North Dakota’s Top 17 Fishing Spots You’ve Probably Overlooked 🌾
North Dakota, often celebrated for its endless prairies, rich agricultural heritage, and stunning badlands, also harbors some of the most exceptional fishing opportunities in the American Midwest.
From massive Missouri River reservoirs to pristine natural lakes and meandering rivers, the Peace Garden State offers world-class angling experiences that attract serious walleye anglers from far and wide. We’re counting down to North Dakota’s premier fishing destinations, revealing their unique features, and the impressive species that await your line!
Jump to a Lake
- #17 Nelson Lake
- #16 Pipestem Lake
- #15 Heart Butte Reservoir
- #14 Lake Darling
- #13 Red River of the North
- #12 Jamestown Reservoir
- #11 Lake Tschida
Source: Pixabay
17. Nelson Lake
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Bluegill.
Highlights: Nelson Lake is a unique man-made reservoir located near Center in central North Dakota, created as a cooling lake for a nearby power plant. This 200-acre waterbody provides a more intimate fishing setting compared to North Dakota’s larger lakes.
The thermal influence from the power plant creates unique conditions that can extend the fishing season and create productive fishing zones, offering exceptional bass fishing opportunities.
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
Source: Pixabay
16. Pipestem Lake
Primary Target Species: Crappie, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill.
Highlights: Pipestem Lake is an 840-acre reservoir created by the Pipestem Dam, located in the central part of the state near Jamestown. This productive fishery is renowned for its excellent populations of crappie, perch, walleye, and northern pike.
The lake provides diverse recreational opportunities beyond fishing, making it an ideal destination for family outings and multi-day trips with camping and boating facilities.
- 📋 U.S. Fishing License & Regulation Guide: Everything you need to know before casting your line.
Source: Pixabay
15. Heart Butte Reservoir
Primary Target Species: Channel Catfish, Walleye, Northern Pike, White Bass, Smallmouth Bass.
Highlights: Heart Butte Reservoir is a 4,900-acre impoundment in south-central North Dakota that serves as an excellent warm-water fishery. This reservoir is particularly known for its strong catfish population, with some fish exceeding impressive sizes (over 10 pounds).
The lake also supports good populations of walleye, northern pike, and various other species, making it a versatile fishing destination.
- 🧭 Best Times of Year to Fish in Every State: Seasonal tips to help you plan the perfect fishing trip.
Source: Pixabay
14. Lake Darling
Primary Target Species: Walleye, Northern Pike, White Bass, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass.
Highlights: Lake Darling is a substantial 9,500-acre reservoir in north-central North Dakota near Grano. This large impoundment offers excellent fishing opportunities for multiple species and serves as an important waterfowl refuge.
The lake’s diverse habitat and substantial size provide ample opportunities for both shore and boat anglers seeking quality fishing experiences, with multiple access points available.
- 🏆 America’s 25 Most Legendary Fishing Spots: Bucket-list destinations for serious anglers.
Source: Pixabay
13. Red River of the North
Primary Target Species: Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Walleye, Northern Pike, White Bass.
Highlights: The Red River of the North forms the boundary between North Dakota and Minnesota, flowing northward for over 550 miles to Lake Winnipeg in Canada. This unique river is home to more than 70 fish species and offers exceptional fishing for huge channel catfish, walleye, and northern pike.
The river’s slow-flowing, nutrient-rich waters create excellent conditions for diverse fish populations and trophy opportunities.
- 🧰 Essential Gear Checklist for Lake Fishing: Don’t leave home without these lake-tested essentials.
Source: Pixabay
12. Jamestown Reservoir
Primary Target Species: Black Crappie, White Crappie, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike.
Highlights: Jamestown Reservoir is a scenic 2,000-acre lake in central North Dakota at the city of Jamestown, featuring 45 miles of winding shoreline surrounded by sandy beaches, rip-rap rock, and lush greenery. This popular destination offers excellent fishing for both black and white crappie.
The reservoir’s diverse structure and accessible location make it a favorite among local anglers, also providing good opportunities for walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike.
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
Source: Pixabay
11. Lake Tschida
Primary Target Species: Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, White Bass.
Highlights: Lake Tschida is a 5,000-acre reservoir in southwestern North Dakota, located 12 miles south of Glen Ullin. This productive fishery offers excellent walleye fishing along with good populations of northern pike and other species.
The lake’s remote location and quality fishing make it a hidden gem for anglers seeking less crowded waters with consistent action.