Dakota Recreation Report: December 26, 2022

Outdoor notes:

 *Ice is never completely safe. Avoid areas with vegetation, moving water, pressure ridges, and springs. Check conditions as you go along on the ice and don’t move around at night.

 *Reminder that it’s illegal to chase, harass, or pursue any wildlife species with motorized vehicle.

 *Dec. 30: Missouri River Canada Goose Zone season closes.

 *Dec. 30: Light goose season closes.

 *Dec. 31 & Jan. 1: Free fishing weekend. N.D. residents can fish for free.

 *Jan. 1: Pheasant, grouse, partridge, turkey, and archery deer seasons close.

Fishing:

 *Devils Lake elevation, Dec. 20: 1,449.26 feet above mean sea level (MSL).

 *Stump Lake elevation: 1,449.3 MSL.

 *Lake Sakakawea elevation: 1,831.3 MSL; 17,000 cubic feet per second average (CFS) Garrison Dam daily releases.

 *N.D. Game & Fish Dept. Dist. game wardens: Little activity throughout area lakes with difficult access across many areas. Be prepared with shovels and winter emergency gear.

 *Devils Lake, Ed’s Bait Shop, Devils Lake: Tracked vehicles needed to get around on Devils Lake but those anglers who can move were finding some walleye and perch success. Try north end of 6-Mile Bay, East Devils Lake, or the towers in 20 to 22 feet. Carry survival gear and a shovel for winter snow preparedness.

 *Devils Lake, Lakeview Lodge, Minnewaukan: Anglers using tracked vehicles can access Devils Lake but watch for slush with water coming up as holes are drilled. Overall tough fishing with snow on the lake.

 *Devils Lake, Woodland Resort, Devils Lake: Storm slowed activity on Devils Lake with no new reports.

 *Foster County area lakes, Dry Dock, Carrington: No activity with difficult access to and on area lakes. Be prepared and bring a shovel and winter survival gear.

 *Jamestown Reservoir, Pioneer Bait & Tackle, Jamestown: Area lakes quiet.

 *Jamestown Reservoir, Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Weather and poor access across most area lakes continue limiting activity.

 *Lake Ashtabula, The Hungry Pelican at the Crossing, Luverne: Weather continues limiting activity.

 *Lake Ashtabula, Bayshore, Valley City: No activity with cold and snow creating difficult access issues.

 *Lake Sakakawea, Cenex Bait & Tackle, Garrison: Little to no activity on Lake Audubon and the east end of Lake Sakakawea with difficult to no access on both lakes depending on wind. Some anglers took their houses off to avoid having them stuck.

 *Lakes Audubon & Sakakawea, Hwy. 83 Lawn & Leisure, Garrison: Access could change rapidly with recent snow on Lake Audubon, including the main access points at the east cabin site and East Totten. Be prepared with likelihood of getting stuck. No reports from Lake Sakakawea.

 *Lake Sakakawea/Lake Audubon/Missouri River, Scott’s Bait and Tackle, Pick City: Missouri River tailrace remains quiet.

Numbers to know:

 *N.D. Game and Fish Department, Devils Lake office: (701) 662-3617.

 *Report All Poachers: (701) 328-9921.