Devils Lake

Devils Lake is North Dakota’s largest natural lake and provides excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and abilities throughout the year. Perch fishing is very popular in winter, with fish being caught close to 2- pounds. Devils Lake is known as a quality walleye fishery. Fish larger than 10- pounds can be found. Northern pike are abundant and provide exciting battles. Anglers have caught 20- plus pound northern pike and 4-pound fish are common. White bass can be found in excess of 3- pounds. Increased water levels have been problematic for local communities and property owners. The lake has almost quadrupled in size since the early 1990’s. Shoreline areas that become flooded provide ample cover for fish but property and accesses can be damaged. The US Army Corps of Engineers has built levee systems along lowland portions of the lake to prevent flood damage to communities and private property. To further help reduce flooding, two man-made outlets have been constructed to remove water from the lake into Stump Lake. Windy conditions can create dangerous waves and small boats should use caution when operating on this big body of water. Early and late winter can create dangerous ice conditions on the lake. Use caution when attempting to fish during these periods. Windy conditions can create dangerous waves and small boats should use caution when operating on this big body of water. Early and late winter can create dangerous ice conditions on the lake. Use caution when attempting to fish during these periods.

Freshwater shrimp are excellent forage for perch, white bass, northern pike and walleye. Young-of-the-year of all species also provide a forage base for northern pike, walleye, perch and white bass.

Walleye and northern pike make spawning runs to feeder creeks and areas that have running water in mid to late-April. Channel A and Mauvais Coulee hold spawning walleye and northern pike. White bass concentrate at the north end of Six Mile Bay and along roadways with riprap to spawn.