Any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made of materials that allow it to float. In addition, fish houses do not require a license.

Other fish house regulations include:

• Occupied structures do not require identification. However, any unoccupied fish house must have an equipment registration number issued by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, or the owner’s name, and either an address or telephone number, displayed on its outside in readily distinguishable characters at least 3 inches high.
• Fish houses may not be placed closer than 50 feet in any direction to another house without consent of the occupant of the other fish house.
• Beginning March 15, unoccupied fish houses must be off the ice by midnight each day.

REGISTER EQUIPMENT

Free Ice Fishing Weekend

North Dakota’s free ice fishing weekend is Dec. 27-28. Resident anglers may fish those two days without a license. Residents 15 and younger do not need a fishing license at any time of year. All other winter fishing regulations apply.

The weekend provides a great opportunity to try fishing for the first time or take someone new.

ICE FISHING TIPS & INFO

Darkhouse Spearfishing Registration

Individuals required to possess a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) to darkhouse spearfish must first register online.

Darkhouse spearing is allowed for all anglers with a valid fishing license and for youth under age 16.

Northern pike and nongame fish are the only legal species statewide, while walleye can be speared at Stump Lake and the Devils Lake complex south of U.S. Highway 2 and the Missouri River System (including lakes Oahe and Sakakawea and the Missouri River) up to the first tributary bridge.

VIEW ALL DARKHOUSE SPEARFISHING INFO