63 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 62 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.
Jamestown Reservoir, a 2,054-acre impoundment in Stutsman County managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, holds walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and crappie—both black and white. The reservoir also supports an abundant common carp fishery; like other James River system waters, it offers under-fished opportunity for big carp alongside traditional warm and cool-water species.
Reule Lake covers 1,686 acres in Stutsman County within the South Central & James River Valley, supporting a balanced triad of yellow perch, walleye and northern pike. This productive prairie impoundment remains a solid choice for mixed-species anglers in a quieter corner of central North Dakota.
Arrowwood Lake sits within Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge near Pingree and is genuinely open to fishing -- walleye and northern pike are the most productive species (pike especially strong in vegetated bays and points in spring/early summer), with yellow perch also present.
Mud and Pearl Lakes in Stutsman County combine to form a 1,565-acre yellow perch and walleye fishery in the James River Valley. These shallow, productive waters are known for consistent perch catches and solid walleye opportunity throughout the season.
Big Mallard Marsh in Stutsman County spans 1,520 acres and supports walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch alongside an abundant common carp population. This James River Valley water is part of North Dakota's emerging carp fishery—the region's rivers and larger reservoirs hold substantial under-fished carp that attract growing numbers of sight-casting and bottom-fishing enthusiasts.
A 1,260-acre lake in Stutsman County's South Central region, Jay Nelson Lake is managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department as a solid walleye and yellow perch fishery. The lake's modest size and shallow-prairie character make it accessible year-round for anglers targeting both species.
Trautman Slough, a 1,210-acre water in Stutsman County, rounds out the South Central fishery with solid walleye and yellow perch populations. Though modest in size, this slough-style lake holds quality fish for dedicated anglers working shallow prairie structure.
The Brooks Complex spans 1,176 acres in Stutsman County and is managed as a yellow perch specialty by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Anglers targeting panfish will find consistent action in this South Central & James River Valley system.
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.
Pipestem Reservoir in Stutsman County spans 836 acres and rounds out the South Central region's walleye and pike options with a robust mixed warm-water fishery. The reservoir supports Northern Pike, Walleye, Black Crappie and Yellow Perch, plus abundant Common Carp — part of a broader North Dakota trend of big, under-fished carp in reservoirs and river systems like the James.
Schock Lake, an 803-acre water in Stutsman County, delivers yellow perch as the workhorse panfish species alongside productive walleye grounds. The lake's modest size makes it accessible and manageable for anglers working both species throughout the season.
Alkali Lake in Stutsman County is a 775-acre polyculture fishery featuring walleye and northern pike as primary predators, yellow perch for panfish action, and smallmouth bass for added variety. The lake also harbors common carp—part of a broader regional opportunity across South Central North Dakota's underutilized carp populations in rivers and larger impoundments.
Lake Louise (766 acres) sits in Stutsman 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.
Stirton Lake in Stutsman County delivers consistent Walleye and Yellow Perch fishing across its 716 acres in the heart of the James River Valley. This straightforward South Central fishery is best known for its perch and walleye populations.
Straddling Logan and Stutsman counties, this 710-acre lake holds Walleye and Yellow Perch across the James River Valley region. Flooded House Lake represents the walleye-and-perch combination that defines much of South Central North Dakota's reservoir fishing.
Cleveland Slough, a 693-acre Stutsman County water, combines Yellow Perch, Walleye, and Northern Pike in one compact James River Valley package. This three-species mix makes the slough a versatile option for anglers wanting multiple chances in a single outing.
School Lake is a 655-acre Stutsman County water in South Central North Dakota managed exclusively for yellow perch. Its compact size and perch-focused fishery make it an excellent choice for panfish enthusiasts looking for high catch rates.
Stutsman County, North-Dakota — Pearl Lake is a 650-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.
Stutsman County, North-Dakota — Jim Lake is a 626-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.
Fischer Lake, a 596-acre lake in Stutsman 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 Stutsman County, North-Dakota, Runner Slough is a 582-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.
Barnes Lake in Stutsman County spans 552 acres and offers walleye and northern pike across the South Central James River Valley landscape. The combination of two premier predators makes it worth exploring for both evening walleye topwater and pike structure work.
Meander Lake (540 acres) sits in Stutsman 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.
Spiritwood Lake's 493 acres in Stutsman County deliver a diverse mixed fishery: smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, northern pike and bluegill all thrive in this South Central destination. The variety of species and habitat makes it a year-round option for different angling preferences.
East Easter Lake, a compact 490-acre yellow perch lake in Stutsman County, offers focused perch fishing in the James River Valley's South Central plateau country.
Straddling Logan and Stutsman counties, Logan Lake's 486 acres deliver yellow perch and walleye in the South Central region. This James River Valley water rounds out the area's network of mid-sized perch and walleye lakes.
Pipestem Lake, a 382-acre lake in Stutsman 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 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.
Sunday Lake, a 377-acre impoundment in Stutsman County's South Central & James River Valley region, is managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. This lake offers straightforward pike and panfish hunting in a compact footprint.
Found in Stutsman County within the South Central & James River Valley, Mallard Marsh North spans 333 acres and provides a classic prairie walleye-and-perch fishery. The marsh setting offers natural structure and seasonal movement patterns typical of the region's shallow impoundments.
Located in Stutsman County, West Easter Lake encompasses 323 acres and specializes in Yellow Perch fishing. Its consistent perch population makes it a reliable destination for panfish anglers working the South Central & James River Valley.
Cysewski Lake in Stutsman County offers anglers a compact 305-acre fishery in North Dakota's South Central region. Yellow perch and northern pike are the primary quarry here, making it a solid choice for panfish and pike hunters throughout the season.
Hehn-Schaffer Lake is a 298-acre Stutsman County reservoir in the James River Valley that rounds out the region's walleye, pike, and perch options. The full species complement—northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch—ensures consistent fishing opportunity across seasons.
Yellow perch are the sole focus at this 288-acre Stutsman County lake in the South Central & James River Valley region. Managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Pleasant Lake attracts perch specialists looking for consistent summer and fall action.
Clark Lake's 287 acres in Stutsman County support a balanced mix of walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch, giving South Central & James River Valley anglers multiple seasonal options. The lake is managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Foot Lake's 279 acres of Stutsman County water specialize in walleye and yellow perch, making it a solid option for South Central & James River Valley anglers targeting these cool-water species. The lake is managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Eric Lake (268 acres) sits in Stutsman 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.
Hoggarth Dam, a 265-acre reservoir in Stutsman County's South Central region, provides yellow perch and walleye opportunity in a setting more intimate than many larger impoundments. Managed by North Dakota Game and Fish, this is a solid panfish and walleye destination.
Half Way Lake in Stutsman County offers solid panfish and walleye action across its 263 acres. Yellow perch and black crappie provide consistent catches throughout the year, while walleye attract anglers looking for larger gamefish in this South Central prairie lake.
Deer Lake in Stutsman County spans 261 acres and focuses on walleye and yellow perch, making it a straightforward target for panfish enthusiasts and walleye hunters across the South Central region.
Paris Lake is a 260-acre panfish destination in Stutsman County where yellow perch are the primary draw. This modest prairie lake in the South Central & James River Valley suits anglers seeking a straightforward perch outing.
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.
Youme Lake is a compact 252-acre yellow perch fishery in Stutsman County's South Central & James River Valley. The lake rounds out the region's panfish options with reliable perch populations.
Bader Lake's 239 acres in Stutsman County (South Central & James River Valley) support a classic plains walleye and pike combination, seasoned with Yellow Perch for variety. Its position near the James River system connects it to a broader regional fishery tradition.
Lake Rau, a 232-acre impoundment in Stutsman County's South Central & James River Valley, offers northern pike and yellow perch fishing. The compact size and accessible species mix make it a convenient stop for pike and perch enthusiasts.
A 229-acre yellow perch destination in Stutsman County, Zimmerman Lake sits within the South Central & James River Valley's productive prairie fishery. Consistent perch populations make this a go-to for panfish anglers in the region.
Fox Lake (Stutsman), a 226-acre lake in Stutsman 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.
R and M Lake spans 210 acres in Stutsman County's South Central & James River Valley and balances coolwater Walleye with prolific Yellow Perch populations. The lake's dual-species appeal makes it a versatile choice for different seasons and techniques under North Dakota Game and Fish management.
Manley Lake, a 204-acre Stutsman County water in the South Central region, specializes in yellow perch. The consistent perch action makes it a straightforward choice for anglers targeting this prolific panfish species.
Wanzek Slough in Stutsman County's South Central & James River Valley is a 187-acre water offering yellow perch and walleye fishing in a prairie setting. The slough's shallow character makes it a productive staging ground for both species throughout the open-water season.
Stutsman County, North-Dakota — Deputy Marsh is a 186-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.
Ghost Lake spans 175 acres in Stutsman County and is known as a reliable yellow perch destination managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Perch anglers working shallow flats and deeper structure will find this South Central lake a productive choice, particularly during seasonal peaks.
Straddling the Logan–Stutsman county line in South Central North Dakota, Zenker Lake covers 174 acres and combines walleye and yellow perch fishing under state management. This dual-species lake appeals to anglers comfortable targeting both deepwater walleye and seasonal perch movements.
Hieb Lake, a 174-acre Stutsman County lake in the James River Valley region, is primarily a yellow perch fishery managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The intimate size and perch-focused population make it an efficient option for dedicated panfish anglers.
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.
Gaier Lake, a 111-acre Stutsman County water in the South Central & James River Valley, is a straightforward yellow perch venue managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Perch anglers will find reliable opportunities throughout the open-water season.
Prairie Lake (83 acres) sits in Stutsman 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.
Cleveland Pond, a 76-acre lake in Stutsman County's South Central region, is Yellow Perch-focused water managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The consistent perch populations here make it a reliable choice for panfish anglers.
Streeter Lake is a 40-acre Walleye-focused lake in Stutsman County's South Central & James River Valley, managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department for dedicated pike-perch anglers seeking a smaller, more intimate setting than the region's larger impoundments.
Prairie Pothole, a 26-acre lake in Stutsman 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.
Stutsman County, North Dakota — Wieland Pond is a 20-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.
Little Britches Pond is a 1-acre Stutsman County reservoir in the South Central & James River Valley offering exceptional species diversity: Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Black Bullhead. Despite its tiny footprint, this pond punches well above its weight as a mixed-bag destination.
A 366 km South Central drainage flowing through Dickey, Eddy, and Stutsman counties, the James River is known for its walleye and northern pike runs, supplemented by yellow perch and black crappie that offer excellent panfish action. Channel catfish round out a balanced warmwater fishery well-suited to both boat and shore access.
Across its mapped waters, Stutsman County holds 16 species on PiscaMaps, including Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, 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.