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North Dakota Fishing reports
http://www.fishingbuddy.com/fishing
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The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual spring breeding duck survey showed an index of more than 4.5 million birds, an increase of 12 percent from last year and 107 percent above the long-term average (1948-2009). The 2010 index is the third highest on record.
All species, except for wigeon (-9 percent), showed an increase from last year. Pintails were up 10 percent and were at the highest level since 1970. Mallards were up 12 percent and were the fourth highest on record. The most significant increases were ruddy ducks (+162 percent), green-winged teal (+91 percent), scaup (+54 percent), and redhead (+33 percent).
In addition, all species were above the long-term average.
The spring water index was up 5 percent from 2009 and 76 percent above the long-term average. It was the fifth highest in survey history and the highest since 1999.
Mike Johnson, game management section leader, cautions that the water index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands. “Water conditions were generally good throughout the state, with the abundant snow cover and significant spring rains filling most basins,” he added. “The large number of ducks tallied during our survey is consistent with the well-above-average populations we have been carrying since 1994. These high numbers are the result of abundant Conservation Reserve Program nesting cover combined with the wet conditions that have been in place since the summer of 1993.”
Additionally, reports indicate that much of the Prairie Pothole Region in South Dakota and Montana was in good shape this spring. While much of prairie Saskatchewan and Manitoba were dry at the time of spring migration and settling, Johnson said Saskatchewan has since experienced significant improvement in water conditions that should benefit renesting and brood survival for those birds that did settle.
However, nesting cover in North Dakota continues to decline. Since the beginning of 2007, North Dakota has lost more than 700,000 CRP acres, and projections for the next two years indicate up to another 1.7 million acres could be converted to cropland.
“This loss of our critical nesting cover will be disastrous for breeding ducks and hunting opportunities in North Dakota,” Johnson said.
The July brood survey will provide a better idea of duck production and insight into what to expect this fall. Observations to date indicate that production will be improved across the state due to improved water conditions and increased wetland availability for brood production.
Fall Turkey Season Set, Online Apps Available
North Dakota’s fall turkey season is set with 5,755 licenses available to hunters, according to Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor for the state Game and Fish Department.
This year’s figure is down 15 percent from last year. However, an additional 1,300 licenses may be used early this fall in specific hunting units if turkey reproduction is exceptionally good this spring.
Harvest and population data from hunting units in the southwest and along portions of the Missouri River indicate turkey numbers have decreased due to poor production and chick recruitment in 2008 and 2009.
“The decrease in the number of licenses this fall is consistent with our management strategy of reducing licenses when the population has fallen below normal levels within a unit,” Kohn said.
Above-average snowfall the last two winters and normal rainfall this spring has greatly improved habitat conditions in much of the state, Kohn said. “Turkeys will benefit from this improved nesting and brooding habitat,” he added. “It should result in better production and increased brood survival in many parts of the state this summer, provided conditions during this time are not too wet and cold.”
An experimental hunting season will continue for the USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Lab in Mandan. A maximum of 30 licenses will be available. These licenses will be available at the Game and Fish Department once a person first obtains a permit from USDA-ARS.
An experimental turkey bow hunting season will continue within the city of Bismarck to help control a growing population of birds in residential areas. A maximum of 25 licenses will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals who are licensed to bow hunt deer within the city. These licenses will be available at the Game and Fish Department in Bismarck once a person has a valid city archery permit.
Hunting units 21 (Hettinger and Adams counties) and 53 (Divide and Williams counties) will remain closed to fall turkey hunting in 2010 because of low turkey numbers.
The fall wild turkey season extends from Oct. 9 through Jan. 9, 2011.
Prospective hunters, including gratis applicants, can apply online, or print out an application to mail, beginning June 9 at the state Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. Paper applications will be available in mid-June from Game and Fish Department offices, county auditors and license vendors.
Applications are also accepted at the department’s toll-free licensing line, (800) 406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.
Applications for the fall season must be postmarked no later than June 30. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply in the first lottery. Nonresidents can apply for fall turkey licenses that are still available following the first lottery.
Mark Bry's Devils Lake fishing report updated
6/23/10
Persistence is the key. It seems like patterns can change from day-to-day, but if you’re willing to work at it you can usually catch your fish. Walleyes are being caught in depths of 2 – 14 feet of water. Some days they seem shallow and some days they seem to be a bit deeper, but these have been the most common depths for me. Take advantage of wind-swept shorelines and work the drop-offs between 4 and 8 feet of water. Slip-bobbering and live-bait rigging have all caught fish, depending on which you prefer to do. The best cranks have been #5 Shad Raps and the best colors have been hot steel, perch, fire tiger and bleak. White Bass are everywhere and they will hit anything you throw at them. Northern Pike have been a bit spotty but can be caught along the shallows with walleyes and bass. Good Luck Fishing!
701-739-0161
Creel Survey Being Conducted on Red River
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has contracted with a private consulting firm to conduct a creel survey on the Red River. A similar creel was last conducted in 2001 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Clerks will conduct angler interviews at various sites throughout spring, summer and fall. Anglers are asked to cooperate and answer questions thoroughly, as interviews take only a few minutes. Information obtained is extremely important and kept confidential.
Creel survey information is useful in assessing angler demographics, harvest and catch rates, catch-and-release information, and angling effort.
The information collected during this survey will be used to help manage recreational fishing opportunities on the Red River.
First Fish Certificate Captures Moment
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is reminding parents to capture their little angler’s first catch on a specially designed First Fish certificate.
First Fish has no qualifying weights or measurements. The only requirement is the successful landing of a North Dakota fish. Certificates are available to all who request them, and have ample room for all the important information, such as name, age, lake and a short fish story, plus a blank space for a photograph big enough to contain the smile of the happiest little angler.
Free certificates are available by contacting the Game and Fish Department at (701) 328-6300, or send an e-mail to ndgf@nd.gov.
2010-12 Fishing Regulations Set, New License Required
North Dakota’s 2010-12 fishing proclamation has been set, with regulations effective April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2012. In addition, anglers are reminded that new fishing licenses are required April 1.
Notable regulation changes include:
· Added Harmon Lake and Crown Butte Dam, both in Morton County, to the list of “no live baitfish” lakes.
· State Fair Pond, Ward County, is closed to all fishing from November 1 through March 31.
· Added all waters open to public fishing in Ramsey County; Carlson Lakes, Ward County; Gravel Lake, Rolette County; and West Napoleon Lake, Logan County; to the list of open waters for darkhouse spearfishing. Closed Patterson Reservoir (Dickinson Reservoir, Stark County) to darkhouse spearfishing.
· Lake Metigoshe, Bottineau County, daily and possession limit for bluegill was reduced to 10 and 20 respectively.
· Eliminated the 14-inch minimum walleye size limit on Spiritwood Lake, Stutsman County, and Lake Ashtabula, Barnes County.
Anglers are also reminded of regulations intended to reduce the risk of aquatic nuisance species transfer between water bodies. Current law states that no aquatic vegetation, or parts thereof, shall be in or on watercraft, motors, trailers and recreational equipment when out of water. Time out of the water needed to remove aquatic vegetation at the immediate water access area (boat ramp) is allowed. All built-in structures to boats, including livewells and bait compartments, and containers (bait buckets) used to transport legal live bait, must also be free of aquatic vegetation.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Other useful fishing information, including North Dakota’s fishing waters, Missouri River System access points, and stocking records, is also available on the department’s website and in the March-April issue of the North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine.
The 2010-12 North Dakota Fishing Guide is available at Game and Fish Department offices and license vendors throughout the state.
Plan your 2010 openers
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Spring Crow
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March 13
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Spring Turkey
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April 10
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Fall Crow
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August 21
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Dove
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September 1
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Deer and Pronghorn Bow, Mountain Lion
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September 3
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Sharptail, Hun, Ruffed Grouse, Squirrel
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September 11
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Youth Deer
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September 17
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Youth Waterfowl, Sandhill Crane
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September 18
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Early Resident Waterfowl
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September 25
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Pronghorn Gun
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October 1
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Youth Pheasant, Regular Waterfowl
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October 2
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Pheasant, Fall Turkey
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October 9
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Deer Gun
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November 5
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Deer Muzzleloader
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November 26
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North Dakota Report All Poachers Hot line 1-800-472-2121
shoot Doug an email if you have a question about hunting, fishing, trapping! outdoors@rock102online.com
