With massive Devils Lake bordering the North Dakota city of the same name, fishing is the common language for residents and thousands of guests. Fishing is open year-round. As many fishermen travel to this perch and walleye mecca in winter as they do during open-water seasons. This winter could be one of the best. This follows a couple stellar ice seasons where perch of all sizes, but the word JUMBO cropped up more often with 12-to-15-inch yellow perch fighting their way through ice fishing holes.
After many trips to Devils Lake, some fishermen (and of course, their spouses, so fisherwomen definitely apply) and regular visitors know where to stay, where to start their personal perch assault, type of gear to bring, shelters needed, and where to gather the latest info. First-timers and those who appreciate the fact they may eliminate most of the hard work hire guides. Many guide services, often with 10 or more guides, are on the ice daily. They communicate with fellow guides and take clients to the best spots. Then, they continue searching and moving for the utmost success. Guide services exist to show clients a great time. Guides also show new Devils Lake anglers where fish are going and how to catch them. Even for the first day on the lake, this investment makes sense. If booking, do it early to secure the dates you prefer.
Each summer the North Dakota Fish and Game conducts fish surveys, an annual project done for the past 33 years. Last year showed a phenomenal result for walleyes. The 2024 netting results were at long-term averages. Overall, the fisheries crews discovered 22.6 walleyes per net this year. The age structure showed strong correlations to past records, with the 15-to-20-inch walleyes and the 25-to-30-inch walleyes above average.
The eastern portion of Devils Lake has a higher salinity content, which impacts egg development. To supplement that end of the lake, fisheries stocked it with 480,000 walleye fingerlings this season. Of note, Todd Caspers, regional fish manager indicated that fall brood surveys showed a very strong catch of young-of-the-year walleyes. Perch are a favorite of the ice crowd, and survey results showed most size classes near average, with the 12-to-15-inch perch considerably above average.
If Devils Lake ice fishing has been on a Bucket List, make this trip with family or fishin’ buddies. It will become an annual affair. Most guides re-book with 60-plus percentage of their clients. Friendships are made as generation after generation learns how much fun this city and lake are. Devils Lake is relatively close to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. For those who occasionally cross into Canada for a taste of ice fishing, Devils Lake, North Dakota is a great USA destination.
If a DYI trip, learn as much as possible by reading and checking social media, guide websites and reports from friends who have recently returned from this 160,000 acre lake. Local bait shops are a wealth of solid and up-to-date info. Buy your license online, but for bait and other supplies shop at a Devils Lake sporting goods store. Learn sizes, lures and colors. Buy a couple recommended lures along with live bait. Listen to the advice shared.
Learn about ice travel conditions and how to navigate the county roads to the many access (drive-on) locations. Drill around the edges of “fishing packs.” Don’t drive on top of other fishermen. There is plenty of room for all. When the magic depth is discovered, keep moving to other areas with the same depths.
North Dakota non-resident fishing licenses are $33 for three days, $43 for 10 days and $53 for the season. Perch limits are 20 daily; possession limit of 40. Walleyes and pike are 10 and 20. Another species that bites in winter is white bass with limits of 20 and 40. Clients have the best of both worlds – walleyes and perch every day. Perch follow business hours, 9 am to 4 pm. Dawn and dusk are spent chasing walleyes.
The parks, tourism, city and county maintain winter accesses so fishermen can drive onto the lake. This group also operates a free public heated fish-cleaning station by Ed’s Bait Shop on Highway 20. The Sleep Inn, Fireside Inn, Cobblestone and SunLac Inn also provide heated fish-cleaning facilities. Once cleaned, they provide freezer space as well.
Go to devilslakend.com to locate lodging or guides. Plus find the up-to-date fishing reports, guide service listings, ice and travel conditions, lodging, casino, community activities and much more.