BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/PRAIRIE PUBLIC) – North Dakota Game and Fish says 2023 has been a good year for fishing across the state.
The big lakes for fishing continue to be Sakakawea, Oahe, and Devils Lake, but director Jeb Williams said the state’s prairie lakes have also taken off.
“We’re managing a record number of stocked bodies of water – approximately 450,” Williams said. “So, it’s a tremendous opportunity for people, whether you’re talking big water or smaller prairie lakes that have abundant walleye resources.”
Williams said there was some “winterkill” on the lakes, but very few lakes had 100% winterkill.
“We had six months of legitimate winter. We had ice depth. We had lots of snow on top of the ice which, again, really reduces that oxygen in those lakes,” Williams said. “So, getting through the winter in the condition that we did – that’s really positive.”
Williams said the number of fishing licenses being sold is strong.
