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James River

Boat Ramps
22
Access Points
28
Species
34

The James River, locally known as the Jim, is a significant waterway stretching from central North Dakota through eastern South Dakota before emptying into the Missouri River. This often-overlooked fishing destination offers diverse angling opportunities with its meandering course and varied habitats. The river has an extremely flat gradient, dropping only about one inch per mile in some sections, making it one of the flattest rivers of its length in North America. This characteristic creates a slow-moving waterway with deep pools, shallow riffles, and numerous bends that provide excellent fish habitat. The James River's water levels fluctuate considerably throughout the seasons and from year to year, influenced by snowmelt, rainfall, and releases from upstream impoundments. During high water periods, fishing success tends to improve significantly.

Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 3

  • Pure Muskellunge275 fish · FingerlingsOct 14, 2026
  • Channel Catfish180 fish · AdultsApr 16, 2026
  • Yellow Perch4,020 fish · AdultsApr 28, 2024

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 James River. 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.

Brandt Access

Brandt Access

Access Point
James River Access

James River Access

Access Point
James River Highway 38 Access

James River Highway 38 Access

Access Point
James River Kellys Cove Access

James River Kellys Cove Access

Access Point
James River Forestburg Access

James River Forestburg Access

Access Point
Highway 46 Access

Highway 46 Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on James River

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.

South Dakota licenses and regulations

South 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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South Dakota Fishing License

Residents and Nonresidents 18 years old and older are required to have a fishing license

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South 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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South Dakota Stream Access Laws

If a river or stream is capable of being floated, it can be used for any lawful recreational activity, such as boating or fishing. Any public use above the ordinary high water mark, i.e., outside of the stream bank, without the landowner's permission, would be considered trespassing.

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Take James River 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 James River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

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

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish James River and check the forecast before you go.

JAMES RIVER NR GRACE CITY, ND

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James River fishing guides

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