Darkhouse Spearers Reminded to Register, Practice Safety

Individuals who are required to possess a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) to participate in darkhouse spearfishing are reminded to first register with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Free registration is available at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

All holes greater than 10 inches left in the ice must be marked with a natural object or a brightly painted or colored wooden lath, and visible from a minimum of 150 feet.

In addition, spearers are asked to be aware of the placement of spear holes in relation to access sites onto the ice, including boat ramps. The Game and Fish Department has received complaints about holes cut in the middle of these entry/exit points. The department is asking spearers to cut holes away from access sites, so safety is a priority and access isn’t an issue.

North Dakota’s darkhouse spearfishing season closes March 15.