Ice Fishing around Bismarck

[Andymorg]

I am new to the Bismarck ice fishing community and I am curious to see if there is any sort of good lakes for panfish or walleye close to the area. I wanted to try to get out sometime this week in the evening after class. I am headed out to Audubon on Saturday with some family but I’ve got the itch and I’m dying to get out before that! I appreciate any help I can get! I would love some tips or maybe if someone is going out this week I would love to meet and fish near you and gets some tips on how to fish the area!

 

[Vollmer]

Bismarck area is a little out of my wheelhouse, but best of luck!

 

[JB_24]

We in Bismarck are spoiled with open water opportunities because after work in the spring/summer we can be fishing the river within 10 minutes from leaving our house. Ice fishing however it seems like you have to drive 70-100 miles to get into anything decent.

 

[Bfishn]

There is sweetbriar, crown butte, Harmon lake. I haven’t fished any of these in forever so can’t really give any tips. As others have said a guy almost needs to drive about 60 miles before you start hitting good water. There is endless opportunities if you drive 60-100 miles.

 

[DirtyMike]

I have caught a walleye in marina bay while ice fishing. true story.

 

[Mizzou21]

New Johns NE of Wilton is worth a look. I would not waste time there all day, but from 4-6 pm there is always a chance at some eyes. Have to weed through some smaller 11-13 inch fish, but usually get a few from 14-18 for the fryer. I fished north side Friday, 8-15 feet, had 5 bites with 4 fish on the ice. 2 keepers. Fished Sunday night on south side with dad and a buddy, 14-18 feet. We caught 15-16 fish, but only 4 keepers 14-17 3/4. The 11-13’s were hungry I guess. Still fun couple of hours. Good luck!

 

[zoops]

Beaver Bay on lake oahe is probably the most popular spot within a hour. I think you've said you're at Mary so that's an easy one to slip off to from that end of town. Never has been very good to me; but alas. Audubon obviously also popular.

Otherwise, study the stocking reports in Kidder/Logan counties and give er a shot. Seems like many of those lakes are good one year, not the next. Or find some friends with loose lips .

 

[Onidil]

I will be heading up to North Dakota at the end of January and would like to ice fish.

 

[dukgnfsn]

don't know where you will be in ND but the new information the G&F has on there site on lakes in ND is quite informative is you are will to take the time and study it.
https://gfapps.nd.gov/reports/fisheries/webpagefishingwatersbycounty.pdf
it takes a little time to look around but seems like a lot of good information if you trust the G&F which a lot on here seem to not trust them. Just another tool to help in some decisions.