UTERWalleye fishing in North Dakota freshwater
In North Dakota freshwater, walleye peak April–June and October and December–January and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Devils Lake and Sakakawea ice walleye.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in North Dakota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakDevils Lake and Sakakawea ice walleye.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilSpawningMissouri River below Garrison — the spring run.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish walleye near Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe
Devils Lake's perch, walleye and pike, the Missouri River reservoirs, paddlefish at the confluence, and the Red River's trophy channel cats.
What to use for walleye
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in North Dakota freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and October and December–January, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. January: Devils Lake and Sakakawea ice walleye.
Where do walleye hold in North Dakota freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Missouri River, Red River of the North.
What is the best bait for walleye in North Dakota freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for walleye in North Dakota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) and change — read the current rule at https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/fishing before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://gf.nd.gov/fishing/licensing.
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