7 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 6 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.
Dry Lake (Foster) is a 1,024-acre Foster County water offering a full mixed bag: walleye and northern pike headline the gamefish action, yellow perch deliver reliable panfish opportunity, and black bullhead round out light tackle fun. Common carp—an under-fished bonus—provide a growing opportunity on this South Central & James River Valley lake.
This 733-acre Foster County reservoir in South Dakota's James River Valley offers solid action for Northern Pike and Yellow Perch, with Black Bullhead and Common Carp adding to the mix. Carp anglers should note that North Dakota's James and Red rivers, plus major reservoirs like Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe, hold abundant big carp—making the region a prime destination for under-fished freshwater carp opportunity.
In Foster County, North-Dakota, Lake Juanita is a 668-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 Foster County, North-Dakota, George Lake is a 468-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.
Rusten Slough (423 acres) sits in Foster 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 Foster County, North-Dakota, Russell Lake is a 125-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.
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, Foster County holds 13 species on PiscaMaps, including Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, 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.