30 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 29 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.
In Sheridan County, North-Dakota, Kruger Lake is a 946-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.
Davis WPA in Sheridan County, South Central North Dakota, is an 828-acre Wildlife Production Area managed by the state Game and Fish Department with a core Walleye and Yellow Perch appeal. The shallow WPA format creates predictable seasonal patterns for both species, drawing dedicated perch and walleye enthusiasts.
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.
Coal Mine Lake is a 635-acre Sheridan County reservoir in South Central North Dakota where northern pike and yellow perch are the main attractions. The lake's remote South Central location and pike-to-perch ratio appeal to anglers seeking variety in a quieter setting.
This 570-acre reservoir in Sheridan County combines northern pike and yellow perch habitat across the South Central James River Valley region. Clear-water pike fishing and reliable perch populations make it a solid spring and early-summer destination.
Kandt Lake (472 acres) sits in Sheridan 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.
Straddling McHenry and Sheridan counties, Lake Richard is a 455-acre walleye and yellow perch lake in the South Central & James River Valley. Its two-county location and consistent perch and walleye populations make it a steady option for anglers working the region's mid-sized panfish and pike-class waters.
A 452-acre Sheridan County lake managed by North Dakota Game and Fish, Stober Lake holds walleye and yellow perch in the South Central & James River Valley. The lake's modest size and focused species mix—heavy on yellow perch—make it a natural fit for panfish-focused trips in this region.
This 422-acre Sheridan County lake in the South Central & James River Valley region is known for its Yellow Perch population. Mud Lake offers reliable panfish action for anglers working shallow to moderate depths.
Moesner Lake (315 acres) sits in Sheridan 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.
Hinsz Lake covers 313 acres in Sheridan County and offers Yellow Perch, Walleye, and Northern Pike in the South Central & James River Valley region. The lake's mix of pike, walleye, and panfish provides solid fishing across multiple species and seasons.
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.
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.
Wolf Lake's 206 acres in Sheridan County make it a specialized Northern Pike fishery within the South Central & James River Valley region. Managed by North Dakota Game and Fish, this lake is a straightforward choice for pike hunters looking for focused action on a single species.
Wolf Lake, a 201-acre lake in Sheridan 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 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.
Ebel Lake, a 187-acre lake in Sheridan 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.
Located in Sheridan County in South Central North Dakota, Barreth Lake encompasses 173 acres and is managed as a yellow perch fishery by the state. The lake's perch-centric species mix and remote location appeal to anglers seeking a quieter setting.
Miller Lake in Sheridan County (South Central & James River Valley) is a 158-acre yellow perch lake managed by North Dakota Game and Fish. Anglers targeting panfish will find solid perch populations in this smaller, focused fishery.
Kindschi Lake (141 acres) sits in Sheridan 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.
South (Hoffer) McClusky, a 130-acre Sheridan County reservoir, delivers diverse freshwater fishing with Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch. Common Carp are abundant throughout North Dakota's reservoirs and rivers—the James and Red rivers, Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe all hold big, under-fished Carp that thrive in this region.
McClusky Canal, a 128-acre lake in Sheridan 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.
Guyes Lake, a 124-acre lake in Sheridan 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.
Bentz Lake, a 121-acre lake in Sheridan 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.
Bender Lake is a 118-acre impoundment in Sheridan County's South Central region, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Yellow perch dominate this intimate James River Valley fishery, making it a solid choice for panfish anglers seeking consistent action in a compact setting.
Sheridan County, North-Dakota — Sandy Lake is a 110-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.
Sheridan County, North-Dakota — Sperry Lake is a 50-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 Sheridan County, North-Dakota, Siebold Lake is a 42-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.
Skogmo Lake (24 acres) sits in Sheridan 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.
McClusky Canal, a 21-km canal in Burleigh and Sheridan counties, is notable for its Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge stocks alongside Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and under-fished Common Carp add layers to this specialized South Central fishery.
Across its mapped waters, Sheridan County holds 12 species on PiscaMaps, including Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, 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.