ND Outdoors: Ice fishing preview

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Ice fishing in North Dakota remains one of the most popular winter activities, especially in years with little snow and good access.

“In some years, it’s 25% of our annual fishing effort is ice fishing. If it’s a tough winter, like a couple years ago, it’s less than 5%. So again, it’s really driven by Mother Nature,” said Greg Power, North Dakota Game and Fish fisheries division chief.

Fish populations continue to be in good shape across the state.

“Our walleye population throughout most of North Dakota is at or near an all-time high. So these prairie lakes, the big waters, we got a lot of walleye out there. Pike and perch, they are probably near the long-term average, not great, but still really good, and in particular, pike, a lot of pike opportunities out there,” said Power.

North Dakota residents 16 and older can fish for free the weekend of Dec. 27 and 28.

“For those that like to ice fish, maybe have never done it, but would like to try it and really don’t want to buy a fishing license right away, there is an opportunity between Christmas and New Year’s. And the only thing with the free fishing is, like anybody else out there, whether you’re licensed or not, you do need to follow the regulations,” said Power.

At the end of the day, make sure you pack out what you packed in.

“If you have bait, pop cans, anything out on the ice, try to clean up as best as you can because that stuff does not go away and can be quite an eyesore come springtime,” said Power.

If the weather holds, anglers can expect a good ice fishing season.

“Ice fishing this upcoming year here should be good to maybe even outstanding, especially if you’re after walleye. Of course, we’re going to need Mother Nature to cooperate, but otherwise the fish populations are, in some cases, at record highs, if not really near record highs,” said Power.

Power said anglers should always follow ice safety tips when venturing out on the ice this season.

For information on ice fishing or regulations, visit the Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov.