Devils Lake and the Fishery

Randy Hiltner District Fisheries Biologist
North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Devils Lake has grown from about 45,000 acres in 1992 to about 115,000 acres in 2000.

High water has provided more habitat and improved spawning conditions by flooding terrestrial vegetation and reducing the salt levels of the water. High lake levels hasalso reduced the probability of winterkill during harsh winters.

The fishing outlook is bright for the foreseeable future. Walleye, northern pike, yellow perch and white bass are the primary gamefish species. All of these species are currently experiencing successful natural reproduction in the improved habitat. Devils Lake does not have a rough fish problem, i.e. lots of white sucker or bullheads so the fish biomass is composed of desirable species. The walleye range up to 12 lbs, but most fish are less than 20 inches long. Northern pike fishing is considered excellent with high numbers of fish between 2 and 10 lbs. Pike can be caught readily from shore early in the season and from a boat throughout the open-water season. Devils Lake has a reputation for growing large yellow perch, the fish grow large because of the abundant scud ("freshwater shrimp") population. Currently, the lake has good numbers of 8"-13" perch with body condition that is well above average. Perch can also be caught during the open-water period but most are caught during the winter. Finally, Devils Lake offers exceptional white bass fishing. Mid-late May is prime time, but white bass schools can be found any time during the open-water period. Most bass run between 2-3 lbs and are superb fighting fish.

If lake levels do not steadily decline in the future, fish populations will continue to thrive.