BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – To encourage greater participation in ice fishing, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is again running the Take Someone New Ice Fishing Challenge from Dec. 16 through Mar. 31, 2025.

Invite somebody new along who has never been ice fishing and log your story here for a chance to a win a fish house donated by Runnings. One random winner will be chosen. All other winter fishing regulations apply.

Darkhouse Spearfishing Registration

Individuals required to possess a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) to darkhouse spearfish must first register online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov

Darkhouse spearing is allowed for all anglers with a valid fishing license and for youth under age 16.

Northern pike and non-game fish are the only legal species statewide, while walleye can be speared at Stump Lake and the Devils Lake complex south of U.S. Highway 2 and the Missouri River System (including lakes Oahe and Sakakawea and the Missouri River) up to the first tributary bridge.

Spearers and anglers are reminded that materials used to mark holes must be in possession as soon as a hole greater than 10 inches in diameter is made in the ice.

All waters open to hook and line fishing are open to dark house spearing except:

East Park Lake, West Park Lake, Lake Audubon – McLean County
Heckers Lake – Sheridan County
Lake Ashtabula – Barnes and Griggs counties
Larimore Dam – Grand Forks County
McClusky Canal
New Johns Lake – Burleigh County
Red Willow Lake – Griggs County
Whitman Dam – Nelson County
Wood Lake – Benson County

Anglers and spearers should refer to the 2024-26 North Dakota Fishing Guide for more information.

Fish House Regulations

Any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made of materials that allow it to float. In addition, fish houses do not require a license.

Other fish house regulations include:

Occupied structures do not require identification. However, any unoccupied fish house must have an equipment registration number issued by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, or the owner’s name, and either an address or telephone number, displayed on its outside in readily distinguishable characters at least 3 inches high. Fish houses may not be placed closer than 50 feet in any direction to another house without consent of the occupant of the other fish house. Unoccupied fish houses must be removed from all waters after midnight, March 15.