FISHING IN NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota is famous for its lakes and rivers. Fishing lakes dot the entire state of North Dakota offering a variety of fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleyes, crappies, perch and more. Ice fishing in winter presents additional fishing opportunities throughout North Dakota.



FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU






TOP FISHING SPOTS IN NORTH DAKOTA

LAKE AUDUBON

Lake Audubon is 18,000 acres and his home to quality walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing.

DEVILS LAKE

Fish for walleye, perch and more at this family-friendly camping destination.

GRAHAMS ISLAND STATE PARK

The lake features some of the best fishing in North Dakota. The park also has a boat ramp, bait shop, playground and camping sites.


GET A NORTH DAKOTA FISHING LICENSE




COMMON CATCHES IN NORTH DAKOTA



northern pike

NORTHERN PIKE

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Northern pike can be distinguished by their needle teeth, vacant eyes, thick slime, and serpentine shape.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 20-30-pound, 12-inch black wire leaders (They will bite through monofilament line)
Lure In-line spinner, Spoon, Minnow-imitating plug, Spinnerbait, Jig and worm, Surface plug


SMALLMOUTH BASS

SMALLMOUTH BASS

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line
Reel Spinning reel
Line 8-pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best)


walleye

WALLEYE

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers


BLACK CRAPPIE

BLACK CRAPPIE

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Crappies are members of the sunfish and the black bass family.

GEAR TO USE
Rod Ultralight spinning or spincast combos
Reel Spinning reel
Line 4-10 pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Fishing Hooks, Jigs (various colors and weights), Spoons, Mini-Crankbaits (use bobbers or floats as well)


LARGEMOUTH BASS

LARGEMOUTH BASS

FIND WHERE TO CATCH


The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 8-pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits


YELLOW PERCH

YELLOW PERCH

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

The yellow perch, unlike the so-called white perch, Morone americana, is a true perch, not a bass.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6-foot, fast-action spinning rod
Reel Small spinning reel
Line 4-pound test line
Lure #2-#6 hook, Most commonly used bait are worms, Rubber jig, Small Spinners

TYPES OF FISHING IN NORTH DAKOTA



lakes and ponds

LAKES & PONDS

Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.



streams and rivers

STREAMS & RIVERS

River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.



FLY FISHING

FLY FISHING

Fly fishing is fun, relaxing and easy to learn.

Pre-loader