Fishing
At Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge offers one of the best year‑round fishing opportunities in north‑central North Dakota. Anglers can pursue walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass in both Lake Darling and the Souris River. The Refuge provides 14 designated bank‑fishing areas and three areas for boat fishing. Motorboats are permitted on Lake Darling for fishing only.
Our recreational fisheries program is a cooperative effort between the Refuge, the North Dakota Game & Fish Department, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Missouri River Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance Office.
- The Refuge is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- All State and Refuge fishing regulations must be followed.
- Bank fishing is available at 14 designated and clearly signed “Public Fishing Area” sites.
- Boats, canoes, kayaks, and float tubes may be used for fishing in designated areas from May 1 through September 30.
- Ice fishing is permitted once the lake is fully frozen and continues through the end of the State fishing season.
- ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles are allowed on Lake Darling only for ice fishing, between Carter Dam and Lake Darling Dam. Off‑road vehicles must use standard vehicle access points and must comply with State registration and insurance laws.
- Permanent ice shelters must be removed by the State‑mandated removal date.
- Be alert for thin ice, especially near water control structures.
- For safety, all public access to water control structures is prohibited.
- Overnight camping is not allowed.
- Littering is prohibited—please pack out all trash, including fishing line and bait containers.
- Open fires on the ground or on the ice are prohibited.
To learn more about fishing regulations throughout North Dakota, visit the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website.
