Fishing Regulations in North Dakota
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official North Dakota fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
North Dakota requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident licenses are very affordable, while non-resident annual and 10-day licenses are available. No additional stamps are required for general fishing.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| walleye | 5 per day | Varies by water body | Year-round (varies by water) | Check NDGF regulations for specific water body limits. Some waters have slot limits. |
| northern-pike | 5 per day | 24 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| yellow-perch | 20 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| sauger | 5 per day (combined with walleye) | No minimum | Year-round | |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| channel-catfish | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| crappie | 15 per day | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Year-round (varies by water)
Notes: Check NDGF regulations for specific water body limits. Some waters have slot limits.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 24 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 20 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined with walleye)
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 15 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Sakakawea
reservoirSpecies: walleye, northern-pike, smallmouth-bass, sauger, channel-catfish
Devils Lake
lakeSpecies: walleye, northern-pike, yellow-perch, crappie, bluegill
Lake Oahe
reservoirSpecies: walleye, northern-pike, sauger, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish
Missouri River
riverSpecies: walleye, sauger, channel-catfish, smallmouth-bass, northern-pike
Lake Darling
lakeSpecies: walleye, northern-pike, yellow-perch, bluegill
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| walleye | 15 lbs 13 oz | 1959 | Lake Sakakawea |
| northern-pike | 37 lbs 8 oz | 1968 | Lake Sakakawea |
| yellow-perch | 2 lbs 14 oz | 1982 | Lake Darling |
| channel-catfish | 28 lbs 4 oz | 1970 | Red River |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 lbs 14 oz | 2004 | Lake Sakakawea |
| sauger | 8 lbs 12 oz | 1971 | Lake Sakakawea |