5 public waters in the Missouri Slope & Badlands region — 5 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.
Nelson Lake near the Missouri Slope in Oliver County is a 581-acre reservoir managed for warmwater species: bluegill, largemouth bass, and black and white crappie thrive in its shallows. Bonus: common carp are abundant here and throughout North Dakota's reservoirs—a under-fished opportunity for big-fish anglers seeking a different challenge.
Nelson Lake (539 acres) sits in Oliver 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.
West Arroda Dam is a 27-acre Oliver County impoundment on the Missouri Slope notable for northern pike and rainbow trout, plus yellow perch and black crappie. This mixed cool- and warm-water reservoir appeals to both pike hunters and trout anglers in a relatively remote Badlands setting.
East Arroda Dam in Oliver County covers 22 acres and delivers pike, crappie and perch fishing in North Dakota's western badlands region. Northern pike are the signature species, with black crappie and yellow perch adding depth to the bite.
Oliver County Sportsmen's Pond is a 3-acre reservoir in the Missouri Slope & Badlands region stocked with rainbow trout by North Dakota Game and Fish. Its compact size and consistent trout populations make it accessible for a quick fishing trip.
Across its mapped waters, Oliver County holds 13 species on PiscaMaps, including Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, White Crappie and Common Carp.
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.