My 2 Cents

Imagine being in a room of 400 or more people who think of others way more than they think of themselves, are involved in all aspects of their communities, and aren’t real interested in the spotlight shining directly on them.

I don’t have to imagine it as I witnessed it in late February when I attended the annual banquet recognizing the hundreds of North Dakota Game and Fish Department volunteers who contribute to the agency’s mission.

This was the second volunteer banquet I attended as Department director and my impression of the event remains the same. It’s rewarding to visit with so many selfless people who are so willing to give of their time.

These individuals are instrumental in teaching skills that are vital to keeping North Dakota’s outdoor culture alive and well. The Department has always been fortunate to have high-quality volunteers who further our mission by aiding in a wide variety of programs, from the mandated hunter education to an educational effort introducing youth to our great fishing opportunities.

Speaking of fishing, 2022 will go down as another phenomenal year of fishing in North Dakota. In some areas, it’s hard to imagine it getting any better. The surge of water to most area lakes last spring and early summer was exactly what was needed. Team that with significant amounts of snow covering much of the landscape this winter, one would guess our area lakes will once again be in good shape heading into summer.

One of the concerns the Department is currently assessing is winterkill on area lakes, especially some of our very productive prairie lakes that have provided an untold number of hours of enjoyment to many anglers over the last several years. While production of these waters has been very impressive, along with aggressive stocking and fisheries management, the depth of many of these lakes is always going to be a potential shortcoming on sustaining the type of fisheries many have come to expect. Nonetheless, even with this winter providing us with a significant challenge, anglers can rely on many area lakes that will continue to provide quality fishing opportunities.

I hope you enjoy this spring fishing issue of North Dakota OUTDOORS, which provides an inside look into a record number of waters to help frame angler expectations. With the help of Mother Nature and hard work and quality management of North Dakota’s waters, 2023 is stacking up to be yet another year of phenomenal fishing.