6 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 4 lakes/reservoirs and 2 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.
Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida) is a 3,274-acre Grant County impoundment offering one of the most diverse fisheries in the South Central & James River Valley region, with strong populations of Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie and Bluegill. This well-rounded reservoir delivers opportunity for everything from trophy Pike to panfish action throughout the year.
Lake Tschida (also called Heart Butte Reservoir) in Grant County is a highly diverse sport fishery -- walleye to 8lb, northern pike to 10lb, catfish to 12lb, and abundant bigmouth buffalo to 40lb, alongside smallmouth and largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, perch and bluegill.
Sheep Creek Dam in Grant County stands out as the region's most diverse fishery: this 82-acre South Central impoundment holds walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass alongside rainbow and brown trout, plus bluegill and black crappie. The mix of cool- and warmwater species makes it a unique year-round destination in the James River Valley country.
This 62-acre Grant County reservoir in the South Central & James River Valley region balances warm and cool-water species, with yellow perch and walleye as primary targets. Bluegill panfishing and largemouth bass opportunities round out the fishery.
The Cannonball River cuts 387 km through the South Central region and Missouri Slope, delivering consistent northern pike and walleye fishing with reliable channel catfish and black bullhead populations. Like other Missouri River basin tributaries in North Dakota, it holds abundant common carp—a hard-fighting resource that remains under-harvested by most touring anglers.
The Heart River's 358 km course through Billings, Grant, Morton, and Stark counties delivers excellent northern pike and walleye alongside a surprising diversity including bigmouth buffalo, goldeye, and smallmouth bass. Abundant common carp in this river make it an increasingly attractive destination for anglers targeting under-fished heavyweights.
Across its mapped waters, Grant County holds 16 species on PiscaMaps, including Walleye, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Common Carp, Yellow Perch and Black Crappie.
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.