44 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 41 lakes/reservoirs and 3 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 Sakakawea (350,000+ ac) — North Dakota's largest lake by far, a Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Missouri River behind Garrison Dam, stretching nearly 180 miles across the state. Walleye and Northern Pike are the headline fisheries, plus a stocked Chinook Salmon program, Smallmouth Bass, and trophy Channel Catfish. One of the best Walleye fisheries in the country.
Lake Audubon's 16,612 acres on the Missouri Slope host a diverse warm and cool water fishery: walleye and yellow perch anchor the traditional species mix, while smallmouth bass and northern pike add depth, and both pure and tiger muskellunge offer premium pursuit for specialists. The lake also holds abundant common carp—an under-fished resource that attracts growing numbers of carp anglers to North Dakota waters.
Audubon Lake (705 acres) sits in McLean 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 688-acre South Central reservoir spans Burleigh, McLean, and Sheridan counties and is managed by North Dakota Game and Fish. Walleye and yellow perch anchor the fishery, while smallmouth bass, northern pike, and tiger muskellunge add diversity for anglers seeking variety. Common carp are also abundant here, part of a broader under-fished carp resource across North Dakota's James River system and major reservoirs.
McLean County, North-Dakota — Turtle Lake is a 685-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 634-acre lake in McLean County within North Dakota's Missouri Slope & Badlands region, managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Crooked Lake offers a solid northern pike and walleye fishery, with yellow perch providing consistent action throughout the year.
Peterson Lake (579 acres) sits in McLean 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.
McLean County, North-Dakota — Blue Lake is a 516-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 Nettie, a 457-acre lake in McLean 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.
Lake Holmes, a 413-acre reservoir on the Missouri Slope in McLean County, is a focused Walleye and Yellow Perch fishery managed by North Dakota Game and Fish. The lake's relatively small acreage and dual-species setup make it an efficient choice for targeting these bread-and-butter panfish and pike.
Coal Lake is a 380-acre walleye fishery in McLean County within North Dakota's Missouri Slope & Badlands region, managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. This McLean County destination offers solid opportunities for walleye anglers seeking a smaller, focused impoundment.
Straddling McLean and Sheridan counties in the Missouri Slope & Badlands region, Pelican Lake's 300 acres support yellow perch and northern pike in a more remote North Dakota setting. This water rewards anglers willing to venture into the less-traveled northwest corner of the state.
In McLean County, North-Dakota, Lake Ordway is a 280-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.
West Park Lake, a 279-acre McLean County reservoir on North Dakota's Missouri Slope, stands out for its tiger and pure muskellunge populations alongside walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and bluegill. This diverse fishery offers something for trophy hunters and panfish enthusiasts alike.
Lake Brekken, a 245-acre glacial lake in McLean County, delivers a focused Walleye and Yellow Perch fishery typical of North Dakota's Missouri Slope region. The shallow, productive waters make it a reliable choice for walleye jigging and perch panfishing throughout the season.
Straddling McLean and Sheridan counties, this 245-acre South Central impoundment stands out for its muskellunge program—both Pure and Tiger muskies are stocked, adding a predator-class opportunity rare in the region. Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, and Bluegill round out a diverse fishery, while Common Carp offer another under-fished option for patient anglers.
Long Lake spans 231 acres in McLean County's Missouri Slope & Badlands region and is managed by North Dakota Game and Fish. Northern pike and yellow perch thrive in this prairie lake, offering anglers a quiet alternative in the state's western reaches.
This 224-acre McLean County lake in North Dakota's Missouri Slope & Badlands region offers solid Northern Pike and Walleye fishing alongside Yellow Perch and Bluegill. The diverse species mix makes Brush Lake a good choice for anglers seeking mixed-bag opportunities across seasons.
This 197-acre lake straddles McLean and Sheridan counties in the South Central & James River Valley region. Yellow perch and northern pike coexist here, with perch schooling in open water during summer and pike patrolling weed lines and rocky structure year-round.
East Park Lake is a 187-acre McLean County reservoir in the Missouri Slope & Badlands that stands out for its musky program—both tiger muskellunge and pure muskellunge are on the roster alongside walleye and northern pike. Yellow perch, smallmouth bass, bluegill and common carp round out a diverse fishery, with big carp representing an under-fished option throughout North Dakota's major reservoirs and river systems.
Strawberry Lake sits in McLean County within the Missouri Slope & Badlands region, offering Northern Pike and Walleye as core attractions on its 147 acres. Yellow Perch and Bluegill flourish in the lake's shallower zones, rounding out the panfish and pike appeal.
McLean County, North-Dakota — Strawberry Lake is a 142-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.
Spanning McLean and Ward counties in the Turtle Mountain and North Central region, Hiddenwood Lake's 133 acres hold northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch as primary targets. Smallmouth bass and bluegill add dimension to this North-Central North Dakota lake's mixed cold- and warmwater appeal.
England Lake (124 acres) sits in McLean 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.
Harchenko Lake, a 106-acre lake in McLean 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 104-acre McLean County lake in North Dakota's Missouri Slope & Badlands region offers solid Northern Pike and Yellow Perch fishing. The shallow prairie setting makes it an accessible option for anglers targeting pike and panfish throughout the season.
Lake Gertie sits in McLean County on the Missouri Slope and holds a mixed bag of Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Walleye across its 76 acres. This badlands-region lake appeals to anglers targeting pike action or seeking walleye and perch in deeper structure.
McLean County, North-Dakota — Norberg Lake is a 63-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 Susie, a 50-acre lake in McLean 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.
Howells Lake, a 39-acre lake in McLean 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 McLean County, North-Dakota, Hanson Slough is a 38-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.
Lightning Lake, a 23-acre McLean County reservoir in the Missouri Slope & Badlands, stands apart as a trout-focused destination in North Dakota. Rainbow trout and bluegill make this a cool-water option in an otherwise warm-water region.
This 4-acre reservoir near Riverdale in McLean County, managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, serves up bluegill and largemouth bass in the heart of Missouri Slope country. It's a small, easily fished water well suited to a short session from the bank or a car-top boat.
Custer Mine is a 4-acre reservoir in McLean County's Missouri Slope & Badlands region, offering channel catfish and northern pike to anglers seeking cool-water or predator species.
This 4-acre pond in McLean County sits in the heart of North Dakota's Missouri Slope & Badlands region. Stocked rainbow trout make it a reliable choice for anglers targeting a quick outing in a compact setting.
Spanning 3 acres across Burleigh and McLean counties, Wilton City Pond sits in the transition zone between South Central North Dakota and the James River Valley. Rainbow trout are the mainstay of this small, managed impoundment.
A 2-acre trout reservoir in McLean County's Missouri Slope & Badlands region, Painted Woods Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Its modest size and cool-water focus appeal to anglers targeting planted trout in an otherwise warm-water region.
In McLean County, North Dakota, Max City Pond is a 2-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.
This 1-acre McLean County reservoir in the Missouri Slope & Badlands region is managed for Yellow Perch, providing panfish opportunity in North Dakota's northwestern reaches.
A 1-acre pond in McLean County's Missouri Slope & Badlands region managed by North Dakota Game and Fish. This small water holds channel catfish and northern pike, making it an accessible spot for anglers targeting catfish or pike in a compact setting.
Underwood Pond, a 1-acre impoundment in McLean County, is stocked with rainbow trout by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Its small size and trout fishery make it ideal for quick outings in the Missouri Slope & Badlands region.
The Missouri River through North Dakota — the free-flowing reach below Garrison Dam ('the tailrace') is a renowned trophy Walleye and Sauger fishery, plus Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass and Paddlefish (snagging season).
This 511 km stretch of the Upper Missouri River spans from the northern plains through McKenzie and Williams counties, offering a unique mix that includes paddlefish, burbot (ling), and bigmouth buffalo alongside more conventional sauger and channel catfish. The presence of goldeye and freshwater drum rounds out a distinctive coolwater-to-warmwater transition fishery managed by the state.
Flowing 41 km across the Missouri Slope and Badlands counties of Burleigh and McLean, Painted Woods Creek delivers Northern Pike and Walleye in a scenic landscape. The creek also harbors Black Bullhead and abundant Common Carp—the latter offering untapped opportunity typical of North Dakota's prairie river systems.
Across its mapped waters, McLean County holds 31 species on PiscaMaps, including Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, 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.