North Dakota Fishing

White Bass

Generally open year-round in most waters. The daily limit has been increased to 30, with a possession limit of 60 ([2026-28 Fishing Regulations Set | North Dakota Game and Fish](https://gf.nd.gov/news/9114), [Seasons & Limits - North Dakota Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/northdakota/fishing/seasons-limits)).

Chinook Salmon

Generally open year-round. A snagging season has been reinitiated, which also allows for harvest using archery and spearing equipment during the snagging season ([2026-28 Fishing Regulations Set | North Dakota Game and Fish](https://gf.nd.gov/news/9114)).

Northern Pike

Open year-round in most waters. Darkhouse spearing is legal from November 15 through March 15. On the Red and Bois de Sioux rivers, the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 3 ([Seasons & Limits - North Dakota Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/northdakota/fishing/seasons-limits), [north dakota - 2026-2028 - fishing proclamation](https://gf.nd.gov/gnf/regulations/docs/fish/proc-fishing-2026.pdf)).

Walleye, Sauger, and Saugeye

Open year-round in most waters. On the Red and Bois de Sioux rivers, the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 3 for any combination of these species ([Seasons & Limits - North Dakota Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/northdakota/fishing/seasons-limits)).

Yellow Perch

Open year-round in most waters. Specific local limits apply, such as a daily limit of 10 and a possession limit of 20 at Kraft Slough ([Seasons & Limits - North Dakota Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/northdakota/fishing/seasons-limits)).

Trout

Open year-round in most waters. Special regulations apply to certain waters, such as Lightning Lake, which is catch-and-release only for trout from April 1 through June 30 ([Seasons & Limits - North Dakota Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/northdakota/fishing/seasons-limits)).

Channel Catfish

Open year-round for recreational fishing. Non-contract commercial fishing is open from May 15 through November 30 with no limit for channel catfish ([2026-28 Fishing Regulations | North Dakota Game and Fish](https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/fishing)).

Lake Sakakawea

A massive Missouri River reservoir famous for walleye, northern pike, and the state's only chinook salmon fishery.

Devils Lake

A large natural saline lake known as the 'Perch Capital of the World' with exceptional walleye and pike populations.

Missouri River

The stretch between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe is a top destination for spring walleye and year-round trophy potential.

Lake Oahe

Extending from Bismarck south to the SD border, this reservoir offers expansive flats and flooded timber for walleye and crappie.

Lake Metigoshe

Located in the Turtle Mountains, it is a premier destination for bluegill, walleye, and northern pike in a scenic woodland setting.

Jamestown Reservoir

A popular central ND destination for walleye, pike, and one of the state's best crappie fisheries.

Lake Ashtabula

Known for high-volume yellow perch and walleye fishing, located on the Sheyenne River north of Valley City.