48 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 48 lakes/reservoirs and 0 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.
This 16,934-acre South Central reservoir is a proven northern pike and yellow perch destination. Long Lake's combination of these two species provides year-round opportunity for Burleigh and Kidder County anglers.
Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a shallow, alkaline prairie lake. Fishing quality swings dramatically with the water cycle — poor during dry periods, excellent during wet ones — and walleye/perch are only occasional catches.
A 10,148-acre South Central lake offering northern pike and walleye fishing in the James River Valley region. Horsehead Lake provides solid action for both species in a smaller, more intimate setting than the region's larger reservoirs.
This 6,306-acre South Central lake supports walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch across its alkaline waters. Alkaline Lake provides accessible pike and walleye opportunity for Kidder and Logan County anglers.
The Etta-Alkaline Complex comprises 4,374 acres of Northern Pike and Common Carp water in Kidder County. North Dakota's James and Red rivers and major reservoirs like Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe are known for abundant, under-fished Carp, making this alkaline complex an intriguing opportunity for sight-stalking and seasonal Carp fishing alongside Pike.
Kidder County, North-Dakota — Big Muddy Lake is a 2,618-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.
Lake Etta spans 2,575 acres in Kidder County and offers Northern Pike as the primary gamefish alongside panfish and catfish action — Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Black Bullhead provide consistent secondary options. Common Carp are also present in this South Central lake, joining the region's under-fished Carp waters including the James and Red rivers and major reservoirs like Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe.
Kunkel Lake sprawls across 1,520 acres in Kidder County's South Central & James River Valley, offering walleye and largemouth bass alongside crappie. This substantial impoundment provides solid depth and size for anglers targeting both coolwater and warmwater species.
Sibley Lake's 1,305 acres in Kidder County round out the South Central impoundment chain with solid walleye and yellow perch populations. This shallow-to-moderate-depth lake appeals to both jigging perch anglers and walleye trollers working the deeper basins.
Sibley Lake (1,280 acres) sits in Kidder 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.
McPhail WMA, a 1,166-acre wildlife management area in Kidder County, combines yellow perch and walleye fishing with the shallow-prairie character typical of the James River Valley region. The WMA designation reflects its dual role supporting both fish populations and wildlife habitat.
Plowe Lake in Kidder County spans 1,005 acres and holds a balanced mix of Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Walleye. The lake's similar size and location in the James River Valley make it a reliable choice for anglers targeting both panfish and predators in South Central North Dakota.
This 992-acre Kidder County lake delivers focused Walleye and Yellow Perch fishing in the South Central region. Remmick Lake's more specialized species list makes it particularly attractive to anglers seeking quality panfish and walleye action without competing predators.
Des Moines Lake spans 959 acres in Kidder County and focuses on Northern Pike and Walleye, making it a draw for anglers targeting these predatory species across the South Central prairie region. The lake's streamlined fishery suits both pike specialists and walleye hunters.
Helen Lake spans 934 acres in Kidder County's South Central region, hosting a straightforward Northern Pike and Yellow Perch fishery. This shallow James River Valley impoundment delivers reliable panfish catches and pike opportunities for anglers targeting aggressive predators.
Straddling Kidder and Stutsman counties, Stink Lake's 871 acres hold Yellow Perch, Walleye, and Northern Pike—a complete panfish-to-pike progression that makes it a versatile South Central destination. The tri-species mix appeals to anglers willing to switch tactics across a single outing.
This 853-acre Kidder County lake in North Dakota's South Central region offers a solid mixed fishery anchored by Northern Pike and Walleye, with Yellow Perch and Black Crappie providing reliable secondary action. Managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Lake Josephine delivers year-round opportunity for pike hunters and walleye anglers alike.
Lake Isabel in Kidder County delivers a fuller mixed bag than many regional waters: Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Common Carp all call this 814-acre James River Valley lake home. The presence of big carp adds a unique under-fished opportunity alongside traditional pike and walleye, aligning with North Dakota's emerging reputation for reservoir and river carp fishing.
Willow Lake's 748 acres in Kidder County support a straightforward walleye-and-perch fishery in the James River Valley. The lake appeals to anglers targeting consistent panfish alongside quality walleye prospects in an intimate setting.
Deer Lake, a 690-acre Kidder County lake, is a Yellow Perch specialist within the James River Valley. This compact South Central water focuses on consistent perch opportunity for anglers targeting the region's most abundant panfish.
Situated in Kidder County's South Central & James River Valley region, Cherry Lake spans 666 acres and specializes in northern pike and yellow perch fishing. The lake's pike population draws anglers year-round, with spring and fall typically producing the most consistent action.
Cherry Lake (648 acres) sits in Kidder 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.
Geier Lake's 554 acres in Kidder County hold a focused walleye and yellow perch fishery within the James River Valley system. Stable populations and good panfish potential make this a dependable choice for anglers targeting perch through the summer months.
Long Alkaline Lake, a 518-acre Kidder County water in the James River Valley, is known for its yellow perch and northern pike populations. The alkaline character of this South Central lake creates a unique ecosystem within North Dakota's prairie fishery.
Jasper Lake is a 479-acre walleye and yellow perch fishery in Kidder County's South Central region, managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Bluegill provide panfish opportunity alongside the lake's primary warm-water species, making it a solid all-around choice for anglers targeting both pike-and-perch action and smaller panfish.
Located in Kidder County within the South Central & James River Valley, Woodhouse Lake is a 418-acre fishery for Yellow Perch and Walleye. This combination of panfish and cool-water gamefish creates a well-rounded fishing opportunity.
Kidder County, North-Dakota — Lake George is a 414-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.
Koenig North spans 405 acres across Kidder and Wells counties in the South Central & James River Valley, holding Yellow Perch and Walleye. The lake's location at the intersection of two counties and focus on panfish and coolwater species appeals to persistent perch hunters.
Straddling Kidder and Stutsman counties in the South Central & James River Valley, Round Lake spans 379 acres and holds a diverse coolwater mix: Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. The lake's varied species composition makes it a versatile choice for anglers working different depths and techniques throughout the season.
Located in Kidder County within the South Central & James River Valley, Swan Lake is a 371-acre walleye and yellow perch lake managed by the state. The combination of walleye and a strong perch population makes it a solid choice for both target species and opportunity fishing.
Lake Geneva is a 360-acre yellow perch lake in Kidder County, managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for panfish-focused anglers. This South Central & James River Valley lake offers reliable perch action without the complexity of a mixed-species fishery.
Straddling Kidder and Logan counties in the South Central & James River Valley, Fresh Lake's 353 acres hold a solid northern pike fishery mixed with walleye and yellow perch. This shallow basin offers pike hunters good structure and weed-edge opportunities, especially during spring and fall transitions.
A 348-acre lake in Kidder County's South Central region, Schumacher Lake is known for consistent yellow perch and walleye fishing, with bluegill providing excellent panfish action for family outings. The lake's modest size and depth make it approachable from shore or small boat.
Leno Lake, a 333-acre impoundment in Kidder County, delivers focused walleye and yellow perch fishing in the heart of North Dakota's James River Valley. Its compact size and straightforward species list make it an accessible choice for anglers seeking solid panfish and walleye opportunities.
Koenig South, a 323-acre lake in Kidder County's James River Valley region, is primarily managed for Yellow Perch. This modest-sized impoundment offers a straightforward perch fishery typical of South Central North Dakota's panfish waters.
Straddling Kidder and Stutsman counties, South Stink Lake covers 260 acres and specializes in yellow perch fishing. The lake sits within the South Central & James River Valley region and offers reliable panfish action.
Trautmann Lake in Kidder County spans 256 acres and holds walleye and yellow perch across its South Central location. The combination of panfish and walleye makes it a versatile choice for regional anglers.
In Kidder County, North-Dakota, Harker Lake is a 251-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.
Bird Lake, a 230-acre lake in Kidder 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.
Neustel Lake, a 185-acre Kidder County lake in South Central North Dakota, is a specialized walleye fishery managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. This focused walleye destination offers consistent action in a modest, accessible setting.
A 182-acre Kidder County impoundment in the James River Valley region, Lake Williams holds northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch under North Dakota Game and Fish management. The mixed species composition makes it a versatile choice for anglers seeking variety in a single outing.
Crystal Springs straddles Kidder and Stutsman counties in the James River Valley region, serving as a 139-acre pike and walleye destination. Yellow perch and black bullhead round out the fishery in this South Central North Dakota lake.
This compact 134-acre Kidder County lake in South Central North Dakota keeps things simple with a focused walleye and bluegill fishery. Clean water and minimal species clutter make Frettim Lake a straightforward choice for panfish and walleye anglers in the James River Valley region.
In Kidder County, North Dakota, Bertsch Morrison WPA is a 99-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.
Located in Kidder County's South Central & James River Valley region, this 78-acre lake is managed for Yellow Perch and Walleye populations. Perch anglers often find summer and fall peak periods productive on this Kidder County impoundment.
This 74-acre Kidder County lake in the James River Valley region specializes in Yellow Perch fishing. Rafferty Lake's perch populations draw panfish anglers throughout the open-water season.
Kidder County, North-Dakota — Upper Harker Lake is a 65-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.
Located in Kidder County within the South Central & James River Valley region, this 59-acre impoundment is a dedicated northern pike destination. The relatively shallow system provides classic pike habitat and appeals to anglers targeting aggressive gamefish in a compact setting.
Across its mapped waters, Kidder County holds 20 species on PiscaMaps, including Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Largemouth Bass 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.