Lake Darling
Lake Darling
- Boat Ramps
- 5
- Access Points
- 9
- Species
- 6
Lake Darling is a 9,500-acre reservoir located in north-central North Dakota within the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge. Created by damming the Souris River, this picturesque lake features nearly 50 miles of shoreline and serves as a premier fishing destination known for its healthy populations of walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. The lake's fertile waters, diverse underwater structure, and effective water management practices create an ideal habitat for game fish, offering excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. With five well-maintained boat launches, primitive camping options, and stunning natural scenery, Lake Darling attracts anglers seeking quality fishing in a tranquil wildlife setting.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Lake Darling and what's needed to catch them.
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Walleye159,500 fish · FingerlingsJun 23, 2026
- Walleye56,000 fish · FingerlingsJun 11, 2026
- Walleye86,400 fish · FingerlingsJun 11, 2026
- Walleye56,800 fish · FingerlingsJun 11, 2026
- Walleye79,200 fish · FingerlingsJun 11, 2026
Source
North Dakota Game and Fish Department
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Darling. 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 Lake Darling
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.
North Dakota Fishing License
Residents and Nonresidents under 16 years old and older are not required to have a fishing license
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.
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.
Take Lake Darling 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 Lake Darling to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Darling 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
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Lake Darling and check the forecast before you go.
LAKE DARLING NEAR FOXHOLM, ND
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