North Dakota Fishing Charters
North Dakota fishing charters range from guided walleye runs on the Missouri River to ice-out pike ambushes on Devils Lake and perch-loaded prairie ponds.
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North Dakota Fishing Guide
North Dakota’s got water spread thin and wide—lakes, sloughs, big reservoirs, and a river system that holds its own year-round. Walleye is the main target across most of the state, but you’ll find jumbo perch, northern pike, smallmouth, and even salmon if you know where to look. The Missouri River, especially between Bismarck and Williston, produces solid fish spring through fall, with tailrace areas near dams putting out numbers and size. Devils Lake is the go-to for hardwater addicts and summer trollers alike. It’s a flooded basin with submerged roads, trees, and cattail edges that make ideal ambush zones for pike and perch.
Typical charters here are freshwater guides with deep V boats, covering structure with jigs, cranks, and bottom bouncers. Half-day and full-day trips are common, with some outfitters offering ice fishing packages that include heated shelters, electronics, and bait. In the west, Lake Sakakawea is a giant reservoir offering open-water trolling, especially for chinook salmon mid-summer. Most ramps are well maintained, but local knowledge matters—these waters fluctuate, and some launches become useless when water’s low.
Live bait’s still a staple: minnows early, leeches mid-summer, and crawlers when things warm up. Most walleye guides run spinner rigs or slow-death hooks behind bottom bouncers. In the back bays, you’ll see slip bobbers and jigging rods for panfish and pike. With long drives between spots, it’s smart to base near major water like Devils Lake, Sakakawea, or Bismarck.
Regional Fishing Highlights
Devils Lake Basin
This lake keeps growing and the fish keep biting. Perch and pike dominate the ice season, while open water sees trolling and slip bobbers over flooded roads and weed beds. Charters often use portable gear and snowmobiles for ice clients. Summer guides chase walleyes with cranks and rigs, especially around Minnewaukan Flats and Pelican Lake.
Missouri River (Bismarck to Williston)
Year-round action with the best spring walleye bite around the tailraces. Guides drift jigs or pull live-bait rigs along current seams. In summer, trolling deeper edges pays off. Smallmouth show up around riprap and rocky stretches, especially near Garrison Dam.
Lake Sakakawea
Big water, big range. Mid-summer salmon runs draw attention west of Riverdale. Walleye bite stays consistent from late spring through fall, especially near Van Hook Arm and Deepwater Bay. Guides use leadcore lines and electronics to track down suspended fish.
Lake Audubon
Connected to Sakakawea by a canal but shallower and more structure-heavy. Smallmouth bass are the draw here, plus some walleye and pike. Good for shorter trips and less-pressured fishing. Kayakers and local guides favor the rock points and submerged humps.
Prairie Lakes and Sloughs (SE ND)
Hidden gems all over the southeast—dozens of small lakes holding perch, pike, and walleye. Not a lot of charters here, but a few locals will guide on spots like Lake Ashtabula or Jamestown Reservoir. Slip bobbers and weed edge jigging are the go-to.
Fishing Seasons in North Dakota
Spring
Ice-out hits late, usually April in the north. Walleye head to tributaries and current—classic jig bite season. Tailraces below dams light up early. Pike spawn shallow and are aggressive on flashy spoons and smelt rigs.
Summer
Main trolling season. Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake both fire up with bottom bouncers, cranks, and deep rigs. Salmon show up mid-summer on downriggers. Perch and bluegill stack in weed edges and bite live bait under floats.
Fall
Cooler water brings aggressive strikes. Walleye shift shallow and hit jigs and cranks hard. Pike feed heavy before freeze. Best time for size over numbers. River levels drop, making boat access trickier in some places.
Winter
Devils Lake becomes ground zero. Ice shacks dot the landscape chasing jumbo perch, eater walleyes, and mean pike. Most guides use ATV or snowmobile access and offer full setups. Other good hardwater spots: Lake Metigoshe, Lake Darling, and many sloughs near Valley City.
Most Popular Gamefish in North Dakota
- Walleye – 14–28 inches. Caught in rivers and lakes spring to fall. Jigs, bottom bouncers, crankbaits over humps and drop-offs.
- Northern Pike – 20–40 inches. Found in back bays, flooded timber, and shallow sloughs. Hit dead bait, spoons, and tip-ups in winter.
- Yellow Perch – 8–14 inches. Ice fishing staple. Fished with small tungsten jigs and waxies near weeds and basins.
- Chinook Salmon – 3–15 pounds. Summer trolling on Lake Sakakawea. Targeted with downriggers, flashers, and cut plugs.
- Smallmouth Bass – 12–20 inches. Found in rocky lakes like Audubon. Hit cranks, tubes, and topwater in summer.
- White Bass – 10–16 inches. Run in spring. Cast small jigs, spinners, or flies near dams and inlets.
- Crappie – 10–14 inches. Found in clear lakes with brush or docks. Bite best in spring and early ice on jigs or minnows.
- Bluegill – 6–10 inches. Weed edges and basin flats. Hit small jigs under floats or waxworms.
- Burbot – 18–30 inches. Night bite in winter. Fished with glow jigs and cut bait on bottom structure.
North Dakota Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license in North Dakota?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and up need a valid fishing license. You can buy one online or at local bait shops.
When’s the best time to fish Devils Lake?
Late June through August for walleye, and mid-winter for perch and pike. Ice season is especially productive with a guide.
Are there any salmon in North Dakota?
Yes—Lake Sakakawea holds a summer run of chinook salmon. Trolling with downriggers is the main method.
Can I fish the Missouri River all year?
You can. Tailraces below Garrison Dam stay open even in winter and produce fish year-round.
What bait works best for walleye?
Live bait rigs with leeches or crawlers are most common, especially on bottom bouncers or slow-death hooks.
Do guides provide ice fishing gear?
Most do. Expect heated shelters, rods, electronics, and bait included in the trip.
Is there good shore fishing in North Dakota?
Some, especially near dam tailraces, bridges, and city parks on Devils Lake. But a boat opens up more water.
What kind of boats do charters use?
Mostly deep V hulls, 17–21 feet, set up for trolling and jigging. Ice guides use snowmobiles or tracked rigs.
Can kids fish with a guide?
Absolutely. Many guides welcome families and adjust the trip to keep it fun for young anglers.