North Dakota

Peace Garden State — Trophy Walleye & Northern Pike

Fishing in North Dakota

North Dakota offers outstanding walleye fishing on Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, and the Missouri River system. The state is a hidden gem for trophy walleye and northern pike.

Tournament Scene

Active walleye tournament scene on Devils Lake and Sakakawea.

Local Tips

Devils Lake is a walleye factory. Sakakawea for trophy walleye and smallmouth. Missouri River for catfish. Lake Darling for pike.

Major Trails

NWTAIM

Local Circuits

North Dakota Walleye TrailDevils Lake Tournament Series

Public Access

Excellent access on major lakes and rivers.

Species in North Dakota

What you can target and when

Walleye

Walleye

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Devils Lake · Lake Sakakawea · Lake Oahe

Jig and minnowCrankbaitSpinner rigBlade bait
Northern Pike

Northern Pike

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Devils Lake · Lake Sakakawea · Lake Darling

Large spoonSpinnerbaitJerkbaitTopwater plug

Top Waters in North Dakota

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Devils Lake

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

One of the best walleye lakes in America with incredible numbers.

Top Species

WalleyeNorthern PikePerch

Best: Spring/Fall/Winter

Lake Sakakawea

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

368,000-acre Missouri River reservoir with excellent walleye.

Top Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeSmallmouth Bass

Best: Summer/Fall

Upcoming Tournaments in North Dakota

45 tournaments found

Spotted Bass
Open

Victory Sakakawea Bass Series

Sakakawea, North Dakota
Apr 6, 2026 – Apr 8, 2026
Spotted Bass
$1250Details
Northern Pike
Open

Legends Sakakawea Pike Grind

Sakakawea, North Dakota
Apr 12, 2026 – Apr 15, 2026
Northern Pike
$60Details
Walleye
Charity
7 days

Royal Williston Walleye Classic

Williston, North Dakota
Apr 20, 2026 – Apr 23, 2026
Walleye
$200Details
Northern Pike
Charity
3 weeks

Big Ashtabula Pike Smackdown

Ashtabula, North Dakota
Apr 29, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026
Northern Pike
$75Details
Bluegill
Freshwater
3 weeks

Warrior Minot Bluegill Extravaganza

Minot, North Dakota
May 3, 2026 – May 6, 2026
Bluegill
$60Details
Walleye
Kayak
4 weeks

All-American Darling Walleye Stampede

Darling, North Dakota
May 8, 2026 – May 9, 2026
Walleye
$125Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident: $17.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident: $47. 14-Day: $37. 10-Day: $27.

Short-Term License

10-Day and 14-Day licenses available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 16. Reduced for seniors.

Boat Registration

Required for motorized vessels.

Tournament Permit

Permits required for organized events.

Regulations Overview

5 walleye daily limit. Complex pike regulations. Bass limits vary.

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