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Fishing in North Dakota

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

North Dakota offers outstanding walleye fishing on massive Missouri River reservoirs and natural glacial lakes. Lake Sakakawea — the third-largest reservoir in the US at 368,000 acres — is famous for trophy walleye and northern pike. Devils Lake is one of the best walleye fisheries in North America, and the Missouri River below Garrison Dam provides excellent rainbow trout fishing in a unique tailwater setting.

Topographic map — click to view full size

Missouri River & Lake Sakakawea

Lake Sakakawea, Missouri River, Garrison Dam -- Walleye, Northern Pike, Chinook Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Sauger

Devils Lake & Northeast

Devils Lake, Stump Lake -- Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, White Bass, Crappie

Lake Oahe & South Central

Lake Oahe, Bismarck area -- Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Catfish

Northwest Plains

Lake Darling, Upper Souris Refuge, Long Lake -- Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, Crappie

Red River Valley & East

Red River, Sheyenne River, Lake Ashtabula -- Walleye, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie