12 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 11 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.
Straddling Dickey and McIntosh counties in South Central North Dakota, this 849-acre lake is a Yellow Perch specialist water, managed by the state Game and Fish Department. Heinrich Lake draws perch fishermen, especially during late-summer and fall when schools move into shallower feeding zones.
Dickey County, North-Dakota — Dakota Lake is a 627-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.
TAD Lake spans 625 acres in Dickey County within the South Central & James River Valley region. This walleye and yellow perch lake is managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and offers accessible fishing for both species year-round.
In Dickey County, North-Dakota, Stevens Slough is a 529-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 Dickey County, North-Dakota, Hyatt Slough is a 443-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.
Shimmin Lake, a 366-acre Northern Pike destination in Dickey County's South Central & James River Valley, is managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. This focused pike lake offers anglers a chance to pursue one of the region's most aggressive gamefish species.
This 205-acre Dickey County reservoir in South Central North Dakota offers a solid panfish and pike fishery. Bluegill and black crappie provide consistent action in shallow cover, while yellow perch inhabit deeper zones and peak in late summer. Northern pike cruising the basin and black bullhead in slower areas round out a well-rounded small-water option.
Spanning the Dickey–LaMoure county line, this 204-acre lake is a prime North Dakota pike destination with strong northern pike populations and abundant common carp. The carp fishery here taps into the region's storied tradition—the James and Red rivers and major reservoirs like Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe all hold under-fished big carp, and Cottonwood Lake continues that trend. Black bullhead add to the mixed bag.
This 51-acre Dickey County reservoir in South Central North Dakota offers solid pike fishing alongside yellow perch and bluegill. Wilson Dam is a compact but productive water managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, ideal for anglers seeking northern pike in an accessible setting.
Located in Dickey County within South Central North Dakota's James River Valley, Whitestone Lake is a specialized 31-acre yellow perch fishery. This small, perch-focused lake appeals to anglers seeking consistent panfish action in a quiet valley setting.
Moores Lake, a 29-acre impoundment in Dickey County's James River Valley region, is known for northern pike and yellow perch. The modest size and species mix make it an accessible choice for valley-based anglers seeking pike and panfish in a quiet setting.
A 366 km South Central drainage flowing through Dickey, Eddy, and Stutsman counties, the James River is known for its walleye and northern pike runs, supplemented by yellow perch and black crappie that offer excellent panfish action. Channel catfish round out a balanced warmwater fishery well-suited to both boat and shore access.
Across its mapped waters, Dickey County holds 13 species on PiscaMaps, including Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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.