The Devils Lake Ice Fishing Tournament draws hundreds of anglers each winter to one of North Dakota's most reliable walleye fisheries
The Devils Lake Annual Ice Fishing Tournament is a winter event held on Devils Lake, typically in early February, where anglers compete for prizes by fishing through the ice. The tournament runs for a set number of days — usually three — and anglers fish designated hours each day. Entry fees go toward prize pools, and the tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Devils Lake sits in the northeastern part of the state and has earned a reputation for consistent walleye populations, which is why the tournament draws participants from across the region. The lake's shallow average depth and productive ecosystem make it one of the better ice fishing destinations in the state during winter months.
Key Takeaways
- The tournament typically runs in early February for three days, with specific fishing hours each day that the organizers announce before the event.
- You must register in advance with the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce or the organizing fishing club, and entry fees vary depending on the division you fish.
- A valid North Dakota fishing license is required, and you must follow all state regulations for ice fishing, including hole size and equipment rules.
- Walleye is the primary target species, and fish are typically measured and weighed at official weigh-in stations set up on the ice.
- The tournament offers divisions for different angler types — often including youth, adult, and sometimes team categories — so check the current year's rules for which divisions are open.
How to Register and Entry Fees
Registration for the Devils Lake Annual Ice Fishing Tournament opens several weeks before the event. You can register through the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce website or by contacting them directly by phone. Some years, registration also happens at local bait and tackle shops in the Devils Lake area.
Entry fees depend on which division you fish — youth divisions typically cost less than adult divisions, and team entries may have different pricing. The exact fees change year to year, so contact the Chamber of Commerce for the current year's rates. Most of the entry fee goes into the prize pool, which is distributed among top finishers in each division.
Registration usually closes a week or two before the tournament begins, though some years allow registration on the first day of fishing if spots remain open. Registering early is safer because popular divisions can fill up.
What You Need: License, Equipment, and Safety Gear
A valid North Dakota fishing license is required to fish the tournament. You can purchase a license online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, at any license vendor in the state, or at many bait shops in Devils Lake. A three-day license is available if you do not want a full-year license.
For ice fishing equipment, you will need an ice auger (hand-crank or powered), a fishing rod rated for walleye, line in the 4- to 8-pound range, and small jigs or live bait rigs. Many anglers use tip-ups or jigging rods. State regulations limit the number of lines you can fish at once — check the current North Dakota ice fishing regulations before you go, as these rules can change.
Safety gear is essential: wear a life jacket or flotation device, bring a rope and ice chisel or spud to test ice thickness as you walk, and never fish alone. Ice thickness on Devils Lake varies by location and weather, so check with local bait shops or the Chamber of Commerce for current conditions before the tournament. Most years, ice is thick enough by early February, but conditions can vary.
Tournament Rules and Fishing Hours
The tournament runs during set hours each day — typically morning and afternoon sessions with a break in between. The organizers announce exact times when you register. All fish must be caught during official tournament hours to count toward your score.
Fish are measured and weighed at official weigh-in stations on the ice. Walleye is the primary species, and fish are ranked by weight. Some tournaments award prizes for the heaviest single fish as well as the heaviest total catch. You must keep your fish alive or on ice and bring them to weigh-in before the deadline each day — fish weighed after the cutoff do not count.
State regulations apply throughout the tournament: you cannot use more lines than state law allows, and you must follow all size and bag limits set by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The tournament organizers will provide a full rules sheet when you register.
Divisions and Prize Categories
The tournament typically offers multiple divisions to give different anglers a fair chance to compete. Most years include a youth division (usually ages 12 and under or 12–17, depending on the year), an adult division, and sometimes a team division where two or more anglers fish together and combine their catch.
Prizes are awarded to top finishers in each division. Prize pools vary year to year depending on entry fees and sponsorships. Some tournaments also award a "big fish" prize for the heaviest single walleye caught during the event. Check the current year's rules when you register to see which divisions are open and what prizes are offered.
Where to Stay and What to Bring
Devils Lake has hotels, motels, and cabin rentals in town, about 10 to 15 minutes from most fishing access points on the lake. The city also has restaurants, bait shops, and gas stations. If you are coming from out of state or from far away in North Dakota, plan to arrive the day before fishing begins so you can get your license, pick up bait or tackle if needed, and check ice conditions with local anglers.
Bring warm clothing in layers — ice fishing in February means temperatures often drop below zero at night and stay in the teens or twenties during the day. Pack hand warmers, a thermos of hot coffee or soup, snacks, and a headlamp for early morning or late afternoon fishing. Bring your own shelter or rent one locally if you want protection from wind.
Getting There and Local Resources
Devils Lake is in Ramsey County in northeastern North Dakota, about 90 minutes from Bismarck and 45 minutes from Grand Forks. Highway 2 runs through the city. Public access to the lake is available at several boat ramps and fishing areas — the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website lists public access points.
The Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce is your main point of contact for tournament information, registration, and current conditions. Local bait shops like those in downtown Devils Lake can tell you what is working, what size jigs walleye are hitting, and whether live bait or artificials are producing better that week. These shops are also good sources for last-minute tackle or advice on where other anglers are catching fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the tournament?
No. The tournament is ice fishing, so you walk out on the frozen lake and fish through holes in the ice. You do not need a boat. Just bring an auger to make holes and warm clothing.
Can I fish with my kids?
Yes. Most tournaments have a youth division for children, and many allow parents to fish in the adult division while their kids fish in the youth division. Some tournaments also offer a family or team division. Check the current year's rules when you register.
What if the ice is not thick enough?
The tournament organizers monitor ice conditions and will postpone or cancel if ice is unsafe. They announce any changes through the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce and local media. Check with the Chamber a few days before the event if you are concerned about conditions.
Can I use live bait or only artificial lures?
Most years, both live bait and artificial lures are allowed. Check the rules sheet you receive when you register, as some tournaments may have specific restrictions on bait type.
What happens if I catch a fish that is below the legal size limit?
Fish below the state minimum size cannot be weighed in or counted toward your score. You must release them. The current size limit for walleye in North Dakota is available on the Game and Fish Department website.