North Dakota Fishing Season and Limits for 2025–2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots
Imagine yourself standing on Devils Lake’s edge at dawn, the water glistening like glass, and somewhere under the surface, a prize walleye with your name is waiting. Welcome to North Dakota, a fishing haven that the majority of fishermen outside the area are still unaware of. The Peace Garden State provides year-round fishing possibilities that will make any freshwater enthusiast’s heart race, with over 400 fishing waterways ranging from secret prairie lakes to enormous Missouri River reservoirs.
What is unique about North Dakota? To begin with, most waterways do not have a closed season. In the great majority of places, you can fish all year round. North Dakota offers steady action whether you’re fishing for smallmouth bass in July or hunting walleye over the ice in January. The state has world-class northern pike and walleye populations, but don’t undervalue the bass, perch, crappie, and even Chinook salmon that inhabit these waterways.
Everything you need to know about the 2025–2026 fishing season is covered in this thorough guide, including license requirements, bag limits, species-specific laws, and hotspots where the big ones are biting. Think of this as your guide to North Dakota’s top fishing, whether you’re a local organizing your weekend excursions or a visitor planning your next vacation.
📅 Quick Reference Table by Month
Here’s what you need to know at a glance. Remember, most North Dakota waters are open year-round from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2026 under the current proclamation:
| Month | Prime Target Species | Fishing Conditions | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Walleye, Pike, Perch | Ice fishing at peak | Devils Lake ice fishing heats up; 4 poles allowed on ice |
| February | Walleye, Pike, Burbot | Thick ice conditions | Late ice walleye bite improves; burbot spawn active |
| March | Pike, Crappie | Late ice/transitional | Pre-spawn pike aggressive; ice houses must be removed by March 15 |
| April | Walleye, Crappie | Ice-out/early open water | New licenses required April 1; spring walleye spawn begins |
| May | Walleye, Pike, Salmon | Prime spring fishing | Paddlefish snagging season (May 1-21); boat fishing opens at refuges |
| June | Bass, Walleye, Crappie | Excellent all-around | Free Fishing Days (June 7-8, 2025); spawning activity peaks |
| July | Bass, Pike, Catfish | Hot summer action | Topwater bass bite strong; catfish active at night |
| August | Walleye, Bass, Perch | Late summer patterns | Fish moving to deeper structures; salmon fishing heats up |
| September | Walleye, Pike, Bass | Fall feed begins | Some of the best fishing of the year; cooling temps trigger bites |
| October | Walleye, Pike, Perch | Peak fall fishing | Fish feed heavily before winter; weather can be unpredictable |
| November | Pike, Walleye | Late fall/early ice | Darkhouse spearfishing season begins (Nov 15); ice starts forming |
| December | Walleye, Pike, Perch | Ice fishing season | Free Fishing Days (Dec 27-28, 2025); holiday fishing traditions |
🐟 Popular Sport Fish
Walleye 🐟
The crown jewel of North Dakota angling, walleye are the fish that put places like Devils Lake on the national map. These marble-eyed predators thrive throughout the state.
- Season: Open year-round (except specific refuge restrictions)
- Daily Bag Limit: 5 fish (10 possession limit)
- Size Restrictions:
- 14-inch minimum on Lake Elsie, Buffalo Lake, and Jamestown/Pipestem Reservoirs
- No statewide size limit elsewhere
- Special Regulations: Red and Bois de Sioux Rivers have a 3-fish daily limit (3 possession)
- Top Waters: Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Missouri River, Jamestown Reservoir
Walleye fishing in North Dakota is legendary. Spring and fall offer the hottest bites, but skilled anglers pull them through the ice all winter. Jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are the go-to, though trolling crankbaits dominates during summer on the big reservoirs.
Northern Pike 🦈
North Dakota’s official state fish since 1969, northerns are abundant, aggressive, and provide explosive fights that’ll test your tackle.
- Season: Open year-round
- Daily Bag Limit: 5 fish (10 possession limit)
- Size Restrictions: No minimum statewide length
- Special Regulations: Red and Bois de Sioux Rivers have a 3-fish daily limit
- Top Waters: Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Stump Lake, Lake Darling
Pike inhabit everything from shallow weed beds to deep rock structures. Spring and fall see the most aggressive feeding, but ice fishing for pike is incredibly popular. Spoons, spinnerbaits, and large swimbaits work wonders. Don’t be surprised if you hook into a 40-incher!
Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass 🐠
North Dakota’s bass fisheries have exploded in quality over the past two decades, with Lake Sakakawea producing trophy-sized smallmouth.
- Season: Open year-round
- Combined Daily Bag Limit: 5 fish (10 possession limit)
- Size Restrictions: None statewide
- Top Waters: Lake Sakakawea (smallmouth), Lake Ashtabula (largemouth), New Johns Lake
Bass fishing peaks from June through September. Smallmouth love rocky points and drop-offs on the big reservoirs, while largemouth lurk in weedy bays and backwaters. Topwater action during summer evenings is absolutely electric.
Yellow Perch 🎣
The ultimate panfish, perch provide fast action and excellent table fare—perfect for family outings.
- Season: Open year-round
- Daily Bag Limit: 20 fish (40 possession limit)
- Special Restriction: Kraft Slough has a 10-fish daily limit
- Top Waters: Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, various prairie lakes
Ice fishing for perch is a North Dakota tradition. Schools of jumbo perch (“jumbos” exceeding 12 inches) make winter fishing incredibly productive.
🦞 Specialty Species
Paddlefish 🐟
One of North Dakota’s most unique fisheries! These prehistoric fish can exceed 100 pounds and require special snagging techniques.
- Season: May 1–21 (or until quota reached)
- Method: Snagging only, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time
- License Required: Paddlefish tag ($15 resident, $35 nonresident) plus valid fishing license
- Location: Yellowstone River and Missouri River (west of US Highway 85 to Montana border, with exclusions)
- Daily Limit: 1 fish per tag
- Size: No restrictions
This is bucket-list fishing! The paddlefish season is highly anticipated, with select harvest and release-only days. These filter-feeders are snagged using heavy tackle and treble hooks. Check the North Dakota Game and Fish paddlefish page for current season status.
Chinook Salmon 🦈
Yes, salmon in North Dakota! Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe offer fantastic salmon fishing.
- Season: Open year-round
- Daily Bag Limit: 5 fish (10 possession limit)
- Top Waters: Lake Sakakawea near Garrison Dam, Lake Oahe
- Peak Season: Late summer through fall (August-October)
Salmon fishing requires downriggers and deep presentations, typically 40-80 feet down. These hard-fighting fish average 3-8 pounds and provide excellent sport.
Burbot (Ling) 🐠
The “poor man’s lobster” is a wintertime favorite for ice anglers.
- Season: Open year-round
- Daily Bag Limit: 10 fish (20 possession limit)
- Peak Season: January-March (spawning period)
- Top Waters: Missouri River System, Devils Lake
Burbot are most active at night during winter. Their sweet, firm white meat is outstanding when prepared properly.
Muskellunge 🦈
The fish of 10,000 casts—North Dakota’s apex predator.
- Season: Open year-round
- Daily/Possession Limit: 1 fish only
- Size Restriction: 48-inch minimum (total length)
- Top Waters: New Johns Lake, Lake Audubon, select stocked waters
Muskie fishing is for dedicated anglers. These fish are rare but growing in popularity as stocking efforts expand. Similar to Minnesota fishing season muskie regulations, North Dakota protects these trophy fish with strict size limits.
🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches
| Species | Daily Limit | Possession Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie (Black/White) | 10 | 20 | Spring spawning aggregations provide hot action |
| Bluegill | 10 | 20 | Abundant in smaller lakes and reservoirs |
| White Bass | 20 | 40 | Missouri River and connected waters; excellent May runs |
| Channel Catfish (East of Hwy 1) | 5 | 5 | Only 1 fish over 24″ allowed; head/tail must remain attached until at residence |
| Channel Catfish (West of Hwy 1) | 20 | 40 | More liberal limits on western waters |
These are the bread-and-butter species that keep rods bent. Crappie fishing during the spring spawn is phenomenal, and white bass provide nonstop action during their spawning runs.
🦆 Stocked & Managed Waters
North Dakota Game and Fish actively stocks numerous waters to maintain quality fishing. Here are some highlight programs for 2025:
Rainbow Trout 🐟
Several community ponds and lakes receive annual rainbow trout stockings, creating fantastic put-and-take fisheries.
- Trout Daily Limit: 3 fish (6 possession limit) for all trout species combined
- Stocked Waters Include:
- Powers Lake – Excellent carryover fish
- Lightning Lake – Catch-and-release only April 1-June 30; no ice fishing allowed
- Hooker Lake – One of few tiger trout lakes
- Ryan Park Pond (Grand Forks) – Urban fishing opportunity
Tiger Trout 🦈
A rare hybrid of brown and brook trout, tiger trout are being stocked in select waters as part of an experimental program.
- Featured Lakes: Hooker Lake, Lake Coe (for specific stockings)
- These fish are beautiful, aggressive, and growing in size
Fish Stocking Search Tool
Want to know what was stocked in your favorite lake? Visit the official North Dakota Game and Fish stocking search to find detailed stocking records by water body.
🌍 Public vs Private Waters
North Dakota offers exceptional public access compared to many states. Here’s what you need to know:
Public Waters
- State Game and Fish Areas: Free access with maintained boat ramps, fishing piers, and shoreline access
- National Wildlife Refuges: Many refuges allow fishing with seasonal restrictions (see regulations table)
- Shore/ice fishing: April 1–March 31
- Boat fishing: May 1–September 30 (closed October 1–April 30)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lands: Excellent access on Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe
- State Parks: Most state parks include quality fishing waters with camping facilities
Private Waters & Easements
- Walk-in Areas: Some private lands are enrolled in public access programs
- Private Ponds: Require landowner permission; never assume access without asking
- Check Boundaries: Many prairie potholes and small lakes sit on private land—always verify access legality
Pro Tip: North Dakota’s PLOTS Program (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) provides thousands of acres of walk-in access. Download maps from the Game and Fish website before heading out.
🎟️ Fishing License Guide
Here’s the complete breakdown for 2025–2026 licenses (valid April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026):
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Certificate (Required for all) | $2 |
| Individual Annual Fishing | $27 |
| Married Couple Annual | $42 |
| Senior Citizen (65+) | $10 |
| Disabled/Disabled Veteran (50%+) | $10 |
| Combination License (includes fishing, small game, general game) | $62 |
| Paddlefish Tag (plus required licenses) | $15 |
Nonresident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nonresident Certificate (Required for all) | $5 |
| Individual Annual Fishing | $68 |
| Married Couple Annual | $108 |
| 10-Day Fishing | $58 |
| 3-Day Fishing | $48 |
| Paddlefish Tag (plus required licenses) | $35 |
Youth & Exemptions
- Residents under age 16: No license required (but can still harvest full limits)
- Nonresidents under age 16: No license required if accompanied by a licensed adult
- Exception: Paddlefish tags are required for all ages
Free Fishing Days (No License Required for Residents)
- June 7-8, 2025
- December 27-28, 2025
Where to Purchase
- Online: gf.nd.gov/buy-apply
- Retail Vendors: Sporting goods stores, gas stations, bait shops statewide
- Mobile App: Download the North Dakota Game and Fish app for mobile license purchases
Important: Licenses must be in your possession (paper or electronic) while fishing and available for inspection by conservation officers.
❓ FAQ Section
Do kids need a license to fish in North Dakota?
Resident kids under 16 can fish without a license. Nonresident kids under 16 don’t need one either, as long as they’re with a licensed adult. However, everyone snagging paddlefish needs a paddlefish tag, regardless of age.
Can I use live bait in North Dakota?
Yes! Legal live bait includes fathead minnows, creek chubs, sticklebacks, nightcrawlers, leeches, and frogs. White suckers are legal only in the Red and Bois de Sioux Rivers. Important: You cannot import live bait into North Dakota—it must be purchased or trapped in-state. Rainbow smelt can be used only in the Missouri River System and must be dead when transported.
Are there catch-and-release only waters?
Yes, several waters have special regulations:
- OWLS Pond: All species catch-and-release only
- State Fair Pond: Catch-and-release April 1–July 31
- McDowell Dam: Catch-and-release during ice fishing
- Lightning Lake: Trout catch-and-release April 1–June 30
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, night fishing is legal on most waters. However, OWLS Pond and State Fair Pond are closed sunset to sunrise. Ice fishing is allowed 24 hours on most lakes.
Can I bowfish in North Dakota?
Absolutely! Bow and spearfishing for nongame fish and channel catfish (west of Highway 1 in the Missouri River System) is legal April 1–March 31. During darkhouse season (November 15–March 15), you can also bow fish for northern pike and walleye in specific waters.
What waters are infested with aquatic nuisance species?
Several North Dakota waters are designated as infested with zebra mussels or other invasive species. You must drain all water from boats, bait buckets, and equipment when leaving these waters. Check the current infested waters list before your trip.
How do I report a trophy catch?
Join the Whopper Club or Catch and Release Club by submitting your catch details to North Dakota Game and Fish. You’ll receive a certificate and get your name in the record books! Details at gf.nd.gov/fishing/clubs.
🗺️ Map & Hotspots
Top 5 Must-Visit Fishing Destinations for 2025-2026
1. Devils Lake 🏆
- Target Species: Walleye, pike, perch, white bass
- Why Go: Consistently ranked among America’s top walleye fisheries; massive population of 14-20″ eaters plus trophy fish over 28″
- Access: Multiple state access areas, full-service marinas
- Tip: The south end near the Highway 2 causeway produces excellent summer walleye
2. Lake Sakakawea 🌊
- Target Species: Walleye, salmon, pike, smallmouth bass, crappie
- Why Go: North Dakota’s largest lake (368,000 acres); diverse fishery with world-class smallmouth bass
- Access: Numerous Corps of Engineers recreation areas with boat ramps
- Tip: Fish the Garrison Dam tailrace area for fall salmon and walleye
3. Lake Oahe 💎
- Target Species: Walleye, salmon, pike, white bass
- Why Go: Massive Missouri River reservoir shared with South Dakota; excellent walleye and salmon
- Access: Multiple state and federal access points
- Tip: The Standing Rock area near the South Dakota border holds big walleye
4. Missouri River (Tailrace Areas) 🎣
- Target Species: Walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, catfish, salmon
- Why Go: Fast-moving water produces aggressive fish year-round
- Access: Garrison Dam Tailrace (premier location), Oahe Dam Tailrace
- Tip: Jigs and blade baits excel in current; fish from shore or boat
5. Jamestown Reservoir 🐟
- Target Species: Walleye, pike, crappie, white bass
- Why Go: Productive mid-sized reservoir with 14-inch walleye minimum (protects population)
- Access: State Game and Fish access areas, Lakeside Marina
- Tip: Spring crappie fishing in the upper arms is phenomenal
Interactive Maps & Resources
- Official ND Fishing Waters Map: gf.nd.gov/fishing/where-to-fish
- Boat Ramp Locator: Search by region to find public access points
- Fishing Report Updates: Check weekly reports during peak seasons
Much like the variety found in Wisconsin fishing season opportunities, North Dakota delivers diverse angling across multiple ecosystems—from prairie potholes to massive reservoirs.
🔗 Related Guides
Looking to explore fishing opportunities in neighboring states? Check out these comprehensive guides:
- Minnesota Fishing Season – Similar northern pike and walleye action across the border
- Montana Fishing Season – Premier trout waters just to the west
Interested in comparing regulations with other regions? Our Pennsylvania Fishing Season guide covers excellent trout and bass fishing in a different ecological setting.
✅ Wrap-Up
Fishing in North Dakota is a secret treasure that rewards those who go off the beaten routes. This state offers top-notch fishing experiences without the crowds of more well-known locations, whether you’re drilling holes through two feet of ice in January, casting for prize walleye at Devils Lake in June, or catching paddlefish on the Yellowstone River in May.
Before you head out, here’s your final checklist:
- ✅ Purchase your license (online at gf.nd.gov or local vendors)
- ✅ Review current bag limits for your target species and specific water body
- ✅ Check weather and ice conditions (safety first!)
- ✅ Verify access regulations if fishing refuges or special management areas
- ✅ Inspect aquatic nuisance species rules and clean your gear properly
- ✅ Pack appropriate gear for the season—tackle for summer, ice auger and shelter for winter
Under the present proclamation, you will have almost two full years of fishing opportunities until March 31, 2026, when the 2025–2026 rules expire. Discover why knowledgeable fishermen return year after year to North Dakota’s amazing waterways by getting your family and friends together.