Catfish Fishing Regulations in North Dakota: Seasons, Limits, and Where to Fish
July 11, 2026
North Dakota offers some of the best catfish fishing in the upper Midwest, yet many anglers overlook it in favor of chasing walleye or northern pike. From the trophy-sized channel cats lurking in the Red River to the consistent action on Lake Oahe, the state rewards anglers who know the rules and show up prepared.
Before you rig up a slip-sinker and drop your line, you need to understand the catfish fishing regulations in North Dakota. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department sets the rules on seasons, bag limits, size restrictions, legal gear, and licensing — and the 2026-28 proclamation, effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028, includes several updates worth knowing before your next trip.
This guide walks you through every regulation that applies to catfish anglers in North Dakota, plus the best spots to put those rules to work. If you want to compare how neighboring states handle things, check out the catfish fishing regulations in Minnesota for a side-by-side perspective on the Red River border waters.
Catfish Species Found in North Dakota
North Dakota waters are home to channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), the dominant and most targeted catfish species in the state. Channel catfish are a riverine fish native to the Missouri and Red rivers in North Dakota. They are also common in some larger tributaries such as the Sheyenne River and Heart River, and have been stocked in many smaller lakes, especially community fisheries throughout the state.
Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are present in the Red River corridor, though far less common than channel cats. The Red River also holds populations of bullhead catfish — black, brown, and yellow varieties — which are technically members of the catfish family and provide accessible fishing for anglers of all skill levels.
The many lakes, rivers, streams, dams, and ponds of North Dakota are home to fish families of pike, perch, sunfish, catfish, bass, trout, sturgeon, and paddlefish. Under the current proclamation, channel catfish are classified as a game fish with specific limits east of ND Highway 1, and as a nongame fish west of that line — a distinction that directly affects how many you can keep.
Pro Tip: North Dakota’s Game and Fish Department lists channel catfish as part of its Classic Challenge — a program that rewards anglers for targeting northern pike, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. It’s a great way to diversify your time on the water.
Catfish Season Dates in North Dakota
Most waterways in North Dakota do not have a closed season. In the great majority of places, you can fish all year round. That open-season policy applies to channel catfish across most of the state, meaning you can target them from January through December whether you’re fishing open water in summer or through the ice in winter.
North Dakota’s 2026-28 fishing proclamation is effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028. The rule establishes the fishing year from April 1st through March 31st and includes designated free fishing days for all North Dakotans in 2026 and 2027. New licenses were required beginning April 1, 2026.
Night fishing is legal on most North Dakota waters, which is a significant advantage for catfish anglers since cats feed most aggressively after dark. Night fishing is legal on most waters; however, OWLS Pond and State Fair Pond are closed from sunset to sunrise. Always double-check the specific body of water you plan to fish for any special closures before heading out after dark.
Pro Tip: The best open-water catfishing on the Red River runs from late spring through early fall. Catfishing on the Red River is productive throughout the open-water season, but the best times to fish are late spring through early fall. As the water temperature rises, catfish become more active and feed aggressively.
Daily Bag Limits for Catfish in North Dakota
North Dakota splits channel catfish bag limits along a geographic dividing line — ND Highway 1 — that runs north to south through the eastern portion of the state. Where you fish determines how many catfish you can keep, so knowing which side of that line you’re on is essential before you start counting your catch.
West of ND Highway 1, a channel catfish limit of 20 fish daily and 40 in possession applies. That’s a generous limit designed to reflect the larger, more abundant catfish populations in the Missouri River system and western reservoirs. East of ND Highway 1, the daily limit is 10 channel catfish with a possession limit of 20.
In the Red and Bois de Sioux rivers, the limit is 5 catfish regardless of the number of state or provincial licenses purchased by the angler. This tighter limit on the Red River reflects the trophy fishery management approach for that corridor, where protecting large fish is a priority.
| Zone | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| West of ND Highway 1 | 20 channel catfish | 40 channel catfish |
| East of ND Highway 1 | 10 channel catfish | 20 channel catfish |
| Red River & Bois de Sioux River | 5 catfish | 5 catfish (border water rule) |
The daily creel limit is defined as the maximum number of legally taken fish (by species) that may be harvested from midnight to midnight. Any fish — whole or filleted — may be given (gifted) to another individual, but the fish must be counted in the donor’s daily limit. Individuals who receive gifted fish may not exceed the possession limit while the fish are being transported.
For a look at how another neighboring state handles catfish limits, see the catfish fishing regulations in Wisconsin or the catfish fishing regulations in Missouri.
Size and Length Limits for Catfish in North Dakota
North Dakota uses a trophy-protection size rule for channel catfish east of ND Highway 1. It is illegal to take or possess more than one channel catfish greater than 24 inches in total length east of ND Highway 1. This means you can keep multiple catfish in your daily limit east of Highway 1, but no more than one of those fish can exceed 24 inches.
There is a daily limit of five with only one over 24 inches in the Red River. That “one over 24” rule is designed to protect the largest, most reproductively valuable fish in what is one of the premier trophy catfish rivers in the country. West of ND Highway 1, there is no minimum size limit for channel catfish under the current proclamation.
To determine the “total length” of a fish, lay it flat on its side with its mouth closed and measure from the nose to the tip of the tail when the tail lobes are pressed together. Use this method any time you’re measuring a catfish to confirm it falls within legal limits before keeping it.
Important Note: It is illegal to remove more than the gills and entrails — head, fillets, and tail must remain attached — from channel catfish east of ND Highway 1 while on the water, actively engaged in fishing, transporting, or until the fish are at the license holder’s residence. This rule makes it easier for wardens to verify that oversized fish have not been kept illegally.
If you fish the Red River as a border water, also review the catfish fishing regulations in Minnesota, since different rules may apply depending on which bank you’re standing on or whether you’re in a boat between the banks.
Legal Methods for Catching Catfish in North Dakota
North Dakota allows several methods for taking catfish, with some gear types restricted to specific waterways. Hook-and-line fishing is legal statewide and is by far the most common approach. Anglers are typically limited to two lines in open water, with some allowances for ice fishing.
Beyond standard rod-and-reel fishing, the state permits specialized commercial-style gear on designated waters. Channel catfish and nongame fish species may be taken with seines and hoop nets in that portion of Lake Oahe and the Missouri River lying between where the electric transmission line crosses the Missouri River north of Beaver Bay to the Leland Olds Power Station/UPA boat ramp; that portion of Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River north and west of the Four Bears Bridge to the Montana border; and the Yellowstone River.
Set lines are permitted in that portion of the Little Missouri River lying west of N.D. Highway 22 Bridge and the Yellowstone River. Seines used for catfish must meet specific size requirements — seines have a maximum length of 100 feet, and stretched mesh size shall not be less than 1½ inches square or more than 3 inches square.
Bow fishing and spearfishing are also legal options for catfish anglers. Bow and spearfishing for nongame fish and channel catfish west of Highway 1 in the Missouri River System is legal April 1 through March 31. The 2026-28 proclamation added a new opportunity: you can now legally harvest channel catfish while darkhouse spearfishing on the Missouri River System, and this change aligns darkhouse rules with existing open-water and bow-fishing regulations.
- Hook-and-line (up to two lines in open water) — legal statewide
- Seines and hoop nets — designated sections of Lake Oahe, Lake Sakakawea, Missouri River, and Yellowstone River only
- Set lines — Little Missouri River (west of ND Hwy 22 Bridge) and Yellowstone River only
- Bow fishing — channel catfish west of ND Highway 1 in the Missouri River System, year-round
- Darkhouse spearfishing — channel catfish now legal on the Missouri River System (new for 2026-28)
On bait, all legal live aquatic bait used by anglers, including legal baitfish, must have been purchased or trapped in North Dakota. No live aquatic bait may be imported into the state by anglers. Many anglers use cut bait such as sucker or goldeye to attract catfish. Other popular bait choices include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and prepared stink baits.
Chumming is not allowed. It is illegal to introduce anything into waters of the state for the purpose of attempting to attract fish, including chumming, artificial light, and acoustic equipment unless it is attached or applied to a lure as defined in the hook-and-line regulations.
Fishing License Requirements for Catfish in North Dakota
You need a valid North Dakota fishing license to target catfish in state waters. A valid license is required for most anglers, and fish generally cannot be taken for sale outside commercial provisions. Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older require licenses.
Several exemptions exist. Non-residents under age 16 are exempt provided they are accompanied by an individual possessing a valid fishing license. North Dakota residents who are on leave from active duty with the United States military are also exempt, as are residents fishing during the scheduled Free Fishing Days (except when fishing for paddlefish).
As of the 2026-28 proclamation period, resident annual fishing licenses are $18 and nonresident annual fishing licenses are $48. You can purchase a license online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov, by phone, or at more than 80 vendor locations across the state. Once the license is processed, anglers have the option to print a hard copy or download the license to a smartphone or mobile device, which is helpful when asked to show proof while fishing in rural areas that lack cellular service.
| License Type | Who It Applies To | Fee (as of April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing | ND residents age 16+ | $18 |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing | Non-ND residents age 16+ | $48 |
| Residents Under 16 | ND residents under age 16 | Free (no license required) |
| Nonresidents Under 16 | Non-residents under 16 with licensed adult | Free (no license required) |
If you fish the Red River along the North Dakota-Minnesota border, note that individuals fishing the Red River or the Bois de Sioux River in a boat or on the ice who possess a valid fishing license from either North Dakota or Minnesota may fish between the banks separating the two states. Individuals fishing from the shoreline must have a valid fishing license from the state in which they are fishing.
For a broader comparison of catfish license requirements across the region, see the catfish fishing regulations in Ohio or the catfish fishing regulations in Indiana.
Best Catfish Fishing Spots in North Dakota
North Dakota has a surprising number of productive catfish waters, from world-class river fisheries to large reservoirs and smaller community lakes. Some of North Dakota’s catfishing hot spots are the Red River, Missouri River, and Lake Oahe, with the Red River being known for trophy-sized channel catfish.
Red River of the North
The Red River of the North, stretching along the border of North Dakota and Minnesota, is a premier destination for anglers looking to reel in giant channel catfish. Known for its muddy waters and abundant fish populations, the river offers some of the best catfishing opportunities in the Midwest. The Red River is home to an impressive population of channel catfish, many of which reach trophy sizes. Anglers often catch fish weighing between 10 and 20 pounds, with some even surpassing the 30-pound mark.
The farther north you fish on the Red River, the better the fishing, with Drayton Dam being a popular spot in North Dakota. Remember that the Red River carries a limit of 5 catfish with only one over 24 inches — the tightest limit in the state — so practice selective harvest to keep this trophy fishery healthy for future seasons.
Lake Oahe
Lake Oahe is possibly North Dakota’s premier channel catfish fishery in terms of numbers. Most of Oahe’s catfish are 2 to 4 pounds, but larger fish are present. Lake Oahe is a massive reservoir that stretches from central South Dakota to North Dakota, covering around 370,000 acres. It was created by the Oahe Dam, which was completed in 1962, and offers excellent catfish fishing opportunities with both channel and flathead catfish present.
Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea is the third largest man-made reservoir in the United States, covering an impressive 307,000 acres. It was created by the Garrison Dam, which was completed in 1956. The lake is a popular destination for catfish anglers, especially those targeting channel catfish. Some of the most popular locations include the Van Hook Arm, Parshall Bay, and the Little Missouri River Arm.
The Garrison Dam Tailrace is a popular spot for catfishing — there aren’t many large catfish caught here, but you can catch them up to 10 pounds and could easily catch over 100 a day from boat or shore. West of ND Highway 1, the 20-fish daily limit applies here, giving you plenty of room for an active day on the water.
Missouri River
Catfish can be found everywhere in the Missouri River. The free-flowing stretch west of Williston and the river corridor between the major reservoirs both hold good numbers of channel cats. The Missouri River and Lake Oahe are excellent for catfish. Use cut bait or stink bait on a slip-sinker rig and focus on deep holes, current seams, and structure near river bends.
Heart Butte Reservoir and Smaller Waters
Heart Butte Reservoir in Grant County holds abundant channel catfish that can exceed 10 pounds. Dickinson Reservoir in Stark County is a large reservoir near Dickinson where channel catfish are at lower abundance but some exceed 20 pounds. For anglers in the western part of the state, these reservoirs offer solid alternatives to the big rivers.
Trenton Lake in Williams County and the Little Muddy River are the best two options besides Lake Sakakawea and the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. Both are connected with the Missouri River, especially during high water events, and can produce good numbers of channel catfish.
Pro Tip: Fishing near deep holes, submerged structures, and river bends often yields the best results, as catfish tend to congregate in these areas. On large reservoirs like Sakakawea and Oahe, target the mouths of tributary arms where current meets still water — catfish stack up in these transition zones, especially during summer nights.
North Dakota’s catfish fishery spans everything from high-volume action on western reservoirs to genuine trophy hunting on the Red River. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a weekend hobbyist, the rules governing North Dakota’s waters are the cornerstone of conservation that stretches back over a century. Following the 2026-28 regulations — knowing your zone, your limit, and your legal gear — keeps those fisheries productive for every angler who comes after you.
For more catfish regulation guides across the country, explore the catfish fishing regulations in Texas, the catfish fishing regulations in Illinois, or the catfish fishing regulations in Georgia. Always verify the latest rules directly with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before your trip, as regulations can change between proclamation periods.