Fishing
The vast prairies of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands are open to public recreational fishing, subject to state rules and regulations. Please refer to each specific state's regulating agency below.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Rainbow trout is one of the many species anglers can expect to catch.
(Licensed photo by goodluz/Adobe Stock photos.)Grand River National Grassland
Located in northwestern South Dakota, the Grand River National Grassland features the Blacktail Picnic Area and the Blacktail Trailhead, which offers a rainbow trout fishing area. Fishing dam locations in the area are listed in the South Dakota National Grassland Fishing Booklet.
Little Missouri National Grassland
The Little Missouri offers some of the most scenic fishing locations including:
- Sather Lake: The Sather Lake Campground and Recreation Area offers excellent fishing for crappie, trout, and bass. The lake is open year-round, including for ice fishing in designated areas. It features a fishing pier and a boat launch.
- Little Missouri River: This river flows through the grasslands, supporting native species such as channel catfish and sauger. While the quality of sport fishing can be unpredictable due to cloudy, silty water, it is an option for experienced anglers.
Mirror Pool - Wildlife Management Area (WMA), managed by North Dakota Game and Fish (NDGF), provides water trail access site within the Sheyenne National Grassland boundary and is a destination for fishing and exploring the unique sandy landscape shaped by an ancient river delta. Please follow all NDGF regulations for use within the Mirror Pool WMA.
Contact the local Ranger District Office for more information.
River and Stream Fishing
Walleye is one species of fish one might expect to hook on the Sheyenne River.
(Licensed photo by Daniel Thornberg/Adobe Stock photos.)While there are no designated fishing areas directly on the Sheyenne National Grassland (SNG), several locations offer access to rivers and ponds. In the Sheyenne River that flows through the SNG, fisherman can catch game fish such as northern pike, walleye, channel catfish, and yellow perch.
The Sheyenne River has four semi-primitive water trail access sites, which are accessible by motor vehicle, and two locations (Brome Field and East River) have picnic tables and bike racks. Water access is limited to hand-launch only within the Sheyenne National Grassland Boundary. Small motors are allowed on the river. Please see the Sheyenne River Water Trail Brochure and Map for specific details.
Contact the local Ranger District Office for more information.
Ice Fishing
A trio of ice fishing shacks at dawn.
(USDA Forest Service photo by Scott C. Marvin. )Many summer fishing locations can also be used as ice fishing locations in the winter.
Little Missouri National Grassland
The Sather Lake Campground & Recreation Area has a lake open for ice fishing in designated areas.
Grand River National Grassland
The Blacktail Picnic Area and Blacktail Trailhead feature a rainbow trout fishing area.
Nearby fishing dam locations are listed in the South Dakota National Grassland Fishing Booklet.
Contact the local Ranger District Office for more information.
Visitor Maps and Guides
Our Visitor Maps and Guides page provides information about area maps, guides, resources, and publications to help you plan your travel and recreational routes. MVUM and Prairie Dog colony maps are also available.
North Dakota Game and Fish
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) serves as the primary regulator for the state's fish and wildlife. The agency's regulatory role centers on managing, conserving, and enforcing laws related to these natural resources.
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks
The South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) manages natural resources, conducts research, enhances public lands, provides access, enforces regulations, and educates the public on conservation and responsible outdoor use.