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Devils Lake

Boat Ramps
12
Access Points
13
Species
4

Devils Lake, located in North Dakota, is an angler's paradise spanning over 200,000 acres, making it the largest natural lake in the state. What makes this lake unique is its lack of natural outlets, which has led to significant water level increases since the 1990s, creating diverse underwater structures and habitats that have fostered thriving fish populations. This prairie lake offers exceptional year-round fishing opportunities with abundant walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and white bass populations. Known as the Shore Fishing Capital of the Midwest, Devils Lake accommodates anglers of all experience levels whether fishing from shore, boat, or ice, providing consistent action and trophy potential across all seasons.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Devils Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Walleye

Walleye

Sander vitreus

White Bass

White Bass

Morone chrysops

Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Yellow Perch1,500 fish · AdultsMay 5, 2026
  • Yellow Perch13,213 fish · AdultsMay 5, 2026
  • Yellow Perch1,512 fish · AdultsMay 5, 2026
  • Yellow Perch4,883 fish · AdultsApr 28, 2026
  • Yellow Perch26,329 fish · AdultsApr 28, 2026

Source

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Devils Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Devils Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

North Dakota licenses and regulations

North Dakota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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North Dakota Fishing License

Residents and Nonresidents under 16 years old and older are not required to have a fishing license

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North Dakota Fishing Regulations

This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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North Dakota Stream Access Laws

Any person, before commencing any construction for the purpose of appropriating waters of the state or before taking waters of the state from any constructed works, shall first secure a water permit from the state engineer unless such construction or taking from such constructed works is for domestic or livestock purposes or for fish, wildlife, and other recreational uses.

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Take Devils Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Devils Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Devils Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Devils Lake and check the forecast before you go.

DEVILS LAKE NR DEVILS LAKE, ND

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Devils Lake fishing guides

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