Whether you are a seasoned angler or a weekend hobbyist, the rules governing North Dakota’s waters are more than just a list of “dos and don’ts” — they are the cornerstone of conservation that stretches back over a century. As we look toward the new fishing season beginning April 1, 2026, it is worth taking a quick look at what, when and why changes have been made.

The roots of North Dakota’s fisheries management are deeper than many realize. The very first fishing laws were established in 1881, back when the region was still the Dakota Territory. In those early days, the focus was narrow, primarily centered on basic creel and length limits to prevent total depletion of local stocks.

The modern era of management truly took flight around 1950 with the creation of the fisheries division and the hiring of the state’s first professional fisheries biologist. Since then, “biology first” has driven the regulation process while attempting to keep the rules simple and straightforward. Ultimately, the goal is sustaining healthy fish populations for the long haul, and ensuring every angler has reasonable prospects to catch fish.

View all 2026-28 fishing regulations.

Key Changes for 2026-28

While the North Dakota Game and Fish Department prides itself on keeping regulations simple and consistent, every two years brings a few necessary adjustments. Here is what you need to know for the upcoming season.

Return of the White Sucker

Perhaps the most significant shift for big-bait enthusiasts is the reintroduction of live white suckers as legal bait on the Missouri River System, Lake Audubon, Devils Lake and Stump Lake.

For around three decades, suckers have been banned in these waters. However, an internal evaluation of past sucker regulations concluded that restrictions did little to reduce sucker abundance. Given that anglers have lamented the lack of options for larger live bait since the ban on suckers, particularly on the Missouri River System, the Department has opted to restore this choice.

It must be stressed, however, that though suckers may be legal on these big waters, it will take time before they become available for most. It will take a while for bait vendors to find sources of suckers and make their product available to the public.

Expanded Spearfishing Opportunities

The Department continues to receive public input and incorporate change when and where possible. This includes:

• Underwater spearfishing — This season has been expanded to a year-round schedule to match bow fishing and (above water) spearing seasons. Additionally, smallmouth bass have been added to the list of legal species for underwater spearers.
• Darkhouse spearfishing — You can now legally harvest channel catfish while darkhouse spearfishing on the Missouri River System. This change aligns darkhouse rules with existing open-water and bow-fishing regulations.

Salmon Snagging, White Bass Limits

Fans of the autumn chinook salmon run on Lake Sakakawea will see the reinstatement of the salmon snagging season, and an expansion to include bow and spearing. The season will run from Sept. 25 through Oct. 31 and is restricted to daylight hours only. (Note: The salmon snagging season was eliminated in 1995.)

Finally, if you enjoy targeting white bass, you can harvest more this upcoming year. Daily limits have increased from 20 to 30, and possession limits have jumped from 40 to 60. Biologists believe this increase will boost recreational activity in a few locales without putting any bass populations at risk.

Simplifying Paperwork

In a move toward less red tape, anglers will no longer be required to register for darkhouse spearfishing. After 25 years of data collection, the Department has a firm grasp on how this activity impacts northern pike populations. With survey response rates declining, officials determined that mandatory registration was no longer necessary to maintain a healthy resource.

With a new fishing season underway this spring, these changes reflect a Department that is listening to public feedback while remaining grounded in biological data.

Tight lines! And pay it forward by taking a beginner fishing today.

GREG POWER is the Game and Fish Department’s fisheries chief.