05-13-2004, 12:52 AM
[size 4]Good Fish Populations Should Entice Summer Anglers
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Even though North Dakota anglers might have to overcome a few challenges this summer, they can still expect better-than-average open water fishing in 2004, according to Terry Steinwand, fisheries chief for the State Game and Fish Department.
"There are concerns with lower water levels and boating access issues in some areas of the state, and we're diligently working to resolve those challenges and should be able to do so, at least in the short term," Steinwand said. "But there are still good fish populations across the state, even with the lower water levels."
Most of the low water attention is centering on the Missouri River System and Lake Sakakawea, Steinwand said. "It is no secret that this is a big issue," he said, "Even though a good fish bite is anticipated, most of the focus has been on access. We are optimistic about walleye, smallmouth bass and pike fishing opportunities."
As of May 6, 13 recreation areas had usable sites at Lake Sakakawea. "We are working on seven other sites at this time to have them usable this spring," Steinwand said. About two-thirds of the ramps on Lake Oahe and the Missouri River are currently usable, with a few of those listed as marginal. "There are going to be some areas where it's virtually impossible to place a ramp," he added, "but we're doing everything possible to get the most access areas possible."
Devils Lake will likely be a main destination for anglers, Steinwand noted, as a healthy population of game species can be found in the lake. "Once again Devils Lake will provide great pike fishing prospects, and walleye, perch and white bass populations continue to be strong," he said. "The walleye fishery of Devils Lake continues to thrive under good water conditions."
And don't forget about the smaller and mid-sized reservoirs, Steinwand said. "Many smaller, less popular lakes offer some of the best fishing," he added. "The winter took a slight toll on some of the smaller fisheries, but overall the fishery continues to look good."
Despite all the talk of low water levels and boating access issue, anglers shouldn't have to venture too far to find a good fishery this summer. "Hopefully the windy conditions subside and people can get out and enjoy what North Dakota outdoors has to offer," Steinwand said.
A complete synopsis of North Dakota's fishing season is available in the department's North Dakota OUTDOORS April/May magazine. The 2004 special fishing issue includes the statewide fishing outlook from regional biologists, 2003 stocking report, North Dakota fishing waters, Missouri River System boating access guide, and other articles pertaining to the state's fishery.
To order a copy of the magazine send $2 to North Dakota OUTDOORS, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095. The magazine is also available on the department website at discovernd.com/gnf.[/url]
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Even though North Dakota anglers might have to overcome a few challenges this summer, they can still expect better-than-average open water fishing in 2004, according to Terry Steinwand, fisheries chief for the State Game and Fish Department.
"There are concerns with lower water levels and boating access issues in some areas of the state, and we're diligently working to resolve those challenges and should be able to do so, at least in the short term," Steinwand said. "But there are still good fish populations across the state, even with the lower water levels."
Most of the low water attention is centering on the Missouri River System and Lake Sakakawea, Steinwand said. "It is no secret that this is a big issue," he said, "Even though a good fish bite is anticipated, most of the focus has been on access. We are optimistic about walleye, smallmouth bass and pike fishing opportunities."
As of May 6, 13 recreation areas had usable sites at Lake Sakakawea. "We are working on seven other sites at this time to have them usable this spring," Steinwand said. About two-thirds of the ramps on Lake Oahe and the Missouri River are currently usable, with a few of those listed as marginal. "There are going to be some areas where it's virtually impossible to place a ramp," he added, "but we're doing everything possible to get the most access areas possible."
Devils Lake will likely be a main destination for anglers, Steinwand noted, as a healthy population of game species can be found in the lake. "Once again Devils Lake will provide great pike fishing prospects, and walleye, perch and white bass populations continue to be strong," he said. "The walleye fishery of Devils Lake continues to thrive under good water conditions."
And don't forget about the smaller and mid-sized reservoirs, Steinwand said. "Many smaller, less popular lakes offer some of the best fishing," he added. "The winter took a slight toll on some of the smaller fisheries, but overall the fishery continues to look good."
Despite all the talk of low water levels and boating access issue, anglers shouldn't have to venture too far to find a good fishery this summer. "Hopefully the windy conditions subside and people can get out and enjoy what North Dakota outdoors has to offer," Steinwand said.
A complete synopsis of North Dakota's fishing season is available in the department's North Dakota OUTDOORS April/May magazine. The 2004 special fishing issue includes the statewide fishing outlook from regional biologists, 2003 stocking report, North Dakota fishing waters, Missouri River System boating access guide, and other articles pertaining to the state's fishery.
To order a copy of the magazine send $2 to North Dakota OUTDOORS, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095. The magazine is also available on the department website at discovernd.com/gnf.[/url]
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