Zebra Mussels Discovered in Smishek Lake

Mon, 09/29/2025

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Smishek Lake, Burke County, after detecting zebra mussel veligers in routine plankton tow net samples. 

Ben Holen, Department aquatic nuisance species coordinator, said subsequent follow-up sampling found additional adult mussels in the lake.

The 195-acre lake is a popular recreation destination located 4.8 miles north of Powers Lake.

Smishek Lake is now considered a Class I ANS infested water. Emergency rules will go into effect immediately to prohibit the movement of water away from the lake, including water for transferring bait. Notices will be posted at lake access sites. With input from partners, the Game and Fish Department is currently evaluating containment and treatment options on Smishek Lake to minimize the spread of zebra mussels in the region. 

Zebra mussels are just one of the nonnative aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. After using any body of water, people must remember to follow North Dakota regulations:

• Remove aquatic vegetation before leaving the water access and do not import into North Dakota.
• Drain all water before leaving the water access.
• Remove drain plugs and devices that hold back water and leave open and out during transport.
• Do not import aquatic bait into the state. For Class I ANS infested waters, aquatic bait cannot be transported away from the water. In all other areas, bait must be transported in a container that holds 5 gallons or less. Remember that it is illegal to dump unused bait on shore or into the lake.
• All docks, lifts and related equipment must be dried and left out of water for at least 21 days before being placed in another water.

In addition to North Dakota regulations, Game and Fish strongly recommends:

• Avoid mooring your watercraft in zebra mussels infested waters.
• Clean – remove plants, animals and excessive mud prior to leaving a water access.
• Drain – drain all water prior to leaving a water access.
• Dry – allow equipment to dry completely before using again or disinfect. 

For more information about ANS in North Dakota, options for disinfection, or to report a possible ANS, visit the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov. 

Sandhill Crane Season

Wed, 09/10/2025

North Dakota’s sandhill crane season opens Sept. 20 and runs through Nov. 16.

Limits are three daily and nine in possession in unit 1 (west of U.S. Highway 281), and two daily and six in possession in unit 2 (east of U.S. Highway 281). Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 2 p.m. each day, with extended shooting hours to sunset on Saturdays and Wednesdays beginning Sept. 27 through the end of the season.

Hunters are urged to use caution and identify birds to prevent shooting at endangered whooping cranes as they begin their fall migration.

In addition to other licenses required, resident hunters need a $10 crane permit, while nonresidents need a $30 permit. Hunters can buy a license online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

Harvest Information Program certification is required. To get HIP certified, access the Game and Fish website.

Free Fishing Weekend

Mon, 06/02/2025

North Dakota residents who want to give fishing a try can fish for free June 7-8.

That is the state’s free fishing weekend, when all residents 16 and older can fish any North Dakota water without a license. Residents 15 and younger do not need a fishing license at any time of year.

The weekend provides a great opportunity to try fishing for the first time or take someone new. 

Information on regulations, where to fish and what equipment is needed is available on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov.

County Restrictions Remain on Oahe WMA

Mon, 05/19/2025

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department removed the open fire ban on Oahe Wildlife Management Area. However, this area still falls under county burn restrictions.

More information, including restrictions, on current fire danger indexes is available at NDResponse.gov.

Oahe WMA covers more than 16,000 acres along the Missouri River south of Bismarck and Mandan within Burleigh, Emmons and Morton counties.

ANS Awareness Week

Mon, 05/05/2025

May 4-10 is Aquatic Nuisance Species Awareness Week in North Dakota in an effort to raise public understanding of the preventative steps recreationists need to follow to stop the introduction and spread of ANS in the state’s waterways.

ANS are nonnative plants, animals or pathogens that can affect the ecology of our lakes and rivers and the economic and recreational value of those waterways. 

Ben Holen, state Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator, said ANS awareness week is comprised of state and federal agencies highlighting the ongoing efforts taking place in North Dakota.

“The pathways of ANS introductions are vast, so it is important to relay ANS awareness across diverse platforms to reach many unique water users,” he said. “Raising awareness is a collaborative approach among partners and conscientious citizens.”

North Dakota currently has low numbers of aquatic nuisance species. Other than zebra mussels, just a few invasive plants and animals – curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and grass, bighead, silver and common carp – are found in some state waters.

To fight the introduction and spread of unwanted invasives, Holen said some of the shared burden falls on water users. The Game and Fish Department encourages anglers, pleasure boaters and others to clean, drain and dry all equipment after every use. Clean and remove all plants or animals from watercraft or equipment prior to leaving any recreational area. Drain and remove water from all equipment prior to exiting designated access points. Not draining water can be extremely hazardous and may cause negligent transportation of ANS to various locations. Afterwards, verify that all equipment is completely dry before using again.

For more information on aquatic nuisance species, visit the department’s website at gf.nd.gov.