Fishing Devils Lake

Popular Fish Species
Devils Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
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Devils Lake, ND

Popular Fish Species Devils Lake, ND

White Bass Fishing

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has done a great job in managing the white bass fishery at Devils Lake. After several very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Devils Lake and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. The lake produced the current state record white bass which is well over 4 pounds. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons. Once the ice is safe in winter, try ice fishing for these schooling fish.

Walleye Fishing

A healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Devils Lake this year. Summer and Fall tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. For those willing to brave the cold weather, there is the option for catching them while ice fishing in winter. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Devils Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the cool waters of Devils Lake, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can be a big help.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for white crappie, walleye, white bass, yellow perch, northern pike and muskie at Devils Lake in North Dakota.

Walleye and yellow perch are the dominant draws at Devils Lake in the northeast part of the state. This is a 122,000-acre lake with well over 300 miles of shoreline, plenty of creek channels and structure throughout the lake.

Devils Lake Fishing Video

Devils Lake is a renowned fishing destination located in the northeastern part of North Dakota. Known as the "Perch Capital of the World," this expansive lake offers exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. Devils Lake is famous for its abundance of walleye, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike, and white bass.

Walleye fishing is the main attraction on Devils Lake. The lake is known for producing trophy-sized walleye, making it a dream destination for anglers seeking a memorable fishing experience. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques, such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, jigging with minnows or plastics, or casting with live bait. The lake's structure, including submerged points, drop-offs, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitats for walleye.

Yellow perch are another popular species in Devils Lake. Anglers flock to the lake to catch these tasty panfish. Perch can be found in shallow areas near weed beds, docks, or submerged structures. Anglers often use small jigs tipped with live bait or small minnows to entice these schooling fish.

Devils Lake is also home to muskie, known as the "Fish of 10,000 Casts." These apex predators offer a thrilling challenge for anglers. The lake's weedy bays and rocky shorelines provide ideal habitats for muskie. Anglers often use large jerkbaits, bucktail jigs, or topwater lures to target these powerful fish.

Northern pike are abundant in Devils Lake and provide exciting angling opportunities. These aggressive predators can be targeted using similar techniques as muskie fishing. Anglers often encounter northern pike while fishing for other species, as they are known to roam the lake's waters in search of prey.

White bass can also be found in Devils Lake and provide fast-paced action for anglers. These schooling fish can be targeted using various techniques such as casting with small jigs, spoons, or spinners. Anglers often find success near points, drop-offs, or areas with current.

Devils Lake in North Dakota is a premier fishing destination known for its abundance of walleye, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike, and white bass. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences while surrounded by the lake's scenic beauty. With its excellent boating and camping facilities, Devils Lake offers a complete outdoor experience for anglers and nature lovers alike.

The lake maintains healthy populations of crappie, walleye, white bass, perch, muskie and pike, and can be fished year round. Much of the shoreline is accessible for fishing from the bank, but on this big lake a boat is the ideal plan. Numerous boat launch ramps are located around the lake, there are marinas, camping, dining and shops easily accessible as well. Local fishing guides and charters offer a variety of guided fishing trip options. Rental boats are also available including pontoons, pleasure and fishing boats. Camping and lodging is available virtually all around the lake. This is a fantastic destination for a fishing trip or an extended vacation.

Primary fish species residing in Devils Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Devils Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Devils Lake offers excellent boating and camping facilities, making it a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers can explore the lake's vast expanse and search for their favorite fishing spots. The camping options allow visitors to extend their stay and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Eastbay Campground
Rentals: Fishing boats and kayaks
701 398-5184

Woodland Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
701 662-5996

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Blacktiger Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off 85th Avenue NE, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Devils Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Walleye Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Eastbay Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off County Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Estenson Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off State Route 20, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Grizzly's Corner Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Prariewood Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Spirit Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, at the south end of the State Route 57 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Schwab Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off 74th Avenue NE, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.