NORTH DAKOTA OUTDOORS MAGAZINE

2024 North Dakota Fishing Waters

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. 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 under the fishing tab on the Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov.

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.

Note: For the most current information about a fishing water, please see our Where to Fish page.

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 supervisor, 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. Largemouth bass and black crappie present. (Fishing pier).
Powers Lake (093) – Southeast side of Powers Lake. Decent number of pike. (Fishing pier).
Short Creek Dam (094) – 5.5 miles north of Columbus. Bluegill, perch, pike and walleye. (Fishing pier).
Smishek Lake (095) – 4 miles northwest of Powers Lake. Decent numbers of walleye and pike, with some large fish of both species. Small perch and bluegill abundant, with some large bluegill in low numbers. (Fishing pier).

DIVIDE COUNTY

Baukol-Noonan Dam (475) – 3 miles east, 1.5 miles south, .5 miles west of Noonan. Decent numbers of pike and walleye. Abundant small perch and bluegill. Largemouth bass present. (Fishing pier).
Baukol-Noonan East Mine Pond (508) – 3 miles east, 1 mile south, .8 miles west, .4 miles south of Noonan. Good number of largemouth bass. Abundant small bluegill and perch.
Skjermo Lake (126) – 3 miles west, 4 miles northwest of Fortuna. Strong pike population. Perch present. (Fishing pier).

MCKENZIE COUNTY

Arnegard Dam (216) – .5 miles west, 2 miles north, 1.5 miles west of Arnegard. Decent pike population. Yellow perch present, but most are smaller. Abundant black bullhead population. Stocked with adult catfish in 2022. (Fishing pier).
Hepper Dam (067) – 1.5 miles south, 3 miles east, 1.2 miles north, 2 miles east, 1.2 miles southeast of Keene. Stocked with adult bluegill in 2020. (No ramp).
Sather Dam (217) – 11 miles south, 8 miles west of Alexander. Good bluegill and largemouth bass populations, but most are smaller. (Fishing pier).
Watford City Park Pond (640) – Southeast side of Watford City. Fishery reliant on annual stocking due to frequent winterkills. (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. Strong pike population. Walleye present in lower numbers.
Stanley Pond (245) – Northeast side of Stanley. Fishery is reliant on annual stocking due to frequent winterkills. (Fishing pier).
Stanley Reservoir (251) – 1 mile south of Stanley. Low number of smaller pike. (No ramp).
White Earth Dam (249) – 6 miles north, 8.5 miles east, 2 miles south of Tioga. Decent walleye and pike populations. Bluegill, crappie and perch present. (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 pike, with some bigger fish of both species. Small perch and bluegill abundant, with some bigger bluegill in low numbers. Smallmouth bass in low numbers. (Fishing pier).
Cottonwood Lake (381) – 1 mile east, .5 miles north of Alamo. Partial winterkill in 2023 mostly affecting walleye. Decent number of perch, though most are smaller. Pike present in low numbers. (Fishing pier).
East Spring Lake Pond (380) – North side of Williston. Winterkills every year. Fishing opportunities reliant on annual stocking of adult pike. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Epping-Springbrook Dam (374) – 1.5 miles east of Springbrook. Good number of catfish. Perch, pike and walleye present. (Fishing pier).
Kettle Lake (099) – 3 miles east, 2.5 miles north of Zahl. Winterkill likely in 2023. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Adult bluegill stocked in 2023. (Fishing pier).
Kota-Ray Dam (376) – 5 miles south, .5 miles east, 2 miles south of Ray. Good number of nice largemouth bass. Small perch abundant. Walleye, bluegill and smallmouth bass present. Brown trout stocked in 2023, rainbow trout stocked annually. (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 pike and catfish, with many other species present. (Fishing pier).
McGregor Dam (378) – 1 mile south of McGregor. Good numbers of crappie, bluegill and walleye, though most fish are smaller. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (Fishing pier).
McLeod (Ray) Reservoir (377) – Southwest side of Ray. Good pike population. Perch and walleye present. (Fishing pier).
Tioga Dam (379) – North side of Tioga. Good number of pike. Perch and bluegill present. (Fishing pier).
Trenton Lake (018) – South side of Trenton. Good crappie population. Decent numbers of walleye, pike and catfish. Due to periodic interconnection with the Missouri River, many other species present. (Fishing pier).
West Spring Lake Pond (033) – North edge of Williston. Fishery is reliant on annual stocking due to frequent winterkills. (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. Fishing success largely driven by water clarity. 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. Channel catfish abundant. Many other species present. (Fishing pier).

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SOUTHWEST FISHERIES DISTRICT

Jeff Merchant, district fisheries biologist, Dickinson

ADAMS COUNTY

Mirror Lake (040) – South side of Hettinger. Abundant bullheads up to a half pound. Good number of channel catfish up to 5 pounds (stocked annually). Some northern pike up to 3 pounds, walleye up to 2 pounds, bluegill up to a half pound and mostly small yellow perch. (Fishing pier).
North Lemmon (042) – 5 miles north of Lemmon, S.D. Rainbow and brown trout stocked in 2023. Some brown trout up to 2 pounds. Abundant small yellow perch. Some bluegill up to three-quarters of a pound. Good numbers of largemouth bass up to 4 pounds and walleye up to 8 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 and 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 bullhead up to 1 pound. Carp up to 15 pounds abundant, good for bowfishing. (Fishing pier).
Gascoyne Lake (086) – 1.5 miles northwest of Gascoyne. Abundant northern pike, with some fish up to 7 pounds. Common carp and green sunfish abundant at times.
Kalina Dam (087) – 2 miles west, 1 mile south, 1 mile west, 1 mile south of Bowman. Total winterkill in 2022-23 on yellow perch, black crappie and bluegill. Good number of northern pike remain. Adult yellow perch and bluegill stocked in 2023. (No ramp).
Lutz Dam (519) – 2.5 miles south, 2 miles west, .75 miles north of Griffin. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Abundant small bluegill, some yellow perch and black crappie. (No ramp).
Spring Lake (088) – 1 mile south, 4 miles west of Rhame. Near total winterkill in winter 2022-23. Fingerling walleye and adult perch and bluegill stocked in spring 2023.

DUNN COUNTY

BarZ Dam (664) – 8 miles north, 3 miles west, 2 miles north, 3 miles northwest of Killdeer. Adult bluegill stocked in 2022. (No ramp).
Lake Ilo (131) – 1 mile west, 1 mile south of Dunn Center. Extreme low water levels due to issues with the dam. Boat ramp not usable. Contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with questions. (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 and brown trout stocked in 2023. Abundant small largemouth bass, with a few up to 4 pounds, and bluegill up to a half pound.
Odland Dam (151) – 7 miles north of Beach. Restocked in spring 2023 following lake renovation project. Abundant small walleye and yellow perch. Good numbers of bluegill up to a half pound. (Fishing pier).
Williams Creek Dam (152) – 5 miles south, 2 miles east, 2 miles south, 3 miles east, 1.25 miles south, .75 miles southwest of Golva. Abundant small yellow perch, with some up to a half pound. (No ramp).

GRANT COUNTY

Heart Butte Reservoir (160) – 15 miles south of Glen Ullin. Good number of walleye, with some fish up to 8 pounds, catfish up to 12 pounds, pike up to 10 pounds, white bass up to 2 pounds, smallmouth bass up to 2 pounds and yellow perch up to 1 pound. Some crappie up to 1 pound and bluegill up to a half pound. Abundant bigmouth buffalo up to 40 pounds and bullheads up to 2 pounds. Some carp up to 20 pounds. (Fishing pier).
Raleigh Reservoir (163) – 3.5 miles west, .25 miles south of Raleigh. Significant winterkill in 2022-23. Likely total kill on largemouth bass. Good numbers of bluegill, yellow perch and small walleye remain. (Fishing pier).
Sheep Creek Dam (164) – 4 miles south, .5 miles west of Elgin. Significant winterkill in 2022-23 affected mainly largemouth bass. Catchable-sized rainbow and brown trout stocked in spring 2023. Good number of crappies up to one third pound and bluegill up to a half pound remain. Good number of small walleye. (Fishing pier).

HETTINGER COUNTY

Blickensderfer Dam (176) – 3.5 miles south, 1 mile east, .5 miles south of Mott. Significant winterkill on perch and bluegill in winter 2022-23. Still good numbers of bluegill and smaller northern pike. (No ramp).
Castle Rock Dam (174) – 2 miles west, 1.5 miles south, 2 miles west, .5 miles south of Mott. Rainbow trout stocked annually.
Indian Creek Dam (171) – 1.5 miles west, 2 miles south, 2 miles west, 3 miles south of Regent. Abundant walleye up to 7 pounds, smallmouth bass up to 4 pounds and yellow perch up to a half pound. Fair number of bluegill up to 1 pound. Some largemouth bass up to 3 pounds. (Fishing pier).
Larson Lake (173) – .5 miles north and 2 miles east of Regent. Total winterkill in winter 2022-23. Fair number of small yellow perch.
Mott Watershed Dam (175) – North side of Mott. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Small bluegill abundant, with some fish up to 1 pound. Few largemouth bass up to 2 pounds. (Fishing pier).

MORTON COUNTY

Danzig Dam (243) – 2 miles north, 1.4 miles west, .2 miles north of I-94 Exit 120. Minor winterkill in 2022-23 affected mainly common carp. Good numbers of northern pike up to 15 pounds and small yellow perch. Fair number of walleye up to 4 pounds.
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, crappie and bluegill. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Glen Ullin Reservoir (238) – Northwest side of Glen Ullin. Rainbow trout stocked annually, with some fish up to 1 pound. (No ramp).
Krieg’s Pond (705) – .5 miles east of Hebron. Significant winterkill in 2022-23. Catchable-sized trout, yellow perch and catfish stocked most years. (No ramp).

SIOUX COUNTY

Labow Lake (714) – 4 miles north, 2 miles west, 1 mile north, .5 miles east, .5 miles north of Thunderhawk, S.D. Abundant small bluegill and some largemouth bass. (No ramp).
Larson Lake (090) – 4 miles north, 1 mile west, .2 miles south of Thunderhawk, S.D. Some bluegill and green sunfish. (No ramp).

SLOPE COUNTY

Cedar Lake (322) – 8 miles south, 5 miles west of the junction of ND highways 21 and 22. Significant winterkill in 2022-23 affected walleye and common carp. Good number of small northern pike and a fair number of yellow perch remain.
Davis Dam (323) – 16 miles west, 4 miles north of Amidon. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Abundant bluegill up to a half pound and largemouth bass up to 5 pounds.

STARK COUNTY

Belfield Pond (332) – Southwest side of Belfield. Catchable-sized trout, catfish, perch and bluegills stocked in spring 2023. Dam de-watered in fall 2023 for repairs; winterkill likely. (Fishing pier).
Dassinger Pond (328) – 3.5 miles south, 2 miles east and south, 2.6 miles south of Exit 72. Walk through the gate 400 yards west to the pond. No motor vehicles inside the gate. Abundant small bluegill and largemouth bass, with a few larger fish. (No ramp).
Dickinson Dike (331) – Southwest side of Dickinson. Significant winterkill in 2022-23. Abundant small bluegill, black crappie and yellow perch remain. Catchable-sized trout and catfish stocked in 2023. (Fishing pier).
Dickinson Reservoir (330) – 2 miles west of Dickinson. Good number of walleye up to 5 pounds, yellow perch up to a half pound, crappie up to a half pound, catfish up to 10 pounds and bluegill up to a half pound. Fair number of pike up to 5 pounds. Abundant bullheads up to 1 pound and carp up to 8 pounds. (Fishing pier).
Slater Pond (503) – From I-94 Exit 84, .75 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles north, .5 miles east. Abundant small yellow perch. Rainbow trout stocked annually. (Fishing pier, no ramp).

RIVERS AND LAKES

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

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NORTH CENTRAL FISHERIES DISTRICT

Dave Fryda, district fisheries supervisor, Riverdale

BOTTINEAU COUNTY

Carbury Dam (452) – 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Carbury. Decent number of 18- to 22-inch northern pike. (Fishing pier).
Lake Metigoshe (077) – 9 miles north, 4 miles east, 1 mile north of Bottineau. Several sizes of bluegill, including some large fish, along with some nice crappie. Good number of walleye in a wide range of sizes including fish up to 26 inches. Good pike fishing, with some large fish. (Fishing pier).
Long Lake (078) – 9 miles north, 7 miles east, 1 mile south, 1 mile east, .5 miles south, .3 miles east of Bottineau. Good pike and walleye populations. Walleye population has a variety of sizes with fish up to 25 inches. Fair number of small yellow perch.
Loon Lake (674) – 9 miles north, 4 miles east, 2 miles south, 2 miles east, .5 miles north of Bottineau. Very good walleye population, with a variety of sizes including fish up to 25 inches. Fairly abundant population of mostly small yellow perch. (No ramp).
Pelican Lake (079) – 9 miles north, 8 miles east, .5 miles southwest of Bottineau. Decent number of northern pike, some good-sized fish.
Strawberry Lake (081) – 9 miles north, 3 miles west, .5 miles south of Bottineau. 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. Mostly small yellow perch abundant. (No ramp).

BURLEIGH COUNTY

New Johns Lake (750) – 11.8 miles south, 3 miles east of Mercer. Decent walleye numbers, with many large fish up to 27 inches. Excellent smallmouth bass fishery, with large fish present. Abundant small perch. Periodically stocked with muskies. (Fishing pier).

MCHENRY COUNTY

Buffalo Lodge Lake (205) – 2 miles east, 3 miles north, 2 miles east of Granville. Good numbers of northern pike and walleye. A few larger fish of both species. (Fishing pier).
Cottonwood Lake (202) – 2.5 miles north of Butte. Good walleye numbers, with a few larger fish up to 26 inches. Low number of norther pike. Abundant small perch. (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. Partial winterkill in 2023. Reduced number of mostly smaller pike still present. Low perch numbers. (Fishing pier).
Poynter’s Pond (092) – 3.2 miles northwest, .2 miles north of Velva. Annual winterkill lake. Will be managed for seasonal fishery with spring stocking of adult fish. (No ramp).
Round Lake (204) – 10 miles north, 1.5 miles west of Anamoose. Moderate numbers of pike and walleye. Abundant but mostly small yellow perch.

MCLEAN COUNTY

Brush Lake (221) – 3 miles north of Mercer. Significant winterkill in 2023. Most sportfish eliminated but some adult pike remain. Restocked with adult bluegill and fry and fingerling walleye in 2023. (Fishing pier).
Camp Lake (479) – 17.5 miles north, 2 miles east of Turtle Lake. Likely winterkill in 2023. Fishery remains incidental from movement of fish from Strawberry Lake. (No ramp).
Camp Loop Pond (546) – 3 miles southwest of Riverdale on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ downstream campground. Catchable-sized rainbow trout stocked annually. A few large trout caught in early spring. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Coal Lake (528) – 3 miles south, 1.5 miles east, .75 miles north of Underwood. Very good population of nice walleye in the 20-inch range. Abundant small yellow perch and fathead minnows. Abundant forage may make angling challenging even though the walleye population is very good. (No ramp).
Crooked Lake (223) – 10 miles north, .2 miles east, .1 mile south of Turtle Lake. Major winterkill in 2023. Restocked with adult yellow perch and walleye fry and fingerlings in 2023. Exceptional walleye year-class from 2023 stocking.
Custer Mine (224) – 4 miles east, 2 miles south of Garrison. Poor performance and excessive bird predation on annual spring stockings will change future management. Starting in 2024, the fishery will be managed with annual spring stocking of adult game fish.
East Park Lake (752) – 9 miles south of Mercer. Fair walleye numbers, with some larger fish. Fair number of northern pike. (Fishing pier).
Lake Audubon (225) – North of Coleharbor. Walleye numbers below long-term average but size structure is improved. Excellent smallmouth bass fishery, with trophy-sized fish abundant. A good muskie fishery. (Fishing pier).
Lake Brekken (232) – 1.5 miles north of Turtle Lake. Decent number of walleye, with some fish up to 24 inches. Mostly smaller perch abundant. (Fishing pier).
Lake Gertie (724) – 1 mile south of Benedict. Good number of northern pike and walleye, some larger fish. Walley up to 27 inches present. (No ramp).
Lake Holmes (455) – 1 mile northeast of Turtle Lake. Fair number of walleye, with some larger fish. Small perch abundant.
Lightning Lake (233) – .5 miles east of Turtle Lake. A quality trout fishery, stocked annually with rainbow trout, with some large fish. (Fishing pier).
Max City Pond (471) – Southeast corner of Max. New community pond that winterkills annually. Managed by annual spring stocking of adult sportfish. (No ramp).
ND 4-H Pond (440) – 1.5 miles west, .3 miles south of Washburn. Small community pond that winterkills annually. Managed with annual spring stocking of adult gamefish. (No ramp).
Painted Woods Creek (418) – 5 miles southeast of Washburn. Fair number of northern pike. Walleye fishing can be good occasionally in early spring. (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 catchable-sized rainbow trout. (No ramp).
Pelican Lake (757) – 7 miles north, 2 miles east, .2 miles north of Mercer. Good numbers 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 and bass. Annually stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Scooby Lake (761) – .5 miles south, 1 mile west, .3 miles south of Benedict. Complete winterkill in 2023. Restocked with walleye fry and fingerlings in 2023. (No ramp).
Strawberry Lake (226) – 17.5 miles north, 2 miles east of Turtle Lake. Good pike and fair 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 bluegill and crappie, used mostly by Triangle Y kids. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
West Park Lake (753) – 9 miles south, 3 miles west of Mercer. Decent numbers of walleye and northern pike. Some larger pike and walleye present. Abundant small perch. (No ramp).

MERCER COUNTY

Harmony Lake (560) – 6 miles north, 1 mile west of Hazen. Good numbers of small- to medium-sized bluegill and crappie. Some northern pike. Annually stocked with rainbow trout in spring. (Fishing pier).
Hazen Creek (382) – West end of Hazen. Catchable-sized rainbow trout stocked annually in spring. (No ramp).

OLIVER COUNTY

East Arroda Dam (262) – 1 mile east of Fort Clark ND Highway 200A. Fair number of pike, with some larger fish. Decent number of crappie and mostly smaller perch. Earthen fishing piers available 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 warmwater fish to grow better than in other lakes. Quality-sized bluegill and crappie abundant. (Fishing pier).
Oliver County Sportsmen’s Pond (266) – 4 miles south, .5 miles west of Center. Catchable-sized rainbow trout stocked annually. (No ramp).
West Arroda Dam (264) – 1 mile east of Fort Clark ND Highway 200A. Northern pike abundant. Good number of bluegill and fair crappie population of smaller fish. Earthen fishing piers available for shore-fishing access.

PIERCE COUNTY

Antelope Lake (617) – 6.7 miles north, 3 miles east, 1 mile north, 2 miles east, 2 miles south of Anamoose. Good number of walleye from 15-22 inches. Low abundance of quality-sized perch.
Balta Dam (269) – .5 miles south of Balta. Decent number of smaller northern pike.
Clear Lake (654) – 6 miles east, .7 miles south of Anamoose. Good number of quality-sized walleye from 14-22 inches. Yellow perch numbers low. (No ramp).
Davis Lake (024) – 2 miles west, 1.5 miles south of Balta. Low abundance of northern pike.

RENVILLE COUNTY

Glenburn Pond (466) – North side of Glenburn. Small pond stocked annually with catchable-sized trout. Adult perch and bluegill stocked periodically. (Fishing pier, no ramp).

SHERIDAN COUNTY

Barreth Lake (158) – 2 miles south, 2 miles east, 2 miles south, .6 miles west of Goodrich. High number of small yellow perch. (No ramp).
Bender Lake (715) – .5 miles south, 4 miles west, .5 miles south of Martin. Moderate abundance of smaller yellow perch. (No ramp).
Cherry Lake (698) – 7 miles north, 3 miles east, 2 miles north, .3 miles west of Mercer. Fair number of northern pike, with some quality-sized fish. Fair number of small yellow perch. (No ramp).
Coal Mine Lake (482) – 14 miles south, 5 miles east of Anamoose. Significant winterkill in 2023 for second winter in a row greatly reduced fish populations. Low abundance of small northern pike. (Fishing pier).
Davis WPA (598) – 8 miles south, 1 mile east of Denhoff. Good walleye population, with larger fish up to 28 inches. High abundance of small yellow perch.
Heckers Lake (751) – 9 miles south, 2.4 miles east of Mercer. Good number of walleye, with fish up to 26 inches. Decent numbers of pike and smallmouth bass. Abundant small yellow perch. (No ramp).
Hinsz Lake (765) – 8 miles south, 3 miles west, 1 mile south, .6 miles west, .7 miles northwest of Anamoose. Good numbers of walleye and northern pike. Mostly smaller yellow perch.
Kaibel Lake (756) – 10.2 miles south of Drake. High abundance of small perch. (No ramp).
Miller Lake (772) – 18 miles north, 2 miles east, .2 miles south of McClusky. Complete winterkill in 2023. Stocked with adult yellow perch in 2023. (No ramp).
Mud Lake (716) – 4.5 miles south of Anamoose. Likely significant winterkill in 2023. (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. Good numbers of walleye and pike. Some good-sized bluegill and crappie. (Fishing pier).
Stober Lake (562) – 9 miles east, 2 miles north, 2 miles east of McClusky. Good walleye population, with fish up to 25 inches. Low yellow perch abundance, with some large fish.
Wolf Lake (558) – .5 miles south, 1.8 miles west of Martin. Substantial winterkill in 2023. (No ramp).

WARD COUNTY

Hiddenwood Lake (443) – 8 miles south of Makoti. Fair number of walleye, with some large fish. High abundance of small yellow perch. Some larger-sized smallmouth bass. (Fishing pier).
Makoti Lake (365) – 6 miles south of Makoti. High number of northern pike, with some larger fish. Abundant small yellow perch.
North Carlson Lake (360) – 10 miles east of Ryder. Significant winterkill in 2023. Low number of northern pike. Restocked with adult yellow perch in 2023.
Rice Lake (362) – 4 miles north, 7 miles east, 2 miles north of Ryder. Abundant northern pike population. Low walleye numbers. High numbers of small yellow perch and bluegill. (Fishing pier).
South Carlson Lake (361) – 10 miles east of Ryder. Decent numbers of northern pike and small yellow perch. (Fishing pier).
State Fair Pond (027) – North end of state fairgrounds. Small pond stocked annually with catchable-sized 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. Fair number of smaller largemouth bass. (Fishing pier).

RIVERS AND LAKES

J Clark Sayler NWR (096) – .5 miles north, 5 miles east of Upham. Some northern pike fishing opportunities during summer. (No ramp).
Knife River (392) – In Dunn and Mercer counties. Connected to the Missouri River, so a variety of fish species available.
McClusky Canal (464) – Central part of state in McLean, Burleigh and Sheridan counties. Excellent smallmouth bass fishery, with some larger fish. Variety of fish species available. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Souris River (Mouse River) (396) – North central part of state. Fair 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. Lower reaches can be 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. Frequently winterkills, resulting in the lake often being fishless in mid- to late winter. Winter access may be difficult due to the closest parking lot being gated during winter. Winter parking is available to the northeast of Cottonwood Park Pond and access is available via the paved walking path. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Crimmins WPA (747) – 3 miles west, 11 miles north, .5 miles west of Wing. Walleye abundant and a low number of perch. (No ramp).
Lake Harriet (Arena Lake) (610) – 8 miles west, 1 mile south of Tuttle. Abundant northern pike and a low number of yellow perch. (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 abundant and largemouth bass present in lower numbers. 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

Baumgartner Lake (529) – 6 miles south of Linton. Winterkill in 2022-23. Northern pike stocked in 2023 are small but abundant. (No ramp).
Braddock Dam (140) – 2 miles southwest of Braddock. Experienced a partial winterkill in 2022-23. Fair numbers of northern pike, walleye, channel catfish and yellow perch remain. Bluegill and black bullheads present.
Goose Lake (501) – 3 miles east of Braddock. Experienced a complete winterkill in 2022-23. Both northern pike and yellow perch stocked in 2023. (No ramp).
North Senger (070) – 1 mile north, 7 miles east, 3 miles north, 1.25 miles east of Strasburg. Yellow perch abundant. (No ramp).
Rice Lake (142) – 9.5 miles south, .8 miles west of Strasburg. Walleye, yellow perch and northern pike abundant.

KIDDER COUNTY

Alkaline Lake (590) – 15 miles south and 2.25 miles east of Tappen. Walleye abundant. Fair 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, along with a fair number of perch.
Des Moines Lake (593) – 5.5 miles east of Robinson. Northern pike and walleye abundant. (No ramp).
Etta-Alkaline Complex (650) – 1 mile south, 2.5 miles west, 3 miles south of Dawson. Complete winterkill in 2022-23, but some northern pike have repopulated the lake from Long Lake. (No ramp).
Fresh Lake (549) – 15 miles south, 7 miles east, 1 mile south of Dawson. Walleye abundant. Pike and perch present. (No ramp).
Frettim Lake (180) – 2 miles east, 1 mile north of Robinson. Winterkill in 2022-23. Adult bluegill and fingerling walleye stocked in 2023.
Geier Lake (740) – 12 miles east, 9.5 miles north of Robinson. Walleye abundant and perch present. (No ramp).
Helen Lake (601) – 2.5 miles west, 6 miles north of Tuttle. Consistently good northern pike fishery, with fish occasionally over 8 pounds. Perch present. (No ramp).
Horsehead Lake (594) – 10.7 miles north, .25 miles east of I-94 Exit 205. Northern pike and walleye abundant
Jasper Lake (573) – 7 miles north, .5 miles east of Robinson. Walleye and perch in good numbers. Bluegill present.
Koenig North (676) – 12.25 miles north, 1.5 miles east of Robinson. Walleye abundant and perch 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. Complete winterkill in 2022-23. Adult perch stocked in 2023 and are present in fair numbers. (No ramp).
Lake Isabel (183) – 2 miles south, .5 miles east, .75 miles south of Dawson. Small northern pike abundant. Perch and walleye present in low numbers. Non-department winter aeration may occur.
Lake Josephine (186) – 2 miles north of Tuttle. Walleye and perch abundant. A few northern 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. Northern pike abundant, but the lake frequently winterkills. (No ramp).
Lake Williams (182) – .3 miles east, .5 miles south of the town of Lake Williams. Fair numbers of walleye, northern pike, yellow perch and smallmouth bass.
Leno Lake (604) – 1 mile east, 7 miles north of Tuttle. Winterkill in 2022-23. Adult yellow perch and fingerling walleye stocked in 2023. (No ramp).
Long Alkaline Lake (629) – 3 miles west, 7 miles north of Robinson. Small northern pike abundant. Perch in low numbers. (No ramp).
McPhail WMA (569) – 7 miles north, 2 miles west of Tappen. Walleye and perch in good numbers. (No ramp).
Pelican Lake (474) – 3 miles east, 11 miles north, 1 mile east of Robinson. Walleye and small 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).
Rafferty Lake (734) – 12 miles east, 9.8 miles north of Robinson. Winterkill in 2022-23. Adult yellow perch stocked in 2023. (No ramp).
Remmick Lake (731) – 3 miles east, 6 miles north of Robinson. Walleye and perch in fair numbers. Winter access only. (No ramp).
Round Lake (181) – 1 mile north, 1.5 miles east of Pettibone. Fair numbers of northern pike, yellow perch and walleye. (No ramp).
Schumacher Lake (702) – 7 miles north, 1 mile east, .2 miles northeast of Robinson. Partial winterkill in 2022-23. Walleye, yellow perch and bluegill present in low numbers. Walk-in access on state land on northwest portion of lake. (No ramp).
Sibley Lake (646) – 7 miles north, 2 miles east, 1 mile south of Dawson. Abundant walleye and perch. Non-department winter aeration may occur.
Swan Lake (678) – 10.5 miles north of Robinson. Small perch abundant, but fish up to 10 inches present. Low number of walleye. (No ramp).
Willow Lake (645) – 9 miles north, 3 miles west of Robinson. Cormorant predation has impacted this fishery, but some walleye and yellow perch present. (No ramp).
Woodhouse Lake (472) – 12 miles north, 12 miles east of Wing. Walleye abundant and yellow perch present in fair numbers. (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. Walleye and small perch abundant. (No ramp).
Kleingartner Lake (710) – 10 miles south, 5 miles west of Gackle. Fair number of northern pike and a low number of yellow perch. (No ramp).
Lepp Lake (717) – 1 mile east, 1 mile north of Lehr. Fair numbers of northern pike and yellow perch. (No ramp).
Logan Lake (453) – 1 mile west of Gackle. Walleye 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. Suspected winterkill in 2022-23. Small walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass present. (Fishing pier).
Ost Lake (749) – 7 miles east, 1 mile north, 1 mile west, .5 miles north of Lehr. Walleye and yellow perch abundant. (No ramp).
Railroad Lake (708) – 5.5 miles east of Lehr. Fair numbers of walleye and yellow perch.
Thurn Lake (620) – 5 miles north of Lehr, .5 miles east. Good number of small walleye. Yellow perch present. (No ramp).
West Lake Napoleon (201) – 1 mile west of Napoleon. Experienced partial winterkill in 2022-23, but good numbers of walleye, yellow perch and northern pike remain.
Wetzel Lake (737) – 11 miles west, 1 mile south of Gackle. Small northern pike abundant. (No ramp).
Zenker Lake (021) – 3.5 miles west of Gackle. Walleye and yellow perch abundant. (No ramp).

MCINTOSH COUNTY

Clear Lake (215) – 6 miles east, 2 miles south of Wishek. Complete winterkill in 2022-23. Adult yellow perch stocked in 2023. (No ramp).
Dollinger Schnabel Lake (580) – 2 miles north, 5 miles west, 3 miles north of Venturia. Walleye and yellow perch abundant. (No ramp).
Dorfman Lake (642) – 5 miles north, 2 miles west of Ashley. Walleye abundant, along with fair numbers of northern pike and yellow perch. (No ramp).
Dry Lake (213) – 5 miles west, 4 miles north, 2 miles east, .5 miles south of Ashley. Excellent walleye fishery, with low numbers of northern pike and large yellow perch.
Green Lake (210) – 2 miles east, 4 miles south, 1 mile east of Wishek. Quality walleye and yellow perch fishery, with a low number of northern pike. (Fishing pier).
Harr Lake (514) – 10 miles east, 12 miles north of Ashley. Walleye abundant and yellow perch present. (No ramp).
Kislingbury Lake (763) – .5 miles east, 1.5 miles north of Ashley. Walleye and yellow perch abundant.
Lake Hoskins (211) – 3 miles west of Ashley. Fair numbers of walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. Low number of large bullheads. (Fishing pier).
Lehr WMA (570) – 2 miles east, 1 mile south of Lehr. Small walleye and yellow perch abundant and some adult walleye immigrated from adjoining Nagel Lake.
Miller Lake (315) – 7.5 miles east, 2.5 miles south of Lehr. Fair numbers of northern pike and small yellow perch. Low walleye numbers. (No ramp).
Mudd Lake (595) – 1 mile west of Lehr. Fair number of northern pike and a low number of yellow perch. (No ramp).
Nagel Lake (Koepplin WPA) (707) – 1.5 miles east, .5 miles south of Lehr. Walleye abundant and yellow perch present. (No ramp).
Pfeifle Lake (690) – 10 miles south, 2 miles east of Wishek. Northern pike, yellow perch and walleye in fair numbers. (No ramp).
Pudwill Lake (214) – 9 miles south, 4 miles west, 1 mile north, .5 miles west of Lehr. Frequently winterkills, but low numbers of northern pike, walleye and perch may be present. (No ramp).
Rueb Eszlinger (691) – 7.5 miles north, 2 miles west of Ashley. Abundant multiple yellow perch year-classes. (No ramp).

MORTON COUNTIES

Crown Butte Dam (237) – 4 miles west on access road on north side of I-94 Exit 147. Winterkill in 2022-23. Catchable-sized rainbow trout and bluegill stocked in 2023. (Fishing pier).
Fish Creek Dam (239) – 8 miles south, 2 miles east, 1 mile south of I-94 Exit 134. Largemouth bass, bluegill and rainbow trout abundant. Smallmouth bass and crappie present 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, channel catfish 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. Bluegill and 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, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. (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.

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NORTHEAST FISHERIES DISTRICT

Bryan Sea, district fisheries supervisor, Devils Lake

BENSON COUNTY

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).
Wood Lake (054) – 2 miles west, 1 mile south of Tokio. Significant die-off in summer 2022. Bluegill common but fewer 7- to 8-inch fish available. Still a fair number of decent largemouth bass, but down from several years ago. Fair number of 15- to 20-inch walleye, with some bigger fish present. Pike numbers are good, with most ranging from 20-30 inches. Perch are small.

CAVALIER COUNTY

Langdon City Pond (115) – South side of Langdon. Rainbow trout stocked annually. Most fish caught in May. (Fishing pier).
Mount Carmel Dam (114) – 9 miles north, 2 miles east, 2 miles north of Langdon. Walleye population is good, several sizes available, including some big fish. Decent number of nice-sized pike in the 20- to 30-inch range and a few bigger ones. Crappie population is good, with most fish averaging around 9 inches and some up to 12 inches. Perch mostly smaller but some reaching 9-10 inches. (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. Winterkill likely in 2023. (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 available. Fish 20-25 inches common, with 15- to 20-inch fish as well. Good perch numbers, with most less than 7 inches.
New Rockford Reservoir (137) – North side of New Rockford. Fair numbers of pike and a few walleye. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
North Lake Washington (125) – 6 miles south of Warwick. Decent walleye population, with most fish between 15-20 inches. Perch numbers have declined, and most are less than 8 inches.
Warsing Dam (135) – 1 mile northeast of Sheyenne. Northern pike adults stocked in spring 2019 to establish an instant fishery. Spring 2019 netting survey sampled pike, perch and bullheads. (Fishing pier).

FOSTER COUNTY

Dry Lake (548) – 7 miles east, 5 miles south, 2 miles east of Carrington. Good numbers of 15- to 18-inch walleye, with some over 20 inches. Pike and perch in low densities. No black bullheads sampled in 2023. (No ramp).
Juanita Lake (147) – 2 miles east of Grace City. Significant winterkill in 2023. (Fishing pier).

GRAND FORKS COUNTY

English Coulee Pond (244) – 5 miles south, 3 miles east, 1 mile south, .5 miles east of Emerado. Pike, bluegill and largemouth bass sampled in 2022. Some nice pike and bass up to 17 inches. Good numbers of 7- to 8-inch bluegill and lots of smaller fish. Some nice crappie up to 12 inches. Perch mostly small, but some are 8 inches. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Fordville Dam (153) – 5 miles west, 1 mile north, .5 miles west, .5 miles north of Inkster. Few walleyes present. Fair number of pike, with most around 20-27 inches. An OK population of perch under 8 inches. Bluegill numbers increasing, with mostly small fish. Fair crappie numbers, with most under 10 inches but some bigger fish. Bullheads and suckers remain a management issue. (Fishing pier).
Kolding Dam (155) – 5 miles southeast, 1 mile south of Niagara on U.S. Highway 2. Fair pike numbers ranging from 20-24 inches.
Larimore Dam (154) – 2 miles northeast of Larimore. Walleye have not been sampled since 2021 survey. Few perch but smaller-sized. Pike numbers declined slightly but 20-25 inch fish make up most of the population. (Fishing pier).
Ryan Park Pond (659) – South side of Grand Forks. Small community fishery stocked annually with trout. Some bluegill stocked in 2023. A good place to take a kid fishing. (Fishing pier, no ramp).

GRIGGS COUNTY

Carlson-Tande Dam (169) – 1 mile south, 5 miles west of Aneta. 2022 netting survey showed small perch, lots of bluegill, with a few up to 9 inches, along with a few nice walleye and pike.
Lake Addie (596) – 4 miles east, 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Binford. Managed as a walleye and perch fishery. Walleye population declined from previous levels. However, there is still a good population with all sizes, including some bigger fish. Fair perch numbers, with some up to 11 inches. (No ramp).
Red Willow Lake (168) – 6 miles north, 2 miles west of Binford. Walleye common and average over 20 inches. Pike abundant, with various sizes and some big fish. Bluegill abundant but mostly small. Perch in low densities and are typically small. Muskies present but typically not sampled in the survey.
Sibley Lake (435) – 1 mile west, 3 miles south of Binford. Good pike population, with fish averaging near 4 pounds. Fair number of perch available, with most less than 7 inches. (No ramp).

NELSON COUNTY

Lake Laretta (506) – 2 miles west, 2 miles north of Michigan. 2022 netting survey produced a low number of medium-sized pike. Low catch of perch, but some that survived predation are large. Decent number of walleye that average 16 inches. Some bigger fish available. (No ramp).
McVille Dam (252) – 1 mile east of McVille. Some smaller walleye less than 14 inches present. Larger pike present at low densities. Perch also present at low densities. (Fishing pier).
Silver Creek Dam (268) – 4 miles west, .5 miles south of McVille. Small reservoir with a winter pike fishery. Some decent-sized pike present. Perch present, but usually less than 7 inches. Bullheads and suckers abundant and a management problem. (No ramp).
Tolna Dam (254) – 1 mile south, 2 miles east of Tolna. Walleye present in low densities. Some pike averaging 20-24 inches. Perch numbers fairly low. Bluegill present, averaging around 7 inches.
Whitman Dam (253) – 1.5 miles north, 3 miles east of Whitman. Keeper-sized perch, with most fish under 10 inches. Fair fishing for good-sized pike and some smaller-sized walleye. Crappie present, with some larger fish. (Fishing pier).

PEMBINA COUNTY

Renwick Dam (265) – 6 miles west, 1 mile north of Cavalier. Perch numbers declined, with most being less than 8 inches. Some crappies, most less than 8 inches. White suckers and bullheads abundant and a management problem. (Fishing pier).

PIERCE COUNTY

Sand Lake (270) – 4 miles north of Pleasant Lake. Netting survey in 2022 showed a good pike fishery, with lots of fish from 21-28 inches. Perch numbers good, but most fish less than 8 inches.

RAMSEY COUNTY

Fenster Lake (621) – 3 miles north, 4 miles east of Crary. Pike in fair numbers, with most fish more than 5 pounds. Fair number of 8-inch perch, with some up to 12 inches. (No ramp).
Ruger Park Pond (467) – Northeast side of Devils Lake. No recent information. (No ramp).

ROLETTE COUNTY

Belcourt Lake (300) – 2 miles north of Belcourt. Yellow perch and northern pike 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 25 inches. Walleye population is good and fish average about 17 inches. A good perch population, with most fish about 6-8 inches.
Dion Lake (293) – 10 miles west, 2 miles north, 1 mile east of St. John. 2022 netting survey showed walleye densities lower than recent years, but OK numbers of 16-inch fish, with some over 20 inches. Perch numbers decent, with most fish under 9 inches, but some up to 12 inches. Illegally stocked pike common, with some fish longer than 30 inches. Bluegill numbers increasing, with most larger fish about 7-8 inches. (Fishing pier).
Gordon Lake (299) – 4.5 miles north, 1 mile west, .25 miles northwest of Belcourt. Walleye and yellow perch abundant, 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, walleye and perch fishery. In 2022 netting survey, pike average about 23 inches, with larger fish as well. Most perch under 10 inches, with the average of 7 inches. Bluegill mostly under 7 inches, but also some larger fish. A low density walleye population, with the larger fish about 22 inches. (Fishing pier).
Hooker Lake (295) – 8 miles west of St. John. One of a few rainbow trout lakes in the district and one of the only tiger trout lakes in the state. Trout stocked annually and reach maximum size in fall. Currently, some older, larger trout available due to lack of winterkill in recent years. Trout ranged from 10-20 inches in the 2023 netting survey. Tiger trout (brown/brook trout cross) were introduced in 2023 and averaged 12 inches. (Fishing pier).
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. Netting survey in 2020 produced a good number of pike, with the average fish about 5 pounds. (No ramp).
Martin Lake (432) – 1.2 miles east, 1 mile north, .8 miles east of Belcourt. Walleye abundant. Perch present. (No ramp).
School Section Lake (296) – 9 miles north, 2.5 miles east of Dunseith. 2020 netting survey sampled only perch, with most less than 6 inches.
Shutte Lake (298) – .5 miles east of Dunseith. Pike and perch fishery. Last netted in 2020 and pike were numerous, with most fish between 3-5 pounds. Perch abundant, with most fish less than 8 inches. (No ramp).
Upsilon Lake (297) – 6 miles west, 1 mile north of St. John. Good number of pike of all sizes, with some large fish. Fair to low numbers of nice walleye, along with some smaller perch. Crappies present. (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 fishing opportunities. Most pike around 20-26 inches. Some perch with a median length of 8-inches. High bullhead population is a management problem. (No ramp).
North Golden Lake (339) – 10 miles east, 4 miles north, .5 miles west of Finley. Significant winterkill in 2023, the first on record. Follow-up netting survey still produced high numbers of bullheads. A few walleye and white suckers were also sampled. Some fish may have entered from South Golden Lake. No bluegills were sampled. Yellow perch were stocked in spring and were also sampled.
North Tobiason Lake (336) – 8 miles west of Hatton. Low pike density. Yellow perch numbers decent, with most averaging 7 inches, but some up to 10 inches. Some small walleyes present. Bullheads abundant.
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. Low walleye density, with most fish over 20 inches. Perch numbers are good for keeper-sized fish, with a average length of 9 inches. Some bluegill present. Bullheads abundant and a management problem. (Fishing pier).

TOWNER COUNTY

Armourdale Dam (349) – 9 miles east, 1.5 miles north of Rolla. 2023 netting survey caught walleyes ranging from 10-17 inches, averaging about 12 inches, a fair population of bigger pike from 14-36 inches and perch that averaged 9 inches. (Fishing pier).
Bisbee Dam Big Coulee (350) – 1 mile east of Bisbee. Netting survey in 2022 did not sample any walleye hit hard by winterkill. However, still good pike numbers, with some fish over 10 pounds. Fair number of perch, with most about 6-10 inches. Also, low crappie densities. (Fishing pier).

WALSH COUNTY

Bylin Dam (355) – 3 miles east, 3 miles south of Adams. Netting survey in 2022 showed a good population of pike, with some up to 36 inches. Low walleye catch, but nice-sized fish. Perch average about 8 inches, with some bigger fish. (Fishing pier).
Homme Dam (356) – 2 miles west of Park River. 2023 netting survey produced high perch numbers, with fish averaging 8 inches, with the largest fish sampled at 10 inches. Crappie abundant, with most 6-9 inches, along with some bigger fish up to 11 inches. Lower pike density with some nice-sized fish. Lower densities of walleyes, with mostly smaller-sized fish. White suckers and bullheads abundant and problematic. (Fishing pier).
Matejcek Dam (354) – 6 miles south of Lankin. After recent winterkills, fish populations are comprised of mostly smaller walleye, pike and perch.

WELLS COUNTY

Georgeson Lake (625) – 3 miles north, 3 miles east, .25 miles north of Bremen. 2022 netting survey produced a low keeper perch catch, with most fish being yearlings. (No ramp).
Goose Lake (608) – 3 miles north, 3 miles east, 1 mile north of Harvey. Significant winterkill in 2023. Follow up netting survey produced a low catch of adult walleye, with slightly more yearlings in the catch. Good number of yearling perch were netted with just a few adults. No pike were netted because of a likely low population.
Harvey Dam (368) – Southeast side of Harvey. Significant winterkill in 2023. Follow up netting survey found some adult and yearling bullheads, fathead minnows and brook sticklebacks. Adult perch were stocked after the winterkill and are present. (Fishing pier).
Heaton Slough (218) – 4 miles east, 8 miles south, 3 miles east of Bowdon. This smaller slough was netted and sampled in 2021, with pike averaging about 22 inches. Likely winterkill in 2023, but no follow-up sampling conducted to verify. (No ramp).
Hurdsfield Tuffy Lake (616) – 3.5 miles east of Hurdsfield. Solid numbers of eating-sized walleye ranging from 15-20 inches, with some big fish. Perch numbers low. Carp reproducing and are a management problem.
Monson Lake (124) – 1 mile south, 1 mile east, 8 miles south, 1 mile west of Bowdon. Fair perch population, with some keeper-sized fish. Walleye population fair, with most fish over 20 inches. (No ramp).
Silver Lake (105) – 1 mile west, 7.5 miles south, 2 miles west, 2 miles north of Bowdon. Low density perch population, with most fish about 8 inches and a few over 10 inches. (No ramp).
Silver Lake WMA (721) – 3 miles south of Chaseley. Perch numbers down overall, with the occasional keeper of 8-10 inches. Good population of 10- to 20-inch walleye, with most around 15 inches. Carp present and a management problem. (No ramp).
Sykeston Dam (369) – Northwest side of Sykeston. 2022 netting survey sampled mostly perch and bullheads. Perch averaged 9 inches, with the largest at 12 inches. The few pike sampled were under 24 inches. (Fishing pier).

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. Perch and bluegill present. (No ramp).
Clausen Springs (051) – 3 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles north of the junction of ND highways 46 and 1. Largemouth bass and bluegill abundant. Occasional perch. (Fishing pier).
Clauson Lake (704) – 4 miles west, .5 miles south, .5 miles east of Nome. Low density perch population. (No ramp).
Eckelson Lake North (605) – 3 miles north, .5 miles east, 1 mile north, .5 miles east of Eckelson. Perch abundant. Larger fish present. (No ramp).
Eckelson Lake South (671) – 4 miles south, 1.5 miles east of Eckelson. Moderate numbers of perch and pike. (No ramp).
Fox Lake (586) – 1 mile north, .75 miles west of Eckelson. Walleye and perch abundant. Larger fish present.
Hatchery Kids Pond (064) – 2 miles northwest of Valley City. Various fish species, including rainbow trout, stocked in spring. (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. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Kee Lake (606) – 7 miles south, 2 miles east of Eckelson. Moderate numbers of pike and walleye. Occasional perch. (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. Walleye, pike and smallmouth bass abundant. Good number of larger fish. Moderate number of perch. Occasional crappie, white bass and bluegill. Muskellunge present. (Fishing pier).
Meadow Lake (565) – 6 miles west, 6 miles north of Litchville. Moderate numbers of perch and walleye, with some larger fish. (No ramp).
Middle Eckelson (670) – 2 miles east of Eckelson. Moderate population of pike, perch and walleye. (No ramp).
Moon Lake (049) – 2 miles west, 5.5 miles south, 4 miles west, 2 miles north of Valley City. Walleye and perch abundant. Occasional smallmouth bass, brown and rainbow trout.
Mosher WPA (564) – 2.5 miles north, 4.5 miles east of Dazey. Walleye abundant. (No ramp).
Olson WPA (633) – 1.5 miles north of I-94 Exit 283. Moderate numbers of perch and pike. Large black bullhead. (No ramp).
Round Lake (069) – 1.5 miles east, 1 mile south of Sanborn. Moderate numbers of pike, perch and walleye. (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. Moderate number of pike. Low density perch population. (No ramp).
St. Mary’s Lake (045) – 2 miles west, 5.5 miles south, 4 miles west, 1 mile north of Valley City. Walleye and perch abundant. (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. Largemouth bass and bluegill abundant. Some larger bass. Occasional walleye and crappie. (Fishing pier).
Brooks Harbor (326) – .5 miles south, .5 miles west of I-94 Exit 346. Rainbow trout and perch present. Public area on the south end. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Casselton Pond (219) – Southeast corner of Casselton. Winterkill in 2022. Rainbow trout stocked annually in late spring. (No ramp).
Casselton Reservoir (106) – Just west of Casselton. Moderate numbers of pike and perch. Winterkill in 2022. (Fishing pier).
Lindemann Lake (703) – 2 miles north, 1 mile east, .5 miles north of Enderlin. Walleye and perch abundant. (No ramp).
North Woodhaven Pond (656) – 2.25 miles south, .25 miles east of I-94 Exit 348. Rainbow trout stocked annually in late spring. (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. Low density perch population. (No ramp).
Hofer Lake (145) – 7 miles east, 1.75 miles north of Ellendale. No recent information. (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. Winterkill in 2022. (Fishing pier).
Shimmin Lake (531) – 20.5 miles west, 1 mile south of Ellendale. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
TAD Lake (760) – 8 miles west of Oakes. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Whitestone Lake (122) – .5 miles south, 1.5 miles west, 1 mile south of Merricourt. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Wilson Dam (121) – 7.5 miles west of Monango. Winterkill in 2022. (Fishing pier).

LAMOURE COUNTY

Alfred Lake (574) – 7 miles east, 1.5 miles south of Gackle. Low density pike and perch populations. Partial winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Bernstons Lake (022) – .5 miles north, .5 miles west of Kulm. Abundant pike. Occasional perch. (No ramp).
Boom Lake (Marion Lake) (561) – .5 miles west of Marion. Moderate numbers of pike, small perch and walleye.
Cottonwood Lake (192) – 5 miles west, 5 miles south, 1 mile west of LaMoure. Winterkill in 2022.
Diamond Lake (553) – 5.5 miles north of Kulm. Walleye abundant. Moderate number of pike and perch.
East Kalmbach Lake (157) – .5 miles south, 4.5 miles west, .5 miles south of Jud. Winterkill suspected in 2022. (No ramp).
Flood Lake North (447) – 4 miles north of Kulm. Good number of pike. Low density perch and walleye population. (No ramp).
Flood Lake South (511) – 3.5 miles north of Kulm. Fair numbers of pike and perch.
Heinrich-Martin Dam (189) – .75 miles east, .5 miles south of Adrian. Largemouth bass and bluegill abundant. Moderate numbers of crappie, perch and pike.
Kulm-Edgeley Dam (191) – 4 miles west, 2 miles south of Edgeley. Moderate numbers of pike, bluegill and perch. Low number of walleye.
Lake LaMoure (196) – 1 mile south, 1 mile east, 2.5 miles south, 1 mile west, .5 miles south of LaMoure. Pike and crappie abundant. Moderate numbers of walleye and perch. Occasional bluegill. (Fishing pier).
Limesand-Seefeldt Dam (193) – 8 miles south, 3 miles west of Marion. Pike abundant. Moderate numbers of bluegill, perch and crappie. Water low due to leaking dam.
Schlecht-Thom Dam (195) – 5 miles west, .5 miles north of Edgeley. Moderate numbers of pike and perch.
Schlenker Dam (Lehr Dam) (422) – 11 miles west, .5 miles south of the junction of U.S. Highway 281 and ND Highway 46. Moderate number of pike. Occasional perch.
Twin Lakes (552) – 4 miles north of LaMoure. Walleye, pike and perch abundant. 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. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Lake Fredonia (072) – .5 miles east, 1.5 miles south of Fredonia. Moderate number of small- to medium-sized perch. (No ramp).
Oriole Lake (267) – 8.25 miles south of Gackle. Pike abundant. (No ramp).

MCINTOSH COUNTY

Berlin Lake (779) – 9.5 miles east, 7 miles north, 2 miles east, 2 miles north of Ashley. Perch in low numbers. (No ramp).
Blumhardt Dam (208) – 9.5 miles east, 7 miles north, 1.5 miles east of Ashley. Brown and rainbow trout.
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. Largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie abundant. Some larger bass. (Fishing pier).
Lone Tree Lake (Englevale) (283) – .5 miles north, 2 miles west of Englevale. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Mooringstone Pond (281) – .75 miles west of the city of Fort Ransom. Rainbow trout stocked annually in late spring. (No ramp).

RICHLAND COUNTY

Bisek Slough (682) – 2 miles north, .5 miles west of Lidgerwood. Winterkill in 2022.
Elm Lake (693) – .5 miles east, 3.5 miles south of Lidgerwood. Walleye abundant. Low number of pike. (No ramp).
Four Corners Lake (727) – 3.5 miles east, 2 miles south, .5 miles west of Lidgerwood. High density walleye population, with some larger fish. Fair number of perch and bluegill. (No ramp).
Grass Lake (272) – 2 miles west, 1 mile north, 1 mile west, 1 mile north, 1.5 miles west of Lidgerwood. Pike and perch abundant.
Gullys Slough (572) – 4 miles east, 1 mile south of Lidgerwood. Moderate numbers of pike, perch and walleye. Occasional bluegill. (No ramp).
Hankinson Legion Memorial Pond (062) – 1.5 miles south, .5 miles west of Hankinson. Trout stocked annually in late spring. Crappie present. (No ramp).
Haus Lake (745) – 2 miles east, 7 miles south, .25 miles east of Lidgerwood. Walleye abundant. Occasional 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. Walleye and crappie abundant. Moderate numbers of smallmouth bass, bluegill and perch. Occasional catfish. 14-inch minimum walleye length limit. (Fishing pier).
Lueck Lake (622) – 6 miles east, 2.5 miles south of Lidgerwood. Walleye and perch abundant. Larger fish present. (No ramp).
Mooreton Pond (288) – 2 miles east of Mooreton. Rainbow trout stocked annually in late spring. Low number of walleye. Occasional perch, bass, crappie and channel catfish. (Fishing pier).
Moran Lake (563) – 6 miles west, 2 miles south of Hankinson. Pike and bluegill present. (No ramp).
Reiland Lake (729) – 3 miles north, .5 miles east of Lidgerwood. Moderate number of walleye and perch. (No ramp).
Shriner Lake (754) – 4.5 miles south, .25 miles east of Lidgerwood. Moderate numbers of pike, perch and walleye. (No ramp).
Vislisel Lake (728) – 1 mile north, 2 miles east, 1 mile north, 1 mile west of Lidgerwood. Walleye and perch present. (No ramp).
Wahl Lake (523) – 1 mile east, 2 miles south of Lidgerwood. Walleye abundant. Occasional pike. (No ramp).
West Moran Lake (669) – 2 miles east, .5 miles south of Lidgerwood. Walleye abundant. (No ramp).

SARGENT COUNTY

Alkali Lake (302) – 3 miles south of Cayuga. Fair number of medium-sized walleye, with some large fish. (Fishing pier, no ramp).
Bergh Slough (647) – 1 mile south, 2.5 miles east of Forman. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Boot Lake (282) – 3.5 miles south of Forman. Decent numbers of pike and perch. (No ramp).
Buffalo Lake (307) – 6 miles north, 1 mile east of Rutland. Moderate winterkill in 2022. Remnant pike population.
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. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Fiala Lake (571) – 1 mile west, 2 miles south of Forman. Moderate numbers of pike and perch. Partial winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Kraft Slough (643) – 1 mile south, 9 miles east, 2.5 miles north of Oakes. Walleye and perch abundant. Occasional pike.
Lake Tewaukon (305) – 5 miles south of Cayuga. Contact Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge for recent information. (Fishing pier).
Lake Walstead (667) – 4 miles south, 1 mile east, 1 mile north of Forman. Good population of walleye, perch and pike. (No ramp).
Nelson Lake (313) – 4.5 miles south, .5 miles east of Forman. Pike abundant. Moderate numbers of perch and walleye. (No ramp).
Ole Breum Lake (744) – 5 miles north, 1 mile east of Rutland. Moderate number of walleye. Low numbers of perch and pike, with the occasional crappie. (No ramp).
Silver Lake (303) – 3 miles west, 2 miles south of Rutland. Moderate number of pike. (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. Winterkill in 2022. Remnant pike population.

STUTSMAN COUNTY

Alkali Lake (539) – 11 miles north, 5 miles east, .5 miles south of Jamestown. Good numbers of pike, perch and walleye. Some larger walleye and pike. Ramp closed first Monday in October until freeze-up each year.
Bader Lake (427) – 4 miles south, 1 mile east of I-94 Exit 230. Moderate numbers of walleye, pike and perch.
Barnes Lake (346) – 1 mile east, 6 miles north of Woodworth. Walleye abundant. Moderate number of pike.
Big Mallard Marsh (599) – 9 miles north, 2.5 miles east of Woodworth. Walleye abundant. Moderate number of pike and perch.
Brooks Complex (797) – 4 miles south, 2 miles east, 2 miles south, .5 miles west of Cleveland. Perch abundant. (No ramp).
Clark Lake (340) – 1 mile west, 3 miles north, 4 miles west of Woodworth. Moderate numbers of walleye and pike. Occasional perch.
Cleveland Pond (473) – 2.5 miles west of Cleveland. No recent information. (No ramp).
Cleveland Slough (665) – .5 miles south of Cleveland along County Road 67. Perch and walleye abundant. Occasional large pike. (No ramp).
Crystal Springs (179) – 1 mile east of Crystal Springs. Walleye and pike abundant.
Cysewski Lake (148) – 11 miles north, 4 miles east, 2 miles north, .5 miles east, 1 mile north of Jamestown. Perch and pike present. (No ramp).
East Easter Lake (782) – 5 miles north, 4 miles east, 1 mile south of Streeter. Perch abundant. (No ramp).
Foot Lake (321) – 2 miles south, 4 miles west of Medina. Walleye and perch abundant. (No ramp).
Fox Lake (612) – 1.5 miles west of Courtenay. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Gaier Lake (784) – 8.5 miles north, 1 mile west of Cleveland. Winterkill suspected in 2022. (No ramp).
Ghost Lake (785) – 8 miles east, 3 miles south, 1 mile west of Woodworth. Winterkill suspected in 2022. (No ramp).
Half Way Lake (312) – 3.5 miles south of Medina. Abundant perch and the occasional crappie. (No ramp).
Hehn-Schaffer Lake (459) – 4 miles north of Gackle. Moderate numbers of perch and walleye. Low density pike population. (Fishing pier).
Hieb Lake (786) – 3.5 miles east, 6 miles north, 1 mile east of Medina. Moderate number of perch. Larger fish present. (No ramp).
Hoggarth Dam (576) – 3 miles west, 3 miles south of Courtenay. Walleye and perch abundant. (No ramp).
Jamestown Reservoir (341) – 2 miles north of Jamestown. Moderate numbers of pike and walleye. Crappie abundant. Occasional perch and smallmouth bass. 14-inch minimum walleye length limit. (Fishing pier).
Jay Nelson Lake (431) – 3.5 miles south of Medina. Walleye abundant. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Lake Rau (319) – 4 miles south, 2 miles east, 2.5 miles south of Medina. Moderate number of pike, with the occasional perch. (No ramp).
Little Britches Pond (492) – Next to Jamestown Reservoir marina. Late spring rainbow trout, 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) – North access 11 miles north, 2.5 miles west of Medina. South access 8 miles north, 2 miles west, 1.25 miles north of Medina. Perch and walleye abundant. (No ramp).
Paris Lake (789) – 8 miles east, 3.5 miles south of Woodworth. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Pipestem Reservoir (348) – 5 miles northwest, .8 miles west, 1 mile south of Jamestown. Abundant pike, perch and walleye.
Pleasant Lake (788) – 4 miles south, 2 miles east, 2 miles south, 1 mile east of Cleveland. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
R and M Lake (579) – 4 miles east, 5 miles north of Buchanan. Walleye abundant. Moderate number of perch. Larger fish present. (No ramp).
Reule Lake (607) – 5 miles west of Medina. Walleye abundant. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Schock Lake (592) – 11 miles north, 3.5 miles east, 1 mile north, .5 miles west of Jamestown. Perch and walleye present. (No ramp).
School Lake (790) – 5 miles north, 5 miles east, 3 miles north of Streeter. Low density perch population. (No ramp).
South Stink Lake (438) – 1 mile south, 8.5 miles west, 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Medina. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Spiritwood Lake (343) – 11 miles north, 4 miles east of Jamestown. Smallmouth bass abundant. Moderate numbers of walleye and perch. (Fishing pier).
Stink Lake (766) – 2.5 miles east of Crystal Springs. Walleye and perch abundant. Occasional large pike. (No ramp).
Stirton Lake (792) – 3 miles south of Cleveland. Walleye abundant. Moderate perch population. (No ramp).
Streeter Lake (460) – South side of Streeter. Total winterkill in 2022.
Sunday Lake (649) – 1 mile west, 3 miles north of Woodworth. Total winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
Trautman Slough (793) – 4 miles south, 2 miles west, 1 mile south of Cleveland. Abundant walleye and perch. (No ramp).
Wanzek Slough (414) – .5 miles west, 1 mile south, .75 miles west of Windsor. Winterkill in 2022. (No ramp).
West Easter Lake (795) – 5 miles north, 3 miles east of Streeter. Winterkill suspected in 2022. (No ramp).
Youme Lake (437) – 2 miles east, 6.5 miles north of Medina. Moderate number of perch. (No ramp).
Zimmerman Lake (796) – 2 miles north of Cleveland. Winterkill in 2022. (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, walleye and the occasional channel catfish.
Red River (411) – Eastern edge of state. Catfish abundant, larger fish common. Moderate number of walleye, with some larger fish. (Fishing pier).
Sheyenne River (397) – Southeastern part of state. Smallmouth bass abundant. Moderate numbers of walleye and catfish. Good number of muskies in upper reaches. (Fishing pier).
Wild Rice River (409) – Southeastern part of state. Moderate numbers of catfish, walleye and pike. (No ramp).

MISSOURI RIVER SYSTEM

Russ Kinzler, Missouri River System supervisor, Riverdale

WALLEYE

Lake Sakakawea – Walleye fishing was exceptional in 2023 and should remain so in 2024. High forage abundance and good habitat conditions have allowed Sakakawea walleye to maintain good body condition, good growth rates and high abundance. Walleye abundance did drop slightly in 2023 but remains above the long-term average. Anglers should find good numbers of 10- to 14-inch fish from two strong, young year-classes entering the fishery. There should also be good numbers of 15- to 20-inch fish, along with some larger fish found mainly in the middle to lower portions of the reservoir.
Missouri River/Lake Oahe – Walleye reproductive success has been good to excellent in recent years, but forage for these fish has been in short supply. Small walleye abundant but tend to be in poor condition and slow growing. However, this fishery continues to provide the opportunity for trophy-sized fish.

NORTHERN PIKE

Lake Sakakawea/Lake Oahe – Northern pike abundance in Sakakawea has declined from the record high in 2012, but trophy-sized pike exceeding 15 pounds are still present. Pike abundance in Oahe has declined from recent years, but average size is excellent, with fish occasionally over 20 pounds.

SALMON

Missouri River System – Salmon fishing was good in 2023, with good numbers of fish caught, but the average size has continued to decline.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

Lake Sakakawea – The smallmouth bass population remains good, with some whopper-sized fish in the system.

TROUT

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

CATFISH

Upper Lake Sakakawea, Missouri River and Yellowstone River – 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 due to the relatively cold water throughout summer.
Missouri River, south of Garrison Dam – Channel catfish are abundant and underutilized throughout the entire reach.

DEVILS LAKE BASIN

Bryan Sea, 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. The number of 15- to 20-inch walleye is well above average again, so there are many quality fish available. The number of walleye longer than 20 inches is a little above the long-term average as well.
Stump Lake – Walleye population is doing very well. There are a variety of sizes available, with good numbers of fish. The number of fish in the size groups that anglers are most interested in are all well above average. The number of walleye 20 inches and longer are currently at a record high.
Irvine-Alice-Mikes Complex – Boat access conditions very poor as the makeshift boat launch site a few miles north of Churchs Ferry is unusable and will remain so unless water levels rise significantly. Walleye population continues to do well. There are a variety of sizes available and good numbers of fish from 15-22 inches.

NORTHERN PIKE

Devils Lake – Northern pike will continue to provide angler opportunities in 2024. Pike can be found throughout the lake, particularly in the shallower areas. The number of pike is down somewhat compared to several years ago. Most fish are between 24-34 inches, but trophy-sized pike are available.
Stump Lake – Northern pike numbers are below average, but they are still available. Most pike are between 28-34 inches, but there are some larger fish.
Irvine-Alice-Mikes Complex – Northern pike still abundant. Most pike are medium-sized. 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 as their body condition is relatively low at times, 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 about normal. Overall, there should be perch for anglers to pursue in 2024, and anglers may notice a few more of the 12-inch and larger “jumbo” perch than usual.
Stump Lake – Yellow perch relatively abundant. However, many of the fish will likely be about 7 inches or so, with some bigger fish available. Overall, there should be perch fishing opportunities in 2024, but fishing may be slower for large perch.
Irvine-Alice-Mikes Complex – Yellow perch numbers low, but the few perch in the lake tend to be larger.

WHITE BASS

Devils Lake – White bass numbers have fallen from their recent high, but their numbers are still above average. The larger ones were hatched in 2015 and will probably be between 15-17 inches in 2024. There will also be many younger fish about 13-15 inches.
Stump Lake – White bass are fairly common. Most bass will likely be about 13 inches in 2024, but there should be some larger fish available.
Irvine-Alice-Mikes Complex – White bass numbers low, but they tend to be good-sized. Fish populations in Lake Alice are similar to those in Lake Irvine.

Return to North Dakota Outdoors March-April 2024 Edition