BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Results of recently concluded surveys and sampling efforts for the open water season indicate good fishing conditions on North Dakota’s three big waters, according to the state Game and Fish Department.
Good habitat and forage conditions in Lake Sakakawea have resulted in an abundance of rainbow smelt and other forage, which in turn has contributed to excellent condition and growth of game fish such as walleye and northern pike, Fisheries Chief Greg Power said.
Walleye and northerns also are plentiful in Devils Lake, though the number of catchable-size perch is down.
The Missouri River between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe is still being influenced by habitat changes caused by the 2011 flood, and walleye reproduction and forage fish production have been poor in recent years. However, the outlook has improved greatly in Lake Oahe, especially near the South Dakota border, where both walleye and northerns are in good shape.
“Fishing in North Dakota continues to be record-setting on most all levels,” Power said. “A record number of fishing lakes has contributed considerably to the record number of fishing licenses sold in recent years.”
There are nearly 400 fishable lakes in North Dakota, more than triple the amount four decades ago. Fishing license sales for 2013-14 set a record for a second straight year at 219,400, an increase of 1,000 from 2012-13. North Dakota licenses are good from April 1 of one year to March 31 of the next.
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