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Fishing in North Dakota

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Want trophy-size catches? These North Dakota spots deliver

About North Dakota fishing

North Dakota provides excellent walleye fishing in Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake, along with northern pike, perch, and bass in rivers and smaller lakes. Freshwater fishing is productive year-round.

North Dakota fishing license

North Dakota requires a fishing license for anglers 16+. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual and short-term, available online or at licensed retailers.

Get license

Top fish species caught in North Dakota

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Biggest catches in North Dakota

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in North Dakota

SpeciesWeightChannel catfish42.1 lbsNorthern pike37.5 lbsWalleye16.4 lbsLargemouth bass8.5 lbsSmallmouth bass6.8 lbsYellow perch2.9 lbs

Latest North Dakota fishing reports

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Walleye

Devils Lake

length · weight

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White crappie

Nelson Lake (Oliver)

length · weight

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Northern pike

Sixmile Bay

45 in · 20 lb

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Bluegill

Grand Forks County Water Resource

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Largemouth bass

Nelson Lake

25 in · 9 lb

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Northern pike

Casselton Reservoir

length · weight

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Northern pike

Lake Darling

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Yellow perch

Woodhaven #1 Park

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Yellow perch

Brooks Harbor

length · weight

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Sauger

Van Hook Arm

12 in · 1 lb

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Fishing regulations in North Dakota

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in North Dakota can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

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FAQ about North Dakota fishing

Fishing regulations in North Dakota, United States vary by location, species, and season. Rules may include size limits, bag limits, licensing requirements, and protected areas. Because regulations are managed locally and can change throughout the year, it's important to check the latest official guidance before fishing.

To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the to explore local rules, discover popular waters, and see what other anglers are catching across United States.
Some of the most popular species anglers target in North Dakota, United States include Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, and Northern pike. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across United States.
Some of the most popular fishing spots in North Dakota, United States include Red River of the North (MN), Lake Sakakawea, and Devils Lake. Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in United States, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.