Doug Leier posted on October 16, 2008 13:09 :: 2646 Views
Unlike hunting seasons, most of which have a defined ending date and which weather can shorten even further by driving out migratory birds, North Dakotans are afforded the opportunity to fish 24/7/365 for most species excluding paddlefish.
While fish do have some seasonal and natural migrations, from shallow water to deep or up and down river systems, they’re here year-round and anglers can pursue them whenever time allows.
Pike, walleye, bass and some panfish typically generate the most attention across the state, but we’re also fortunate to have a number of other species that fall into the “under-the-radar” category that still can provide considerable action.
Obviously, paddlefish occupy the spotlight for early spring, but throughout the year anglers looking for something else are can choose from trout, catfish, ling and even muskie.
North Dakota has several trout lakes that are maintained by stocking, as trout in North Dakota are all introduced. They are fine-scaled and are native to oceans and cold waters of rivers and lakes. Our state's water conditions offer little chance for most trout family members to spawn and reproduce successfully, so we depend on hatcheries to keep trout fisheries going.
Here’s a look at trout and a few other species that can be important parts of a North Dakota angling experience.
Rainbow Trout
The rainbow has been widely stocked in North Dakota. It varies in coloring but usually has pinkish streaks on its sides and small black spots on its sides, fins, and tail. The rainbow has 9-12 rays in its anal fin. Rainbow colors vary depending on where they originate, where and when they are stocked and even what they eat. Popular rainbow strains presently stocked into North Dakota waters include Shasta, Eagle Lake and Arlee.
Brown Trout (German Brown Trout)
The brown trout is native to Europe and are able to survive in warmer water conditions than the rainbow. Browns are found in the Missouri River System and a few lakes where it is regularly stocked. It has spots that are much larger and more colorful than those of the rainbow. The spots on the brown trout may be black, brown, orange or red and are surrounded with a light colored halo. On large browns, the spots may be irregular shaped or even x-shaped. The brown usually does not have spots on its tail.
Catfish
While most often associated with the Red River in North Dakota, channel catfish are found in other places such as the Sheyenne River, and the Missouri River System. Although not overly popular here in North Dakota, catfish are among the most sought after species in the United States.
Large and small mouth bass
These members of the sunfish family members are deep and stockily built, attractive in coloration, and popular as panfish. Fishing waters for bass in North Dakota are scattered and anyone who’s ever hooked into the fight of the bass will agree they provide great action and although not as universally enjoyed as tablefare their fight along with proper preperation can make the meal even more tastey.
Muskie
The odds don't favor North Dakota ever becoming a muskie fishing destination, but the state does have a few places where landing a lunker muskie is a realistic expectation. These fish have vertical dark bars on their sides and from six to eight pores on each side of the lower jaw. They have scales only on the upper half of the cheek. The tiger musky is a hybrid cross between a muskellunge female and a northern pike male.
I won't argue with the popularity of walleye, pike and perch fishing in North Dakota, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery, spend a little time on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov, click on the fishing section, and you can peruse stocking reports and find different lakes, streams and reservoirs along with other fish species and locations which may serve to satisfy your fishing appetite this summer.
Doug Leier is a biologist with the Game and Fish Department. He can be reached by email: dleier@nd.gov
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