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Fishing

Here’s your invitation to extraordinary year-round fishing in Williams County. Located near the Missouri-Yellowstone confluence and the vast waters of Lake Sakakawea, the Williston area is a hub where friendly people gather — and so do walleye, perch, pike, and giant prehistoric paddlefish. Whether you're casting from the shore in summer or ice fishing in winter, this region offers a variety of scenic fishing spots. Plan your Williston area fishing adventure today! 

Open Water Fishing

Williams County boasts several top-notch fishing destinations, from expansive lakes to peaceful local parks:

Lake Sakakawea: One of the largest man-made reservoirs in the U.S., offering over 1,500 miles of shoreline and incredible fishing for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and more. Top access points include:

  • Lewis and Clark State Park: Located about 20 miles east of Williston, this scenic park offers a marina with slip rentals, a boat dock, campground, rental gear, and hiking trails.

  • Lund’s Landing Marina & Lodge: Situated on the north shore of Lake Sakakawea, Lund’s Landing is a full-service marina featuring lodging, boat rentals, fishing supplies, and a restaurant famous for its homemade Juneberry pie. It’s a favorite spot for launching a walleye fishing trip or enjoying a relaxing day on the lake.

Blacktail Dam: Located approximately 25 miles north of Williston, Blacktail is popular for walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. The site also includes camping, boating, and even a 9-hole golf course.

Epping/Springbrook Dam: About 16 miles northeast of Williston, this peaceful dam is home to walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and plenty of black bullheads and white suckers—especially near the fishing pier.

Kota Ray Dam: Roughly 30 miles east of Williston, this tranquil spot offers camping, boating, and fishing for largemouth bass, yellow perch, walleye, bluegill, and smallmouth bass. It’s also stocked annually with rainbow trout.

McGregor Dam: Located around 15 miles north of Tioga, McGregor Dam offers camping, boating, and excellent fishing. The dam is stocked yearly with rainbow trout and has also seen recent stockings of bluegill, crappie, and walleye.

Paddlefish Snagging

Williams County is one of the few places where anglers can experience the thrill of paddlefish snagging. The season runs May 1 to May 21, or until the harvest quota is met. Snagging is allowed daily from 7 AM - 7PM, with designated snag-and-release days (Sunday, Monday, Thursday) and harvest days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday).

Want to know what to expect and how to prepare? Check out our blog post, "Snag the Experience," for insider tips and local insights.

Don't miss your chance to reel in one of North America's most unique and prehistoric fish!

Ice Fishing

Winter transforms Williams County into an ice angler's paradise. Favorite spots for ice fishing include Lake Sakakawea, Blacktail Dam, and county parks.

Need gear? Icehouse and snowmobile rentals are available right in Williston at Arnie's Rentals— perfect for loading up and heading out onto the ice with everything you need.

Remember, a valid North Dakota fishing license is required for ice fishing. Always check current ice conditions before venturing out, as neither the county nor the North Dakota Game and Fish Department monitors ice thickness.

Fishing Access and Regulations

Fishing Licenses: Required for residents and nonresidents aged 16 and older. Licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.

Free Fishing Days: North Dakota residents can fish without a license on select weekends. Upcoming free fishing dates:

  • June 7-8, 2025
  • December 27-28, 2025

Regulations: For detailed information on fishing regulations, species identification and limits, season dates, and more, visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Woman on a Jet Ski
Arnie's Rentals
413 2nd St W
Overhead view of Blacktail Dam Campground
Blacktail Dam Campground
6980 141st Ave NW
image of the campground
Confluence Campground
23 Miles West of Williston
Overhead view of Epping/Springbrook Dam
Epping/Springbrook Dam Campground
12645 58th St NW - 15 miles Northeast of Williston
Fort Burford campground
Fort Buford Campground
23 miles west of Williston (off Hwy 1804)
Kota Ray Dam Campground image
Kota Ray Dam Campground
31 miles east of Williston off County Road 17
Overhead view of the campground
The Links of ND RV Park & Cabins
24 miles east of Williston off Hwy 1804
Image of the Park
Little Beaver Bay
5086 102B Trail NW
Campground Overlooking the water
Little Egypt
5150 109th Ave NW
McGregor Campground - along the water
McGregor Dam Campground
8090 ND Highway 50
Scenic Sports Logo
Scenic Sports
1201 E Broadway
Tioga Ace Hardware image
Tioga Ace Hardware
119 N Main St
walmart logo
Walmart Supercenter
4001 2nd Ave W