38 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 37 lakes/reservoirs and 1 rivers. Every one is public water fishable on a North Dakota licence.
See every public fishing venue in North Dakota on the map, with boat ramps, camping, parking and full rules for each one.
Lake Ashtabula, a 5,178-acre reservoir spanning Barnes and Griggs counties, is a diverse mixed fishery anchored by Walleye and Northern Pike with an exceptional Muskellunge population for those targeting trophy pike relatives. Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie and Bluegill round out a well-rounded species mix in this South Central gem.
Meadow Lake, a 1,474-acre Barnes County impoundment, specializes in yellow perch and walleye fishing across its James River Valley basin. The lake's modest size and species focus make it a reliable choice for perch anglers and walleye hunters seeking straightforward action.
Hobart Lake North in Barnes County delivers 1,392 acres dedicated to yellow perch opportunity, drawing anglers seeking dependable panfish action in the South Central region.
Eckelson Lake North, a 1,101-acre lake in Barnes County's South Central & James River Valley region, is managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Yellow perch dominate this fishery, making it a prime destination for anglers targeting consistent panfish action throughout the year.
This 805-acre Barnes County lake in the James River Valley offers solid walleye and yellow perch fishing, with perch providing consistent panfish action across shallow to mid-depth structure. Walleye are the primary target for anglers seeking larger catches, making Fox Lake a reliable choice for a mixed bag in South Central North Dakota.
Barnes County, North-Dakota — Fox Lake is a 795-acre lake, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Middle Eckelson, a 716-acre lake in Barnes County, rounds out the James River Valley's walleye and pike options with a solid Yellow Perch fishery. Northern Pike and Walleye make this South Central water a versatile choice for anglers working mid-sized reservoirs in the region.
Hobart Lake (654 acres) sits in Barnes County, North-Dakota, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
This 477-acre Barnes County lake in South Central & James River Valley holds a diverse warm-water mix: northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch. Eckelson Lake South offers northern pike hunters a dedicated opportunity in a region where pike are a prized secondary species alongside the region's bread-and-butter perch and walleye.
A 324-acre impoundment spanning Barnes and LaMoure counties in South Central North Dakota, Boom Lake draws anglers for Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. The lake's pike and walleye populations make it a solid choice for predator-focused fishing throughout the season.
Round Lake in Barnes County spans 308 acres and hosts Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Black Bullhead. This South Central impoundment rounds out the region's smaller lakes with a capable multi-species fishery including both game fish and bottom feeders.
This 305-acre Barnes County impoundment, managed as a Wildlife Production Area in the James River Valley, specializes in walleye fishing. A focused destination for anglers targeting this premium species in South Central North Dakota.
Kee Lake in Barnes County spans 301 acres and delivers a complete James River Valley panfish and pike experience—yellow perch, walleye, and northern pike all call this South Central water home. The species diversity makes it worth multiple visits throughout the year.
Clauson Lake's 300 acres in Barnes County are known primarily for yellow perch, drawing panfish specialists to this South Central James River Valley destination. A straightforward choice when perch are on the bite.
This 294-acre Barnes County impoundment, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department, offers solid opportunity for northern pike and yellow perch throughout the season. Black bullhead provide a secondary option for anglers seeking bottom-feeding action in this South Central & James River Valley fishery.
Eckelson Lake (289 acres) sits in Barnes County, North-Dakota, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
This 278-acre Barnes County lake in South Dakota's James River Valley offers solid action for yellow perch and walleye, with northern pike and black bullhead providing alternative targets. Managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Olson WPA is a reliable choice for anglers seeking mixed panfish and predator opportunities in the region.
Island Lake in Barnes County spans 266 acres and specializes in walleye and yellow perch, offering a clean, targeted fishery for anglers in the James River Valley region. The lake's modest size makes it accessible and manageable for both boat and shore anglers.
Island Lake (254 acres) sits in Barnes County, North-Dakota, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Sanborn Lake spans 234 acres in Barnes County within the South Central & James River Valley. Northern pike and yellow perch are the primary targets here, offering anglers a mixed warm-water fishery in a compact setting.
This 232-acre section of Hobart Lake in Barnes County features yellow perch as its primary fishery. The South basin provides reliable perch habitat in the South Central & James River Valley region.
Lake Benson (148 acres) sits in Barnes County, North-Dakota, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
St. Mary's Lake in Barnes County covers 119 acres and delivers traditional cool-water fishing for Walleye and Yellow Perch in the South Central & James River Valley. The lake's species composition makes it a sound regional choice for spring through fall angling.
Moon Lake, a 115-acre Barnes County lake in the South Central & James River Valley, offers a diverse mix including walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout and tiger trout. This multi-species fishery provides options across seasons and angling styles.
In Barnes County, North-Dakota, Larson Slough is a 88-acre lake, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Barnes County, North-Dakota — Crystal Lake (historical) is a 86-acre lake, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Barnes County, North-Dakota — Rush Lake (historical) is a 78-acre lake, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Barnes County, North-Dakota, Saint Marys Lake is a 76-acre lake, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Barnes County, North-Dakota — Dry Lake (historical) is a 69-acre lake, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Sweetwater Lake in Barnes County delivers a mixed bag of walleye, black crappie, and yellow perch across its 48 acres. This South Central water is a solid choice for panfish and walleye anglers looking for a smaller, more intimate fishery.
Located in Barnes County, this 40-acre South Central reservoir is a reliable panfish and bass water, anchored by Yellow Perch and Largemouth Bass with Bluegill adding consistent action. Clausen Springs punches above its size as a keeper fishery in the James River Valley region.
Barnes County, North-Dakota — Tomahawk Lake is a 35-acre lake, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Scotts Lake (30 acres) sits in Barnes County, North-Dakota, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Barnes County, North-Dakota, McDonald Lake is a 29-acre lake, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Hanson Lake (20 acres) sits in Barnes County, North-Dakota, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Located in Barnes County's South Central region, Blumers Pond is a 4-acre lake where yellow perch and bluegill fishing are supplemented by black bullhead.
Located in Barnes County within the South Central & James River Valley, Hatchery Kids Pond is a 1-acre lake stocked with Rainbow Trout by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The intimate setting makes it an accessible option for trout anglers in south-central North Dakota.
Spanning 688 km across the Red River Valley from Barnes to Ransom County, the Sheyenne River offers a diverse warmwater and coolwater fishery managed by North Dakota Game and Fish. Walleye and smallmouth bass anchor the main action, while channel catfish, northern pike, and the river's signature pure muskellunge provide additional appeal for anglers willing to explore different techniques and seasons.
Across its mapped waters, Barnes County holds 17 species on PiscaMaps, including Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Crappie and Pumpkinseed.
Ramps, put-ins and species for every water — plus the carp layer no other US app has.
Open the North Dakota map Join PiscaMapsOne North Dakota Game and Fish Department fishing licence covers every public water in the state, the Missouri River reservoirs and every water on NDGF's Fishing Waters list included — the resident annual is about $29 (including the required Fishing, Hunting & Furbearer Certificate), the non-resident annual about $73, with non-resident 3-day (~$53) and 10-day (~$63) options. No separate trout stamp is required. North Dakota residents 65 and older can buy a discounted senior licence for about $12, and anyone under 16 fishes free. Licences run 1 April to 31 March. Buy at gf.nd.gov.