abundant and remain a management concern. (Fishing pier).
  • Cottonwood Lake (381) – 1 mile east, .5 miles north of Alamo. Good northern pike fishery, with a variety of sizes. Abundant small yellow perch. Some eater sized walleye available. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • East Spring Lake Pond (380) – North side of Williston. Winterkills every year. Fishing opportunities reliant on annual stockings of adult northern pike. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
  • Epping Springbrook Dam (374) – 1.5 miles east of Springbrook. Fair northern pike and walleye populations. Abundant small yellow perch. Black bullheads and white suckers abundant and a serious management problem. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • Kettle Lake (099) – 3 miles east, 2.5 miles north of Zahl. Lake eradicated in 2017 and restocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass and bluegill. (Fishing pier).
  • Kota Ray Dam (376) – 5 miles south, .5 miles east, 2 miles south of Ray. Good numbers of nice largemouth bass. Abundant small yellow perch. Walleye, bluegill and smallmouth bass present. Stocked annually with rainbow trout. (Fishing pier).
  • McGregor Dam (378) – 1 mile south of McGregor. Fair number of walleye, with some larger fish. Bluegill and small yellow perch present. Stocked annually with rainbow trout, with some nice sized carry over trout. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • McLeod (Ray) Reservoir (377) – Southwest side of Ray. Abundant small northern pike. Walleye, yellow perch and bluegill in low numbers. (Fishing pier).
  • Tioga Dam (379) – North side of Tioga. Primarily a northern pike fishery, with small perch and bluegill. Potential winterkill. (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. Potential winterkill. (No ramp).

RIVERS AND LAKES

  • 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).
  • 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).

North Central District Map Click for a larger image.

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. Recent fishkills have led to low pike and perch numbers. (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 and some nice bluegill.
  • Loon Lake (674) – 9 miles north, 4 miles east, 2 miles south, 2 miles east, .5 miles north of Bottineau. High number of mostly smaller perch. Walleye population increasing in recent years. (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. Some larger trout. (Fishing pier).
  • Thompson Lake (074) – 9 miles north, 4 miles east, 2 miles south, 1 mile east, 1 mile south of Bottineau. Mostly smaller yellow perch abundant. (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. Good numbers of northern pike and walleye. (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 walleye. (No ramp).

MCLEAN COUNTY

  • Brush Lake (221) – 3 miles north of Mercer. Good numbers of walleye and smaller perch. 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. Potential winterkill. (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. Potential winterkill. (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 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 walleye, with some larger fish. Abundant perch, mostly smaller. (Fishing pier).
  • Lake Gertie (724) – 1 mile south of Benedict. Fairly new lake, with good numbers of pike and walleye. (No ramp).
  • Lake Holmes (455) – 1 mile northeast of Turtle Lake. Good number of walleye, with some larger fish. Small perch abundant.
  • 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).
  • Painted Woods Pond (429) – .6 miles south and .25 miles west of the junction of U.S. Highway 83 and ND Highway 1804. Stocked annually with rainbow trout. First stocked with bluegill in 2018. (No ramp).
  • Pelican Lake (757) – 7 miles north, 3 miles east, .4 miles north of Mercer. Good number of pike and smaller perch. (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. Some good sized perch. Potential winterkill. (No ramp).
  • Strawberry Lake (226) – 17.5 miles north, 2 miles east of Turtle Lake. Good pike and walleye populations. Lots of small perch and bluegill.
  • 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 for mostly smaller perch. (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. 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).

PIERCE COUNTY

  • Antelope Lake (617) – 6.7 miles north, 3 miles east, 1 mile north, 2 miles east, 2 miles south of Anamoose. Nice sized perch abundant. Good number of walleye, with some larger fish.
  • Balta Dam (269) – .5 miles south of Balta. Recent winterkills reduced northern pike numbers.
  • 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. Good number of small northern pike.

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 winterkills greatly reduced northern pike numbers. (Fishing pier).
  • Davis WPA (598) – 8 miles south, 1 mile east of Denhoff. Decent number of walleye, with some larger fish. Mostly smaller sized perch. (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) – 8 miles south, 3 miles west, 1 mile south, .6 miles west, .7 miles northwest of Anamoose. Good number of quality sized walleye and perch.
  • Kaibel Lake (756) – 10.2 miles south of Drake. Lots of perch, but many smaller sized. (No ramp).
  • Lake Richard (653) – 4.5 miles south of Drake. Fair number of yellow perch and walleye, with some quality sized fish. (No ramp).
  • Miller Lake (772) – 18 miles north, 2 miles east, .2 miles south of McClusky. Newer perch lake. (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. Recent fishkills have greatly reduced northern pike numbers. (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. Fair number of walleye and perch, 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 spring 2015 and 2016. (No ramp).

WARD COUNTY

  • Hiddenwood Lake (443) – 8 miles south of Makoti. Decent numbers of yellow perch, walleye, smallmouth bass and pike. (Fishing pier).
  • Makoti Lake (365) – 6 miles south of Makoti. Good numbers of pike and perch. Potential winterkill. (No ramp).
  • North Carlson Lake (360) – 10 miles east of Ryder. Good number of northern pike and mostly small perch.
  • Rice Lake (362) – 4 miles north, 7 miles east, 2 miles north of Ryder. An abundance 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. (Fishing pier).
  • State Fair Pond (027) – North end of state fair grounds. 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.

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. A variety of fish species available. (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).

Northeast District Map Click for a larger image.

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. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (No ramp).
  • Gravel Pit Lake (661) – 4.5 miles west of Fort Totten. No recent information. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (No ramp).
  • Mission Lake (662) – 5 miles south, 1.5 miles east, 2 miles south of Devils Lake. No recent information. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (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 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 averaging 17 inches. Decent number of nice sized pike. (Fishing pier).

EDDY COUNTY

  • Adams Lake (603) – 10 miles south of Warwick. Lots of smaller perch around 7 inches, 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 most fish about 24 inches. Some small perch. Potential winterkill. (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 present. Bullheads abundant. Probable winterkill. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
  • North Lake Washington (125) – 8.5 miles south, 1 mile east, 1 mile north of Warwick. Good population of 18 inch walleye, but most fish are smaller. Some keeper sized perch, but most 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. Potential winterkill. Potential winterkill. (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 bullheads and carp showing up. (No ramp).
  • Juanita Lake (147) – 2 miles east of Grace City. Good pike numbers, with average length about 27 inches. Bullheads abundant. Potential winterkill. (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 numbers of larger walleye and pike, with a fair number of perch under 10 inches. Bullheads remain a management issue. (Fishing pier).
  • 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. Crappie and bluegill are smaller, but also some nice fish. Most perch less than 9 inches. (Fishing pier).
  • 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 various sized panfish. Potential winterkill.
  • 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 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 keeper sized. Pike abundant and in many sizes. Bluegill common and mostly smaller, but some up to 11 inches. Perch typically small.
  • 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. Fair number of medium sized pike. Perch that survive predation are large, but uncommon. Good walleye numbers of medium to large sized fish. (No ramp).
  • McVille Dam (252) – 1 mile east of McVille. Some larger walleye, largemouth bass and pike, but at low densities. Perch and bluegill abundant, but most typically small. (Fishing pier).
  • Silver Creek Dam (268) – 4 miles west, .5 miles south of McVille. Small reservoir with a winter pike fishery. Perch present, but usually less than 9 inches. Bullheads and suckers a management problem. (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. Potential winterkill. (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 during high spring runoff. 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).

ROLETTE COUNTY

  • Belcourt Lake (300) – 2 miles north of Belcourt. Significant walleye and bluegill winterkill in 2017. Yellow perch and northern pike still abundant, with some larger keeper sized fish. Black bullheads abundant.
  • Cain Lake (450) – 2 miles south, 9 miles west, .5 miles north of St. John. No recent information. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (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. Walleye densities lower than recent years, but there are fish up to 20 inches. Perch numbers decent, with most fish under 10 inches. Illegally stocked pike common, with some fish longer than 30 inches. (Fishing pier).
  • Gordon Lake (299) – 4.5 miles north, 1 mile west, .25 miles northwest of Belcourt. Abundant walleye and yellow perch, with some larger fish. Northern pike and bluegill in good numbers.
  • Gravel Lake (294) – 6 miles west, .5 miles north of St. John. Pike, bluegill and perch fishery. Pike average about 24 inches, with some up to 36 inches. Most perch under 10 inches. Bluegill mostly under 7 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. (Fishing pier).
  • Island Lake (634) – 3 miles west, 2 miles south of Mylo. Partial winterkill in 2017 18. However, there are still good numbers of 24 inch plus pike. Smaller perch available.
  • Jarvis Lake (301) – .75 miles southwest, 6 miles west of St. John. Yellow perch abundant, with a few larger fish. Walleye ranging from 12 18 inches abundant. Bluegill and northern pike present. (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).
  • Upsilon Lake (297) – 6 miles west, 1 mile north of St. John. Perch fishing fair, with lower numbers and fewer fish longer than 10 inches. Pike common, with some large fish. Walleye in fair numbers. Bluegill numbers are good, with some big fish. (Fishing pier).
  • Wheaton Lake (292) – 4.5 miles north, 2 miles west of Belcourt. Northern pike and yellow perch fishery, with some decent keeper sized fish.

STEELE COUNTY

  • Finley Dam (Lynch Lake) (335) – 1 mile south of Finley. Pike stocked regularly and provide some fishing opportunities. Most pike around 20 26 inches. 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 down, with most fish less than 10 inches. Fair numbers of keeper sized pike and walleye. Walleye longer than 20 inches and pike up to 10 pounds. Low number of bluegill, but decent sized. Bullheads a serious management problem.
  • 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 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. Fair pike and eating sized walleye numbers. Some 8 to 9 inch perch. Potential winterkill. (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 8 9 inches. Also, the occasional large bluegill and crappie. (Fishing pier).

WALSH COUNTY

  • Bylin Dam (355) – 3 miles east, 3 miles south of Adams. Nice population of pike, with some keeper sized walleye. Perch mostly smaller. (Fishing pier).
  • Homme Dam (356) – 2 miles west of Park River. High perch numbers, with many in the 8 to 10 inch range. Crappie abundant, with most 6 9 inches, along with some bigger fish. Lower densities of pike and walleye. White suckers and bullheads abundant and problematic. (Fishing pier).
  • Matejcek Dam (354) – 6 miles south of Lankin. Significant winterkill in 2017 18. No walleye were netted in a subsequent survey. Stocked adult perch numbers appear fair for fish under 7 inches. Some pike survived and present in fair numbers. Some crappie available. White suckers still common. Potential winterkill.

WELLS COUNTY

  • Georgeson Lake (625) – 3 miles north, 3 miles east, .25 miles north of Bremen. Perch population is primarily fish less than 8 inches. Few larger perch remain. (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 fine shape, with a good number of fish longer than 17 inches. Nice perch down in numbers and not common.
  • Harvey Dam (368) – Southeast side of Harvey. Fair number of walleye around 15 inches. Good pike population of various sizes, with some fish more than 5 pounds. Bullheads a continued management problem. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • Hurdsfield Tuffy Lake (616) – 3.5 miles east of Hurdsfield. Lots of eating sized walleye, with some big fish. Perch numbers fair, with most smaller than 11 inches. Carp are reproducing and may become a management problem. (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 12 inches. Occasional 13 to 14 inch fish. (No ramp).
  • Silver Lake WMA (721) – 3 miles south of Chaseley. Fair number of 9 to 11 inch perch, with the occasional jumbo. 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 a major problem. A few perch and bluegill. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • Weisz Lake (720) – 2 miles west, 1.5 miles south of Hurdsfield. Mostly smaller perch. (No ramp).

RIVERS AND LAKES

  • Devils Lake (275) – Near the City of Devils Lake. See separate Devils Lake Basin report.
  • 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).

Southwest District Map Click for a larger image.

SOUTHWEST FISHERIES DISTRICT

Jeff Hendrickson, district fisheries supervisor, Dickinson

ADAMS COUNTY

  • Mirror Lake (040) – South side of Hettinger. Abundant bullheads up to a half pound. Some pike up to 2 pounds. Some catfish up to 2 pounds. (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, with some up to a half pound. Fair number of largemouth bass, mostly 1 4 pounds. Good number of walleye, mostly 3 10 pounds. (Fishing pier).

BOWMAN COUNTY

  • Bowman Haley Dam (085) – 11 miles south, 8 miles east, 2 miles south of Bowman. Fair number of walleye up to 5 pounds, northern pike up to 10 pounds. Good number of white bass up to 1 pound and smallmouth bass up to 2 pounds. Some yellow perch and crappie up to a half pound. Abundant large carp up to 15 pounds, good for bowfishing. (Fishing pier).
  • Gascoyne Lake (086) – 1.5 miles northwest of Gascoyne. Pike stocked annually, with some fish up to 2 pounds. Perch stocked in 2014. Some carp up to 4 pounds. Bullheads and green sunfish abundant at times.
  • Kalina Dam (087) – 2 miles west, 1 mile south, 1 mile west, 1 mile south of Bowman. Fair number of pike up to 6 pounds. Some small bluegill, with some up to 1 pound, and a fair number of small perch. Make sure to access lake from south shore. Potential winterkill. (No ramp).
  • Lutz Dam (519) – 2.5 miles south, 2 miles west, .75 miles north of Griffin. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Abundant small bluegill, yellow perch and black crappie. (No ramp).
  • Spring Lake (088) – 1 mile south, 4 miles west of Rhame. Good number of walleye up to 1 pound, perch up to three quarters of a pound and bluegill up to a half pound.

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).
  • 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 fish up to 2 pounds. Abundant largemouth bass, mostly small, but some up to 5 pounds. Fair number of 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 a half pound. Abundant small walleye, with some up to 2 pounds. (Fishing pier).

GRANT COUNTY

  • Heart Butte Reservoir (160) – 15 miles south of Glen Ullin. Abundance of mostly small walleye, with some fish up to 5 pounds, catfish up to 10 pounds, pike up to 9 pounds, white bass up to 2 pounds, crappie up to 1 pound and smallmouth bass up to 3 pounds. Good number of perch up to 1 pound and some bluegill up to a half pound. Abundant large buffalo up to 30 pounds and bullheads 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 three quarters of a pound. Good number of 1 to 3 pound walleye. 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 5 pounds. Some walleye up to 6 pounds. Some small brown trout. (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 10 pounds. Some 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. Abundant walleye up to 10 pounds, abundant small perch, with some up to a half pound and good numbers of 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. Abundant pike up to 6 pounds and a fair number of mostly small perch, with some up to 1 pound. Potential winterkill.
  • Mott Watershed Dam (175) – North side of Mott. Few largemouth bass remain after winterkill in 2018. Rainbow trout stocked annually, with some up to 2 pounds. Fair number of bluegill up to 1 pound. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).

MORTON COUNTY

  • Danzig Dam (243) – 2 miles north, 1.4 miles west, .2 miles north of I 94 Exit 120. Some northern pike up to 10 pounds and good a number of walleye up to 4 pounds, some small perch and bluegill. Abundant carp up to 5 pounds and bullheads 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. Abundant catfish up to 6 pounds, carp up to 7 pounds, pike up to 6 pounds, walleye up to a half pound and bullheads up to a half pound. Potential winterkill.
  • Davis Dam (323) – 16 miles west, 4 miles north of Amidon. Rainbow trout stocked annually, with some fish up to 1.5 pounds. Good number of bluegill up to a half 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. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • Dickinson Reservoir (330) – 2 miles west of Dickinson. Good number of walleye up to 6 pounds, good number of bluegill up to 1.5 pounds, good number of pike up to 14 pounds, good number of yellow perch up to 1 pound, some crappie up to a three quarters of a pound and catfish up to 15 pounds. Abundant bullheads up to 1 pound. Potential winterkill. (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).

South Central District Map Click for a larger image.

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 in low numbers. (No ramp).
  • Lake Harriet (Arena Lake) (610) – 8 miles west, 1 mile south of Tuttle. Northern pike abundant and occasionally over 10 pounds. Perch present in low numbers. Potential winterkill. (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. Catchable sized rainbow trout stocked in spring. (Fishing pier).
  • OWLS Pond (026) – Just west of Bismarck Game and Fish office. Catchable sized 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. Catchable sized rainbow trout stocked in spring. (No ramp).

EMMONS COUNTY

  • Braddock Dam (140) – 2 miles southwest of Braddock. Fair numbers of northern pike, walleye and yellow perch. Bluegill, channel catfish and black bullheads present.
  • Goose Lake (501) – 3 miles east of Braddock. Northern pike up to 8 pounds abundant and low numbers of perch. (No ramp).
  • Rice Lake (142) – 8 miles south of Strasburg. Walleye abundant and occasionally over 25 inches. Northern pike and perch in fair numbers.
  • Senger Lake (526) – 1 mile north, 6 miles east of Strasburg. Low number of perch up to 13 inches. (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 over 10 pounds. Large perch in low numbers.
  • Cherry Lake (177) – 15 miles north, 3 miles east of Steele. Small northern pike abundant. Low number of perch.
  • Des Moines Lake (593) – 5.5 miles east of Robinson. Northern pike up to 5 pounds abundant. (No ramp).
  • Fresh Lake (549) – 15 miles south, 7 miles east, 1 mile south of Dawson. Primarily a northern pike fishery, but with fair numbers of walleye and perch. (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. (No ramp).
  • Helen Lake (601) – 2.5 miles west, 6 miles north of Tuttle. An excellent northern 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 abundant and fish occasionally over 25 inches. Perch present.
  • Koenig North (676) – 12.25 miles north, 1.5 miles east of Robinson. A developing walleye fishery, with abundant fish up to 15 inches. Perch present. (No ramp).
  • Koenig South (677) – 12.25 miles north, 1.5 miles east of Robinson. Multiple perch year classes (winter access only). (No ramp).
  • Lake Geneva (666) – 2 miles south, .5 miles east of I 94 Exit 195. Walleye up to 20 inches and perch up to 11 inches abundant. (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 abundant, with fish occasionally over 25 inches. Fair number of perch and low numbers of northern pike. (Fishing pier).
  • Lake No. 5 (476) – 3.5 miles west, 7.5 miles north, 1.5 miles east, 1 mile south of Dawson. Northern pike abundant, but the lake frequently winterkills. (No ramp).
  • Lake Williams (182) – Just south of the town of Lake Williams. Fair numbers of walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass.
  • McPhail WMA (569) – 7 miles north, 2 miles west of Tappen. Perch up to 10 inches abundant and a low number of walleye. (No ramp).
  • Pelican Lake (474) – 3 miles east, 11 miles north, 1 mile east of Robinson. Walleye and perch in fair numbers. (No ramp).
  • Plowe Lake (735) – 6 miles east, 5 miles north, 1 mile east of Robinson. Walleye, northern pike and perch in fair numbers. (No ramp).
  • Ranch Lake (684) – 1 mile west of Pettibone. Fair numbers of northern pike and perch. (No ramp).
  • Round Lake (181) – 1 mile north, 1.5 miles east of Pettibone. Winterkilled in 2017 18 and primarily impacted walleye. Walleye restocked in 2018. Currently holds fishable populations of northern pike and perch. (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, but some fish over 20 inches. Multiple perch year classes in good numbers.
  • Swan Lake (678) – 10.5 miles north of Robinson. Small perch abundant, but fish up to 12 inches present. Low number of walleye up to 13 inches. (No ramp).
  • Willow Lake (645) – 9 miles north, 3 miles west of Robinson. Perch up to 11 inches abundant, as are walleye up to 15 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. Potential winterkill. (No ramp).

LOGAN COUNTY

  • Beaver Lake (197) – 8 miles south, 8 miles east of Napoleon. Northern pike abundant, with fish occasionally over 10 pounds.
  • Braun Lake (588) – 18 miles south, 1 mile east of Steele. Fair numbers of walleye and perch. (No ramp).
  • Kleingartner Lake (710) – 10 miles south, 5 miles west of Gackle. Fair number of northern pike and low numbers of perch. (No ramp).
  • Lepp Lake (717) – 1 mile east, 1 mile north of Lehr. Fair numbers of northern pike and perch. (No ramp).
  • Logan Lake (453) – 1 mile west of Gackle. Walleye up to 18 inches abundant. Fair number of small perch. (No ramp).
  • Marvin Miller Lake (533) – 6.5 miles south, 8 miles west, .5 miles north of Gackle. Excellent walleye fishery, with fish occasionally over 25 inches. 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. Northern pike and small perch abundant. (No ramp).
  • Ost Lake (749) – 7 miles east, 1 mile north, 1 mile west, .5 miles north of Lehr. Walleye up to 14 inches abundant. Fair number of perch. (No ramp).
  • Railroad Lake (708) – 5.5 miles east of Lehr. Fair numbers of walleye and perch. (No ramp).
  • Thurn Lake (620) – 5 miles north of Lehr, .5 miles east. Fair number of walleye up to 24 inches. Low number of perch. (No ramp).
  • West Lake Napoleon (201) – 1 mile west of Napoleon. Northern pike abundant and a fair number of large perch. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
  • Wetzel Lake (737) – 11 miles west, 1 mile south of Gackle. Small northern pike abundant. (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 small perch. (No ramp).
  • Clear Lake (215) – 6 miles east, 2 miles south of Wishek. Small northern pike abundant. (No ramp).
  • Dollinger Schnabel Lake (580) – 2 miles north, 5 miles west, 3 miles north of Venturia. Fair number of perch up to 12 inches. Low number of walleye up to 14 inches. (No ramp).
  • Dorfman Lake (642) – 5 miles north, 2 miles west of Ashley. Walleye abundant, along 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, with a 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. Potential winterkill. (Fishing pier).
  • Harr Lake (514) – 10 miles east, 12 miles north of Ashley. Abundant walleye up to 18 inches and a fair number of large yellow perch. (No ramp).
  • Homestead Lake (696) – 8 miles south, 8 miles east, 2 miles north of Wishek. Small northern pike abundant. (No ramp).
  • Kislingbury Lake (763) – .5 miles east, 1.5 miles north of Ashley. Walleye up to 16 inches abundant. (No ramp).
  • Lake Hoskins (211) – 3 miles west of Ashley. Fair numbers of walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. (Fishing pier).
  • McIntosh WMA (231) – 10 miles east, 9 miles north of Ashley. Low number of perch. (No ramp).
  • Miller Lake (315) – 7.5 miles east, 2.5 miles south of Lehr. Northern pike up to 10 pounds abundant. Small perch present. (No ramp).
  • Mudd Lake (595) – 1 mile west of Lehr. Fair number of northern pike and a low number 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. (No ramp).
  • Pfeifle Lake (690) – 10 miles south, 2 miles east of Wishek. Northern pike up to 12 pounds abundant. (No ramp).
  • Pintail Lake (764) – 5 miles east of Ashley. Low number of perch. (No ramp).
  • Pudwill Lake (214) – 9 miles south, 4 miles west, 1 mile north, .5 miles west of Lehr. Low number of northern pike. (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. Crappies in low numbers. (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 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 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, small bluegill and 10 to 14 inch largemouth bass abundant. (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 northern 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.

Southeast District Map Click for a larger image.

SOUTHEAST FISHERIES DISTRICT

Brandon Kratz, district fisheries supervisor, Jamestown

BARNES COUNTY

  • Blumers Pond (023) – 1 mile south of Valley City. Abundant perch and bluegill. (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. Lake levels dropping. Remnant perch population. (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, with some larger fish. 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. Occasional walleye and crappie. (Fishing pier).
  • Brooks Harbor (326) – .5 miles south, .5 miles west of I 94 Exit 346. Perch present. (No ramp).
  • Casselton Pond (219) – Southeast corner of Casselton. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (No ramp).
  • Lindemann Lake (703) – 2 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles north of Enderlin. Abundant walleye and perch. Potential winterkill. (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 number 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).
  • 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. Water level extremely low. Fish numbers dwindling. (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 number of 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.
  • 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.

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 numbers of pike and perch. (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. Pike present. (No ramp).
  • Mooringstone Pond (281) – .75 miles west of the city of Fort Ransom. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (No ramp).

RICHLAND COUNTY

  • 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. Walleye abundant. (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.
  • 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, with some larger fish. (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).
  • 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.

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. (No ramp).
  • Bader Lake (427) – 4 miles south, 1 mile east of I 94 Exit 230. 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. Low pike density.
  • 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 pike. Potential winterkill.
  • 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).
  • 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. (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. (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. Potential winterkill.
  • 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 large pike. (No ramp).
  • Stirton Lake (792) – 3 miles south of Cleveland. Abundant walleye. Some perch present. (No ramp).
  • Streeter Lake (460) – South side of Streeter. Low density large pike population. Rainbow trout present.
  • 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 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 some larger fish. (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 numbers in Sakakawea have declined from record highs the last couple years, but remain exceptional. However, the population is maturing and average size is increasing. Pike exceeding 15 pounds will become more common in 2019 and the next few years. Pike abundance in Oahe has declined from recent years, but average size is excellent, with many fish over 20 pounds.

WALLEYE

  • Lake Sakakawea – Walleye fishing was exceptional in 2018 and should remain so in 2019. 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 2019, with good numbers of larger fish present.
  • Missouri River/Lake Oahe – Fishery downstream of Garrison Dam to the South Dakota border was greatly impacted following the flood of 2011. The Garrison Reach upstream of Bismarck is slow to recover and still suffers from depressed forage conditions. Most walleye from the abundant 2009 year class are 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 from the flood of 2011 than the Garrison Reach. Forage conditions have improved and growth rates of walleye have followed. Most walleye from the abundant 2009 year class are now 20 plus inches and reproduction was very good from 2014 16, so smaller walleye are abundant.

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.

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, but was somewhat slower in 2018. However, the fall spawning run and egg collection efforts documented a strong population. Additionally, young male salmon from the 2017 year-class were abundant in the 2018 spawning run, suggesting that fishing should be good over the next couple years. With high flows through Garrison Dam in 2018, entrainment though the dam was likely higher than normal for the 2018 stocking. With a strong smelt forage base, salmon fishing should remain good in coming years.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

  • Lake Sakakawea – Smallmouth bass population remains good and also contains good numbers of whopper sized fish.

TROUT

  • Garrison Dam Tailrace – Continues to produce trophy brown and rainbow trout. The Tailrace is a diverse quality fishery, not only for trout, but for walleye and salmon.

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 15 inches. The number of 15 to 20 inch walleye has dropped below average for the first time in many years due to three consecutive year classes that were relatively low from 2013 to 2015. There are still fish in this size range, but anglers will have to fish longer to catch them. The number of walleye longer than 20 inches is a bit higher than the long term average.
  • Stump Lake – Walleye population is doing well. There are a variety of sizes available, with good numbers of fish from 15 to 20 inches. Larger fish doing well too, as their numbers are well above average.
  • 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 continues to do well. Most fish are between 15 and 20 inches, but larger fish present in good numbers.

NORTHERN PIKE

  • Devils Lake – Northern pike will continue to provide excellent angler opportunities in 2019. Pike continue to reproduce naturally, are abundant and can be found throughout the lake, particularly in the shallower areas. Most fish are between 23 30 inches, but trophy sized pike are available. Pike are underutilized, so anglers should not be shy about keeping their limit.
  • Stump Lake – Northern pike numbers below average, but they are still relatively abundant. Most pike are between 28 34 inches, but there are smaller and larger fish present.
  • Lake Irvine – Northern pike are abundant. Most pike are medium sized, but there are some larger fish present. Pike in Lake Irvine are under utilized, so anglers should not be shy about keeping their limit. In fact, the pike seem to be too abundant, as their body condition has declined, so keeping pike from this lake would be beneficial for the pike population as it may help reduce competition for food.

YELLOW PERCH

  • Devils Lake – The number of catchable sized yellow perch is lower than last year. The number of perch from 8 12 inches is a little lower than the long term average. The number of jumbos over 12 inches is also below average. The number of perch smaller than 8 inches is above average. Overall, there should be perch for anglers to pursue in 2019, but their average size will likely be on the smaller end of the keeper range
  • Stump Lake – Yellow perch numbers are quite good. However, many fish are still less than 8 inches. Overall, there should still be good perch fishing opportunities 2019, as the number of 8 inch and larger perch are a bit above average.
  • Lake Irvine – Yellow perch numbers are low, but the few perch in the lake tend to be larger.

WHITE BASS

  • Devils Lake – White bass numbers are currently high. However, most are from the strong hatch in 2015. Most bass will probably be between 12 14 inches in 2019.
  • Stump Lake – White bass numbers increased greatly recently due to the strong hatch in 2015. Most bass will likely be between 13 15 inches in 2019.
  • Lake Irvine – White bass numbers are low, but fish are good sized.