North Dakota Game and Fish Department
A Special Message to the Boaters of North Dakota
Boating in North Dakota
 The traditional boating season in North Dakota is from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day; however, many fishermen do not fall into the “traditional” category. Portions of the Missouri River and Nelson Lake seldom, if ever, freeze over completely. As a result, fishermen can be found using their boats every month of the year.
Fishermen who go out during the “off season” as well as late-season waterfowl hunters must be aware of conditions not encountered by the traditional boater. Physical problems such as hypothermia due to climatic conditions can occur. In addition, mechanical problems are a reality because cold temperatures can cause water pumps to fail and oil mixtures to gel, making it difficult to keep a summer-tuned motor running.
Water areas in North Dakota range from the largest man-made lake in the United States, 178-mile-long Lake Sakakawea with a surface area of 368,000 acres, to farm stock ponds. It is possible to encounter problems on the largest area to the smallest; therefore, you need to know as much as possible about boating, equipment, and personal safety regardless of where or when you go boating.
North Dakota’s rules and regulations conform with most federal regulations. All powered vessels must be registered. The various items of safety equipment required by federal law are also required by state law.
The goal of the Conservation and Communication Division of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is to provide educational programs that will produce knowledgeable, responsible, and informed individuals. The Boat North Dakota course is an important part of that effort.
In addition to the Boat North Dakota manual, the Department has other materials on boating and water safety. For specific information on boating, fishing waters, and Missouri River system access areas, contact:
North Dakota Game and Fish Department
100 N. Bismarck Expressway
Bismarck, ND 58501-5095
Call us at 701-328-6300, or visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.
Everything you need to know about boating in North Dakota is just
a click away! Visit our website,
or call or visit one of our offices.
Bismarck Office (Headquarters)
100 N. Bismarck Expressway
Bismarck, ND 58501-5095
Phone: 701-328-6300
Fax: 701-328-6352
Email: ndgf@nd.gov |
Bismarck Game and Fish Lab
816 Airport Road
Bismarck, ND 58504-6111
Bismarck Game and Fish Shop
3001 E. Main
Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 |
Devils Lake Office
7928 45th Street NE
Devils Lake, ND 58301-8501
Phone: 701-662-3617
Fax: 701-662-3618 |
Dickinson Office
225 30th Ave. SW
Dickinson, ND 58601-7227
Phone: 701-227-7431
Fax: 701-227-7432 |
Jamestown Office
PO Box 309
(3320 E. Lakeside Road)
Jamestown, ND 58402-0309
Phone: 701-253-6480
Fax: 701-253-6490 |
Lonetree Office
1851 23rd Ave. NE
Harvey, ND 58341-9112
Phone: 701-324-2211
Fax: 701-324-2214 |
Riverdale Office
406 Dakota Ave.
Riverdale, ND 58565
Phone: 701-654-7475
Fax: 701-654-7503 |
Williston Office
13932 West Front Street
Williston, ND 58801-8602
Phone: 701-774-4320
Fax: 701-774-4305 |
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