Why do I have to purchase live aquatic bait in North Dakota?

There are several reasons why no live aquatic bait may be imported into the state without a permit, including concerns about the movement of ANS, water, illegal species, and fish diseases. Legal live aquatic bait includes fathead minnows, creek chubs, sticklebacks, leeches, native frog, salamander and crayfish species (Note: white sucker are also legal live baitfish, but only for use in the Red and Bois de Sioux rivers). These species were selected because they are native species, tend not to overproduce in North Dakota lakes, and are desired by anglers. Many species used in other states as live bait are not native to North Dakota, or could disrupt the ecosystem if they are illegally dumped and establish a population. In addition, fish diseases and ANS may be transported on bait, as bait, or in water associated with live aquatic baits.