21 public waters in the South Central & James River Valley region — 17 lakes/reservoirs and 4 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.
In Williams County, North-Dakota, Lake Trenton is a 1,321-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.
Trenton Lake, a 1,010-acre Williams County reservoir in the Turtle Mountain & North Central region, delivers diverse fishing: walleye and northern pike anchor the gamefish population, while black and white crappie, channel catfish, bigmouth buffalo, and goldeye offer variety. Common carp also inhabit this water, adding another dimension for adventurous anglers.
In Williams County, North-Dakota, Lake Zahl is a 704-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 Williams County's Turtle Mountain region, this 492-acre Cottonwood Lake combines yellow perch, walleye and northern pike in North Central North Dakota's rolling topography. The lake's northern location and species mix make it a solid choice for Pike and perch hunters.
This 152-acre Williams County reservoir offers a balanced mix of warmwater and coolwater species. Walleye and Northern Pike are the primary draws, while Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Bluegill round out solid opportunities for visiting anglers.
Blacktail Lake, a 145-acre lake in Williams 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 Williams County within the Turtle Mountain and North Central region, this 139-acre reservoir is a solid northern pike and walleye fishery. Yellow perch, channel catfish, and black bullhead provide additional species diversity for anglers working this North Dakota impoundment.
Epping Dam, a 131-acre lake in Williams 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 81-acre Williams County reservoir in North Dakota's Turtle Mountain region offers solid action for Northern Pike and Yellow Perch, with Bluegill providing a lighter option for panfish enthusiasts. The shallow impoundment managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department attracts pike hunters year-round and perch anglers during peak summer and fall periods.
McLeod Reservoir, a 66-acre impoundment in Williams County's Turtle Mountain country, holds a balanced warm-water and cool-water fishery. Walleye and yellow perch are the primary draws, with northern pike, smallmouth bass, and bluegill rounding out the species mix.
McGregor Dam, a 62-acre Williams County reservoir in Turtle Mountain & North Central country, combines walleye and rainbow trout with panfish opportunity. Black crappie and bluegill make this a versatile choice for both cool-water and warm-water angling.
This 33-acre Williams County reservoir in North Dakota's Turtle Mountain region offers a solid mixed warm- and cool-water fishery. Walleye and yellow perch provide the backbone of catches, while largemouth bass and bluegill appeal to panfish anglers; rainbow and brown trout round out the species mix, especially during cooler months.
In Williams County, North-Dakota, McLeod Lake is a 26-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.
East Spring Lake Pond, a 17-acre northern pike water in Williams County's Turtle Mountain & North Central region, appeals to anglers targeting aggressive pike in a smaller, more intimate setting.
This 8-acre Williams County lake in North Dakota's Turtle Mountain region offers reliable action on Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill. Kettle Lake is a compact option ideal for anglers seeking close-to-home panfish and bass fishing without a long drive.
West Spring Lake Pond, a 5-acre water in Williams County near the Turtle Mountains, offers rainbow trout in cooler months alongside channel catfish and black bullhead for year-round opportunity.
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.
The Little Muddy River flows 86 km through Williams County in the Turtle Mountains and North Central region, hosting a diverse warmwater fishery. Northern Pike, Walleye, and Channel Catfish are the primary targets, while the river also holds Smallmouth and Bigmouth Buffalo, Goldeye, and abundant Common Carp—part of North Dakota's under-fished Carp resource alongside the James and Red rivers and lakes Sakakawea and Oahe.
The Yellowstone River cuts 32 km across the Missouri Slope and Badlands of McKenzie and Williams counties, hosting one of North Dakota's most distinctive fisheries: Paddlefish, Walleye, Sauger, and abundant Common Carp and buffalo species. Channel Catfish and Freshwater Drum complete a uniquely mixed warmwater and paddlefish opportunity.
Across its mapped waters, Williams County holds 29 species on PiscaMaps, including Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Bigmouth Buffalo.
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.