Walleye is the state fish of North Dakota and the number-one target for its anglers – and the state is packed with world-class walleye water, from giant Missouri River reservoirs to fertile prairie lakes. This guide rounds up the best walleye lakes in North Dakota and how to fish them. Every lake links to a full guide in our North Dakota Lakes Database.
The Missouri River reservoirs
The big reservoirs are nationally famous walleye fisheries. Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe rank among the best walleye lakes in the country, with Lake Audubon offering more stable water right beside Sakakawea.
Devils Lake & the prairie giants
Devils Lake is a walleye-and-perch powerhouse and one of the most famous fisheries in the Midwest, with Stump Lake next door adding more. Horsehead Lake and Alkaline Lake are excellent, walleye-managed Coteau lakes.
Reservoir walleye near the cities
Lake Ashtabula (near Fargo/Valley City), Lake Tschida (near Bismarck), Pipestem and Jamestown reservoirs, and Bowman-Haley all hold good walleye within easy reach of town.
More walleye waters
Don’t overlook Lake Darling (Upper Souris), Cottonwood Lake, Pheasant Lake and Lake Elsie – smaller lakes that produce well and are stocked regularly.
How and when to fish
North Dakota walleye come on jigs and live bait in spring, trolled crankbaits and bottom-bouncer spinner rigs over points, flats and the old river channels in summer, and again on jigs in fall. Low light and the spring spawn are prime. Winter ice fishing for walleye is a statewide tradition – Devils Lake and Sakakawea are legendary hardwater destinations. A North Dakota fishing license is required; check current limits and any boundary-water rules on the Missouri reservoirs shared with South Dakota and Montana.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best walleye lake in North Dakota?
Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe and Devils Lake are the headliners – all nationally ranked walleye fisheries – with many fertile prairie lakes (Horsehead, Alkaline, Ashtabula) close behind.
Is walleye the state fish of North Dakota?
Yes – the walleye is North Dakota’s state fish and the most sought-after gamefish in its lakes.
See our fishing in North Dakota guide, the largest lakes, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.
