Major species produced at the Valley City NFH are:
Northern Pike - The "northern" is the state fish of North Dakota, and
the best known native game
fish in the state. It is found in abundance throughout northern prairie lakes
and streams. Well adapted to shallow summer waters and the
low oxygen conditions of winter, the northern pike is an aggressive
predator. It is often stocked in lakes and reservoirs where it controls
over-abundant smaller fish. Northern pike generally weigh 5 to 10 pounds,
with occasional fish weighing more than 20 pounds.
Walleye - Walleye are renowned for their fighting ability and table
quality. "Pike Perch" are native to North Dakota, but have been
introduced in many waters to increase their
numbers. They are stocked
as 2-inch fingerlings and often reach 10 pounds. The large
size of the eye and its cloudy white appearance give the walleye its name.
The eye is an adaptation that allows the fish to see its food in the low light
conditions of early morning and late evening.
Tiger Muskies - The tiger muskie is a cross between a female muskie and a male northern pike. Hybrid vigor in this cross is said to result in a fish of better sporting quality than the northern pike, but the fish is able to live where the muskellunge cannot. The males are always sterile, but female hybrids are often fertile. The North Dakota State record tiger muskie is 40 pounds.
Yellow Perch - Yellow perch are a popular fish among anglers
in the midwest. Yellow perch eggs have a unique gelantinous mass that
coats and protects the eggs. Eggs are laid over submerged vegetation or
brush. Adult perch can weight over 2 pounds, and eat small fishes, aquatic
insects, snails, and small crayfish.
Smallmouth Bass - Smallmouth bass prefer
clear, clean water and are seldom found in murky water. These fish live in many different
environments, such as natural lakes, impoundments, along with rivers and streams
that have moderate current. Smallmouth bass feed on almost anything, but
prefer crayfish and smaller fish.
Largemouth Bass - Largemouth bass do well in natural lakes and reservoirs with aquatic vegetation and timber that is flooded. The male serves as nursemaid to the fry and eggs, creating the nest and guarding the eggs and fry after spawning. Largemouth bass eat whatever is available.
Bluegill - The bluegill is a species that
often overpopulates in water bodies where predator densities
are low. Bluegill are found in every state in the continental United
States, and prefer sluggish or standing water. Some bluegill may spawn
more than once a year, with the male building the nest and guarding the nest,
eggs, and fry.
Pallid Sturgeon - The endangered
pallid sturgeon is an ancient
fish that can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 85 pounds. They live
up to 50 years. Dam construction and overfishing are major causes of the
pallid sturgeon's decline in the past 50 years. The construction of dams
and dredging has caused river habitat to change, preventing the fish from
reproducing. Pallid sturgeon require muddy water that is fast flowing
over gravel or sand to successfully reproduce.
