Fly fishing inNorth Dakota
Underrated pike and smallmouth fly fishing on prairie rivers and lakes.
North Dakota waters
6 rivers, lakes and creeks with fly picks and reports.
Devils Lake
Large natural lake in northeast North Dakota known for strong walleye and northern pike fly fishing; holds fish throughout summer and into fall.
Flows, flies & reports→riverJames River (Jamestown–Wahpeton Corridor)
Slow-moving prairie river offering strong smallmouth and walleye action, with long floatable stretches and easy bank access.
Flows, flies & reports→riverKnife River
Smaller Missouri tributary valley with accessible warmwater runs and pockets of smallmouth and walleye — popular for short float and bank trips.
Flows, flies & reports→lakeLake Sakakawea
Huge reservoir on the Missouri River with excellent pike and walleye fly-fishing, especially around river mouths, flats and weedlines.
Flows, flies & reports→riverMissouri River (Bismarck–Mandan Reach)
Large tailwater and mainstem river offering world-class walleye, sauger and warmwater fly fishing through Bismarck–Mandan; productive for streamer work and big-rod walleye tactics.
Flows, flies & reports→riverSheyenne River
A low-gradient prairie river renowned for excellent smallmouth bass fly fishing and accessible float trips through central and southeastern North Dakota.
Flows, flies & reports→