10-02-2004, 03:52 PM
Walleye
Best walleye fishing is found on the Missouri River system and Devils Lake. On the Missouri River, Lakes Sakakawea and Oahe both produce good catches of walleye, as does the river itself. The Missouri River system offers many access points.
Perch
Devils Lake is renowned for its perch fishery. Catches of 1 pound-plus fish are not uncommon. The state record, 2 pounds 15 ounces, was taken there in 1982.
Paddlefish
The confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers provides the best paddle fishing in the state. Paddlefish anglers must purchase a tag (one per season) available from the game and fish office in Bismarck and most license vendors in Williams and McKenzie counties.
Chinook Salmon
Lake Sakakawea's state record chinook, 31 pounds 2 ounces, was taken at the Garrison Dam Tailrace just below Lake Sakakawea itself. Spring and fall are best for salmon fishing.
Catfish
Best catfishing is found on the Red River along the Minnesota-North Dakota border. The Red River Angler's Guide provides useful information on public access areas. Other good catfish waters are the Garrison Dam Tailrace directly below Lake Sakakawea and Lake Tschida in southwestern part of the state.
Northern Pike are common in many lakes and rivers.
Bass, bluegill, crappie,muskellunge, sauger, and trout are found in many waters, too numerous to list here.
Fishing season begins April 1st of each year, although not all species and waters open to fishing at the same time. [url "http://www.state.nd.us/gnf/licenses/fishguide-2004.html"]North Dakota fishing regulations[/url] provide details about licenses and limits.
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Best walleye fishing is found on the Missouri River system and Devils Lake. On the Missouri River, Lakes Sakakawea and Oahe both produce good catches of walleye, as does the river itself. The Missouri River system offers many access points.
Perch
Devils Lake is renowned for its perch fishery. Catches of 1 pound-plus fish are not uncommon. The state record, 2 pounds 15 ounces, was taken there in 1982.
Paddlefish
The confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers provides the best paddle fishing in the state. Paddlefish anglers must purchase a tag (one per season) available from the game and fish office in Bismarck and most license vendors in Williams and McKenzie counties.
Chinook Salmon
Lake Sakakawea's state record chinook, 31 pounds 2 ounces, was taken at the Garrison Dam Tailrace just below Lake Sakakawea itself. Spring and fall are best for salmon fishing.
Catfish
Best catfishing is found on the Red River along the Minnesota-North Dakota border. The Red River Angler's Guide provides useful information on public access areas. Other good catfish waters are the Garrison Dam Tailrace directly below Lake Sakakawea and Lake Tschida in southwestern part of the state.
Northern Pike are common in many lakes and rivers.
Bass, bluegill, crappie,muskellunge, sauger, and trout are found in many waters, too numerous to list here.
Fishing season begins April 1st of each year, although not all species and waters open to fishing at the same time. [url "http://www.state.nd.us/gnf/licenses/fishguide-2004.html"]North Dakota fishing regulations[/url] provide details about licenses and limits.
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