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Are you ready to go fishing in North Dakota?
You’re in luck because the process of obtaining your North Dakota Fishing License is quick and easy.
This guide will provide you with all the info you need to get your license, so you can start enjoying the many lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the state.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Fishing License in North Dakota
| Fishing License ND | |
| Residents | Non-residents |
| 16+ Years Old | 16+ Years old |
To fish in North Dakota, an angler must have a valid fishing license for the appropriate season; licenses are valid for the calendar year from April 1 to March 31.
While residents and nonresidents aged 16 and older are required to purchase a fishing license, North Dakota residents under age 16 may take and possess up to the limit of fish without one.
Fishing license holders must always have their license with them while they are fishing. Digital copies stored on mobile devices can be used as proof of possession.
Married Couple Fishing License
In North Dakota, married couples can purchase a Married Couple Fishing License. This single license covers both spouses and allows them to fish recreationally together in the state’s waters.
The Married Couple Fishing License provides a more affordable option for couples who frequently fish together, compared to purchasing two individual fishing licenses.
Paddlefish Tag
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department Fishing Regulations state that Snagging paddlefish is only permitted between 7 a.m. Central Time and 9 p.m.
The use or possession of a gaff is prohibited on snag-and-release days.
During this period, snag-and-release will be available in the designated area of Missouri River, starting from the Confluence boat ramp on the north shore, going east (downstream) up to the pipeline crossing (river mile 1577), and on the south shore from Confluence with the Yellowstone River then east (downstream) to the pipeline crossing (river mile 1577).
Paddlefish snaggers who still have an unused paddlefish tag can take part in the additional snag-and-release season but are required to release all fish immediately after catching them.
If an angler has already used their tag for harvesting a paddlefish, they won’t be eligible to participate in this additional snag-and-release period.
Senior Licenses
Senior residents (age 65 or older) can purchase an annual resident fishing license for $5
Totally or Permanently Disabled Fishing License
Totally or permanently disabled residents can purchase an annual resident fishing license for $5, proof of disability is required.
What Age Do You Need a Fishing License in North Dakota?
All anglers 16 and older need to have a valid fishing license to fish in the state. However, there are a few exceptions for both residents and non-residents, that may exempt them from needing a license.
Resident
North Dakota residents on leave from their active duty service with the United States military are exempt from having to acquire a fishing license, allowing them to continue enjoying this great recreational activity even while away from home.
Veterans with a 50% or more service-related disability can purchase an annual resident fishing license for $5
Non-resident
The non-resident fishing license North Dakota offers are seasonal.
For example, when it comes to North Dakota combination licenses non-residents are not permitted to hunt on lands owned or leased by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, including state wildlife management areas and Private Lands Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS), during the first week of pheasant season.
This restriction applies to all hunting activities, not just pheasant hunting.
Full-time students from out of state who are attending a college, university or private higher education institute in North Dakota may be eligible to purchase a resident fishing license.
How to Buy a North Dakota Fishing License
North Dakota fishing licenses can be purchased one of two ways, either online or in person from a retail license vendor or at an NDGFD Office.
Online
To purchase a North Dakota fishing license go to nd.gov to select the license that best fits your needs, fill out the application, pay the fee, and you are able to immediately print out your license.
In Person
Fishing licenses can be purchased in person from either a local license vendor (bait and tackle shop, Walmart, etc.) or at a NDGFD Office.
How Much is a Fishing License in North Dakota
North Dakota offers a variety of license options for anglers hoping to fish in the state.
Hunting and fishing combination licenses are available, but keep in mind that not all species can be hunted with just the hunting license from the combination.
For example, if you want to go after deer gun, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, tundra swan, or wild turkey you need their dedicated respective license which is issued by lottery and requires a special application.
| Resident Licenses, Prerequisites and Permits | |
| Prerequisite tag for fishing | |
| License | Price |
| Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate (annual license) | $1 |
| Annual General Game and Habitat License (needed for a combination license) | $20 |
| Combination Fishing and Hunting License | |
| License | Price |
| Combination License (age 16+) This license includes fishing, general game and habitat, small game and furbearer licenses. | $52 |
| Veteran Combined Hunting license- includes general game and habitat, small game, and fur-bearer licenses | $3 |
| Fishing License | |
| License | Price |
| Fishing License- does not include paddlefish tags, which are required for all paddlefish snaggers. | $18 |
| Married Couple Fishing License | $24 |
| Senior Citizen Fishing License (65+) | $5 |
| Totally or Permanently Disabled Fishing License (must have proof of disability) | $5 |
| Veteran with at least 50% service-related disability | $5 |
| Paddlefish Tag | $10 |
| Licenses, Prerequisites and Permits | |
| Prerequisite tag for fishing | |
| License | Non-resident Price |
| Annual Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate | $2 |
| Annual General Game and Habitat License (needed for a combination license) | $20 |
| Fishing License | |
| License | Price |
| Individual Season Fishing | $48 |
| Married Couple Season Fishing | $63 |
| 3 Day Fishing | $28 |
| 10 Day Fishing | $38 |
| Paddlefish Tag | $25.50 |
Free Fishing Day
North Dakota residents can enjoy complimentary fishing, without a license on the first weekend in June (June 3-4, 2023) and the last weekend of December (December 30-31, 2023).
North Dakota Fishing Regulations
North Dakota Game and Fish does have specific regulations when it comes to the gear being used and how many fish can be possessed and caught in one day.
Anglers are allowed a maximum of two poles per person, with a single line attached to each, when fishing in North Dakota.
However, there are exceptions to this rule:
- At the Garrison Dam Tailrace (Missouri River) anglers may only use one pole while fishing from the piers and wing walls
- At the Drayton Dam (Red River), anglers may also only use one pole when shore-fishing between the boat ramp and area designated “closed to fishing”
- While ice fishing, four poles are permitted
| North Dakota Daily and Possession Limits | ||
| Species Type | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
| Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye or Combination | 5 | 10 |
| Northern Pike | 5 | 10 |
| Yellow Perch | 20 | 40 |
| White Bass | 20 | 40 |
| Bluegill | 10 | 20 |
| Crappie | 10 | 20 |
| Trout | 3 | 6 |
| Salmon | 5 | 10 |
| Burbot (Ling) | 10 | 20 |
| Channel Catfish East of ND Hwy. 1 (b) | 5 | 5 |
| Channel Catfish West of ND Hwy. 1 | no limit | no limit |
| Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass or Combination | 5 | 10 |
| Muskellunge (pure or hybrid) | 1 | 1 |
| Nongame Fish (other than legal live baitfish) | no limit | no limit |
| Legal Live Baitfish (c) | 150 | 150 |
| Leeches | 300 | 300 |
| Smelt | 5 gallons | 5 gallons |
| Frogs | 50 | 50 |
| Salamanders | 50 | 50 |
| Crayfish | 50 | 50 |
| Snapping Turtle (d) | One annually | |
| Exceptions to North Dakota Fishing Limits | |
| Body of Water | Exception Description |
| Red and Bois de Sioux rivers up to the first vehicular bridge or crossing on any of their tributaries | Northern Pike – Daily 3, Possession 3 |
| Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye Or Combination – Daily 3, Possession 3 | |
| Kraft Slough | Yellow Perch – Daily 10, Possession 20 |
| Lightning Lake | Trout – Catch-and-release only from April 1 through June 30 |
| McDowell Dam | All Species – Catch-and-release only while ice fishing |
| OWLS Pond | All Species – Catch-and-release only |
| State Fair Pond | All Species – Catch-and-release only from April 1 through July 31 |
Related Articles
- New York Fishing License
- North Carolina Fishing License
- Ohio Fishing License
- Oklahoma Fishing License
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a fishing license in North Dakota?
You do need a fishing license in North Dakota unless you are under the age of 16 or it is a free fishing day.
Where do you get a fishing license in North Dakota?
You get a fishing license in North Dakota either online, or in person for a license vendor, such as an ACE Hardware or Walmart.
How many fishing lines can you use in North Dakota?
How many fishing lines you can use in North Dakota depends on where and when you’re fishing.
Anglers can typically use a maximum of two poles with one line attached to each, however at the Garrison Dam Tailrace (Missouri River) anglers may only use one pole when fishing from the piers and wing walls.
At the Drayton Dam (Red River), anglers may also only use one pole when shore-fishing between the boat ramp and area designated “closed to fishing”.
You can use four poles if you are ice fishing.
What’s the fine in North Dakota for fishing without a license?
The fine in North Dakota for fishing without a license is $1,000 maximum and is considered a class B misdemeanor.
Final Thoughts
It is important to get a valid fishing license before you start your next fishing trip in North Dakota.
Not only do licenses help protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fisheries, they are also the law.
We urge all anglers to take the time to purchase the correct documents and follow all regulations when fishing on North Dakota’s waters.
Once you have your North Dakota fishing license, be sure to download our bass fishing lures cheat sheet, so you always know the best lure to throw no matter where you’re throwing it.