FreeFishFishing in North Dakota: lake depth maps and where to start
Big Missouri River reservoirs and hundreds of prairie lakes. How to use North Dakota lake depth maps, notable waters, and where to find the official rules.
North Dakota is one of the best walleye states in the country. Its fishing ranges from the massive reservoirs on the Missouri River to hundreds of smaller prairie lakes, many of which are managed for fishing by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The department publishes lake contour maps, and FreeFish shows them on the map.
What you can fish for
Walleye is king, but North Dakota also has excellent northern pike, yellow perch, white bass, smallmouth bass and crappie fishing. Lake Sakakawea holds chinook salmon, and many smaller lakes are stocked with trout.
Waters to know
- Devils Lake: a large natural lake known for walleye, northern pike, white bass and yellow perch, and very popular for ice fishing.
- Lake Sakakawea: a huge reservoir on the Missouri River with walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and chinook salmon.
- Lake Oahe: a long Missouri River reservoir extending into South Dakota, known for walleye.
- Prairie lakes: many small lakes across the state are managed fisheries. Water levels and fish populations change from year to year, so check current information.
Using North Dakota depth maps
On the big reservoirs, walleye relate to points, humps and breaklines, and often follow baitfish over large flats. Wind is a major factor; windblown points and shorelines often hold active fish. Many prairie lakes flooded fields, roads and trees as water rose in wet years, and these submerged features can hold fish. Depth maps of those lakes may not show the most recent changes, so use electronics.
For the basics, see our walleye guide and depth map guide.
Through the seasons
Spring brings walleye and pike into shallow water after ice-out, often with fast fishing. Summer walleye fishing is excellent on the big reservoirs, especially with spinner rigs and crankbaits along breaks. Fall is a favorite time for big walleye and pike. Winter ice fishing is a major tradition, with perch, walleye and pike drawing anglers from across the region.
Before you go
Check the North Dakota Game and Fish regulations, linked below, for limits, seasons and rules such as the number of lines allowed during ice fishing. Ice conditions on prairie lakes vary widely, so read our ice safety guide before heading out in winter.
Official rules
Seasons, limits and license requirements change. The official source is the state agency: North Dakota fishing regulations and licenses.