Just because North Dakota has no coastline, it doesn’t mean they don’t have fantastic fishing opportunities. You may be surprised to learn that North Dakota is an extremely popular destination for fishing enthusiasts looking to take advantage of excellent Pike, Catfish, Bass, Salmon, and Walleye fishing in the state’s many lakes and rivers. However, before you head out on the water, you’ll need one crucial thing, a fishing license. Here is everything you need to know about fishing licenses in North Dakota.
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From the magnificent Missouri River through to Lake Sakakawea and Oahe, the fishing activity is fast and fun-filled for freshwater enthusiasts.
The premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App, allows you to track weather, tide, and atmospheric conditions to accurately predict the best times to hit the water, significantly increasing your chances of catching fish. It’s packed full of helpful information about local hotspots and secret fishing locations in North Dakota contributed by users.
Types of ND Fishing Licenses
To make angling as accessible as possible, North Dakota offers several types of angling licenses for residents and non-residents.
North Dakota Resident Fishing Licenses
- Annual Fishing;
- Husband & Wife Fishing;
- Senior Citizen (65+);
- Military (Active Duty);
- Paddlefish Tag.
North Dakota Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
- 3-Day Fishing;
- 10-Day Fishing;
- Annual Fishing;
- Husband & Wife Fishing;
- Youth Fishing (16-17);
- Paddlefish Tag.
Cost of North Dakota Fishing Licenses
Regardless of whether you’re a North Dakota resident or not and how long your planned angling trip is in the state of ND, there’s a license type to suit you.
North Dakota Resident Fishing Licenses
- Annual Fishing – $18.00
- Husband & Wife Fishing – $24.00
- Senior Citizen (65+) – $5.00
- Military (Active Duty) – $18.00
- Paddlefish Tag – $10.00
North Dakota Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
- 3-Day Fishing – $28.00
- 10-Day Fishing – $38.00
- Annual Fishing – $48.00
- Husband & Wife Fishing – $63.00
- Youth Fishing (16-17) – $10.00
- Paddlefish Tag – $25.50
Age Requirements for ND Fishing License
Anyone who’s aged 16 or older must possess a valid fishing license if they plan on dropping a fishing line anywhere in the state of North Dakota. This rule is regardless of whether you’re a resident or non-resident.
North Dakota has set in place a rigid set of season, size, and bag limits, along with licensing requirements, to ensure that future generations of anglers get to enjoy the same, if not better, fishing opportunities everyone in North Dakota enjoys today.
While everyone aged 16 and up needs a fishing license to fish in North Dakota, some angling permit exemptions exist. These include:
- Anyone under the age of 16. However, non-resident children must be accompanied by an adult with a valid fishing license.
- Any North Dakota residents on Active Military Duty stationed outside North Dakota and on leave in the state.
- Disabled veterans who are North Dakota residents and have service-connected disabilities of 50% or more.
- Disabled North Dakota residents who meet specific criteria defined by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) can obtain fishing licenses without charge but must apply.
Where to Obtain a ND Fishing License
To make it as easy as possible for anglers, North Dakota offers three ways for anglers to purchase their fishing license. These include:
- Online – You can visit the NDGF Department Website and utilize the online licensing system for all your hunting and fishing needs.
- In–Person – If you prefer to do your shopping in person, you can purchase your ND fishing license from any of the licensed vendors in North Dakota, including any NDGF offices, during business hours.
- Phone – For those who can’t get online or visit an in-person location, you can buy your license over the phone by calling (701) 328-6335.
Conclusion
There you go! Everything you’ll need to know about North Dakota fishing licenses, including the different types, how much they cost, and where to get one, to help you plan your next destination fishing trip to this beautiful state.
Being a responsible angler involves a lot more than just buying a fishing license. It means following season, size, and bag limits, along with returning unwanted fish to the water and leaving fishing areas as clean, if not cleaner, than how you found them. By being responsible anglers, we can all ensure that our fisheries remain healthy for many generations.
If you have any questions about North Dakota fishing licenses or would like to learn more about North Dakota permits, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and if you found it helpful, give it a share. We love to read feedback from our valued users and supporters.
