24/12/2025
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Behind the Badge - Ice Fishing Regulation Reminders by District Game Warden Dale Skalicky
Fall has come to an end and with that comes the long, cold winters we are accustomed to.
Winter brings with it some seasonal activities so many enjoy.
With ice fishing on the minds of many anglers, now is a good time to remind anglers of the regulations before they get on the ice.
Fishing without a license remains one of the more common violations we see, even during the ice fishing season.
Anglers should remember they are required to possess a fishing license while holding a pole with a line in the water.
Licensed anglers also need to carry their license while fishing.
Licenses can be displayed on the phone but be aware that some lakes have no service to pull up their license on the internet.
It is highly recommended to either print off your license, take a screenshot, or download the North Dakota Game and Fish app.
The daily creel limit for fish is defined as the maximum number of legally taken fish (by species) that may be harvested from midnight to midnight.
No individual may possess more than a daily limit when they are actively fishing on the ice.
This extends to individuals who may be staying in their ice houses overnight.
Individuals are allowed to use four poles during the ice fishing season.
Tip-ups are legal and are counted as one pole.
Anglers using tip-ups are reminded to periodically check all tip-ups.
Any fishing pole that is unattended or not checked for over an hour is deemed a set line and is illegal.
All tip-ups must also be easily visible and within 150 feet of the angler.
All ice houses and pop-ups left unattended on the ice are required to have a registration number provided by the state, or the owner's name, and either address or telephone number, displayed on the outside.
All information must be readily distinguishable in characters at least 3 inches high.
All structures used for ice fishing must also be constructed with material that allows it to float.
Anglers are also reminded that all occupied ice houses must be open for inspection by game wardens.
Anglers should also remember to pick up all trash when moving or removing their ice houses and pop-ups.
Leaving trash on the ice or placing it in an ice hole is a violation.
Any trash left on the ice is a violation.
In a similar sense to leaving trash on the ice, it is illegal to deposit fish or fish parts on the ice.
The best practice is to bring a trash bag or use plastic bags from gas stations to clean up sites before leaving.
Finally, anyone who participates in darkhouse spearfishing must register before they go out spearing.
The only species legal for spearing are northern pike and nongame species.
Walleye spearing is allowed in certain bodies of water designated in the North Dakota fishing guide.
The spear or bow are counted as one fishing line.
All holes greater than 10 inches in diameter made in the ice must be marked with a natural object or a brightly painted or colored wooden lath before leaving.
The marker should be visible from 150 feet.
