North Dakota is a great place for anglers of all abilities. Try ice fishing in the winter to connect with nature, spend time outdoors, and catch some fish in the cold months. Ambitious state stocking programs and high water levels in recent years mean new opportunities for fishing for northern pike, walleye, and a wide variety of panfish, including crappie and jumbo yellow perch. Fishing in North Dakota gives you the chance to explore various fishing lakes and rivers dotting the state. With hundreds of rolling hills, impressive buttes, and thousands of miles of streams and rivers, North Dakota offers a peaceful environment for a day of fishing. Before you grab your rod and head out fishing in North Dakota, be sure to purchase your fishing license.
Fishing Spots in North Dakota
Here are some of the best fishing spots in North Dakota. You’ll find plenty of bass fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
The Upper Missouri River
Located in Riverdale, east of Williston, the Missouri River is among the top North Dakota fly-fishing rivers. It’s well-known for its premier dry fly fishing, producing great hatches, and world-class carp fishing. While fishing and camping in North Dakota, visit the upper Missouri River, especially in June and July, for some incredible walleye action.
There are campgrounds at Cross Ranch State Park along the upper river. Campsites have water and electric hookups, and there are showers available. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park also has camping available near the river. There are electric and water hookups, and the campground has showers.
Devils Lake
Situated in Ramsey County, Devils Lake lies on 122,000 acres of land, with plenty of creek channels and over 300 miles of shoreline. The Devils Lake area is full of scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and a wide variety of native wildlife. The lake maintains a steady population of white bass, walleye, crappie, perch, and pike year-round. Although you can easily access much of the shoreline for fishing from the bank, it’s best to consider boat fishing. Devils Lake features numerous boat launch ramps and marinas, camping spots, and shops that are also easily accessible.
Lake Sakakawea
Created on the Missouri River by the Garrison Dam, Lake Sakakawea is famous for top-rated walleye and smallie fishing. This giant lake is situated in the west-central section of North Dakota, stretching from Garrison to Williston. In addition to walleye, salmon, and pike, Lake Sakakawea boasts healthy populations of Sauger and catfish. If you’re into fishing the shallows, the lake has over 1,300 miles of shoreline waiting to be explored. Trolling or structure fishing is also possible as the lake comes with about 180 miles of river channels, humps, and ledges.
You can camp at the state park, where campsites have electric and water hookups. Many of the campsites are near the lake, so you have quick access to fishing from the shore.
Lake Oahe
If you’re hoping to fish for walleyes, consider heading to Lake Oahe. It extends into south-central North Dakota from South Dakota. Located behind the Oahe Dam, this lake extends to just south of Bismarck. Bottom bouncers with spinners and crankbaits are the best lures to cover this massive body of water that is home to northern pike and world-class crappies. The best way to try your luck fishing here is by boat, but you can still fish from the bank.
There is camping available at the Beaver Creek Recreation Area, where you’ll get electric hookups. There’s also a fish cleaning site, a boat ramp, playgrounds, and a nature trail. You can also camp at the Hazelton Recreation Area, where there are electric hookups, a boat ramp, a fish cleaning station, and a playground.
Lake Metigoshe
This gorgeous lake features some of the cleanest water in North Dakota and plenty of opportunities to catch perch, bluegills, walleye, and pike. Nestled in Bottineau County, in the Turtle Mountains along the U.S.-Canada border, this 1,500-acre lake features 27 miles of shoreline. When snow covers the lake, it makes ice fishing a bit hard but fun. Four major boat launch ramps are centrally located for boating access. Home to a state park, Lake Metigoshe is a popular spot to take your boat and explore new areas.
There are campgrounds at the state park, with electric hookups.
Jamestown Reservoir
Created by the Jamestown Dam, Jamestown Reservoir boasts seven boat launches. In addition, it features stocked fishing ponds and is famous for pike, crappie, and walleye fishing. Tucked in Stutsman County, the lake is about 38 feet deep and 2,037 acres in size. Aside from fishing, you can soak in some sunshine at the sandy beach. This winding waterway features 45 miles of shoreline that can help you fulfill your watersport fantasies.
Where to Fish in North Dakota
With nearly a million acres of reservoirs and lakes, North Dakota boasts fishing destinations for every avid angler. Thousands of fish are stocked in streams, rivers, and lakes across the state each year. Devils Lake is an ideal fishing spot in May when pikes and walleyes are biting. Further to the southwest lies the Garrison tailrace. It’s good during late spring, when the waters muddy up and make it perfect for fly-fishing. When fishing in North Dakota, you can also stop by the Cross Ranch State Park, which is centrally located in the state. The Red River to the north is also a viable choice as it hosts over 70 fish species, including northern pike and huge channel catfish.
Camping and Fishing in North Dakota
Being slightly over-prepared is better than discovering you’re missing something essential. When it comes to clothing essentials, consider packing pants instead of shorts as they offer better protection. If you’re camping in a warmer destination, carry water shoes, a sunhat, and a lightweight shirt. Also, remember to take other protective items such as sunglasses and safety goggles. Be sure to layer up before heading out to fish as the weather can change throughout the day.
If you don’t have your rod and reel, you might be able to rent from the campsite where you’re staying, borrow someone else’s, or purchase new ones. If the journey from your home to the destination is a long one, don’t bring along raw bait that might go bad on the way.
Remember to pack enough food and water, depending on the length of the camping trip. Some snacks to consider include energy bars, sunflower seeds, jerky, and chips. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
