What You'll Find at Kraft Slough

Kraft Slough is a shallow, marshy impoundment in northwestern North Dakota that holds walleye and northern pike in a setting far from crowds. The water is typically murky and weedy, which is exactly what these species prefer — walleye hunt in low-light conditions, and pike use vegetation as ambush cover. The slough sits on public land managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, making it open to anyone with a valid fishing license.

The slough is small enough that you can cover most of it in a morning, but productive enough to justify the drive if you're targeting walleye or pike. Water levels fluctuate with rainfall and snowmelt, which means the best fishing seasons and access routes can shift year to year. This is not a destination for anglers expecting manicured facilities or predictable conditions — it rewards people who check current conditions before they go and who can adapt to what they find.

Key Takeaways

  • Kraft Slough holds walleye and northern pike in shallow, weedy water that requires a North Dakota fishing license to fish legally.
  • The slough is remote and has minimal facilities, so bring your own water, fuel, and supplies before you arrive.
  • Water levels and access change seasonally, so contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before planning a trip to confirm current conditions.
  • Early morning and evening produce the most consistent walleye action, while pike can bite throughout the day in weedy areas.
  • Soft plastics, live minnows, and crankbaits work for both species, but the murky water means brighter colors and slower retrieves often outperform subtle presentations.

When to Fish Kraft Slough

Spring (April through May) is often the most reliable season because walleye move shallow to spawn and feed heavily afterward. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, and the fish are aggressive. Access can be muddy during this period, so a high-clearance vehicle helps.

Summer (June through August) can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat pushes walleye deeper and into heavier cover. Pike remain active in the weeds throughout the day. Water levels may drop during dry summers, which can limit access to certain areas of the slough.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as walleye feed heavily before winter. Water cools into the 50s and 40s, and fish are less selective. This is often the best time for consistent action if you can handle cooler weather.

Winter (November through March) closes the slough to fishing in most years due to ice and access issues, though ice fishing may be possible in some winters if the ice is safe and the slough remains open — check with Game and Fish before attempting it.

Access and Facilities

Kraft Slough has no developed boat launch, no parking lot, and no restrooms. Access is typically by foot or small boat from the nearest road, which varies depending on water levels and which part of the slough you want to fish. The exact access point and current conditions should be confirmed with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before you go.

The area is remote, so cell service is unreliable or absent. Bring a map, a compass or GPS unit, and tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. Water, fuel, and food must come from you — there are no nearby towns with services immediately adjacent to the slough.

The slough sits in an area with minimal development, which means the fishing pressure is light compared to more accessible North Dakota waters. That low pressure is part of what makes it worth the effort to reach.

Species and Tactics

Walleye are the primary target. They respond to live minnows (shiners or chubs in the 3- to 4-inch range) under a slip bobber in shallow water, or to jigging with soft plastics tipped with minnow meat in slightly deeper areas. Early morning and the last two hours before dark are peak times. The murky water means walleye will bite in full daylight if you're in the right spot, but low-light periods are more forgiving of imperfect presentations.

Northern pike are abundant and aggressive. They hit larger soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), spinnerbaits, and crankbaits in the weedy shallows. Pike don't require the same low-light conditions as walleye, so you can fish for them throughout the day. Casting along weed edges and into pockets of open water within the vegetation produces consistent results.

The shallow, weedy nature of Kraft Slough means you'll need a boat that draws minimal water — a canoe, kayak, or small flat-bottomed boat works better than a deep-V hull. Wading is also an option in many areas if you're comfortable moving slowly and quietly through soft bottom.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid North Dakota fishing license. Residents can purchase an annual license or a three-day temporary license; non-residents have similar options. Licenses are sold online through the North Dakota Game and Fish website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores near fishing areas.

Walleye and northern pike have separate daily bag limits and size restrictions that vary by water body and season. Kraft Slough's specific regulations should be confirmed in the current North Dakota fishing guide, which is updated annually and available on the Game and Fish website. Regulations can change, so checking the guide before you fish ensures you stay within the law.

The slough is open to public fishing on public land, but respect any posted closures or seasonal restrictions. Game and Fish may close sections of the slough temporarily for habitat management or other reasons.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack more water than you think you'll need — at least two liters per person. Bring snacks and a full meal because there's nowhere to buy food. A headlamp or flashlight is essential if you plan to fish early morning or evening. Insect repellent is important in summer and early fall, especially in marshy areas.

Wear waders or waterproof boots if you plan to wade. The bottom is soft and muddy in many areas, so footwear that grips well matters. A life jacket is required by law if you're in a boat, and it's a good idea even if you're wading in deeper sections.

Check the weather forecast and the current water level before you leave. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department website has information on water conditions, and local bait and tackle shops near the slough can provide real-time updates on what's working and where access is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Kraft Slough?

No. You can wade in many areas, and a canoe or kayak works well for reaching deeper sections. A small flat-bottomed boat is ideal if you have one, but not required. Check current water levels before you go to understand which access method will work best.

What's the nearest town with supplies?

The slough is remote, and the nearest town depends on which access point you use. Bring all food, water, and fuel with you. Call the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to ask about the closest services relative to your planned access route.

Can I fish Kraft Slough in winter?

The slough is typically closed to fishing from November through March due to ice and access issues. Contact Game and Fish to confirm whether ice fishing is permitted in the year you plan to visit and whether the ice is safe.

What size fish can I expect?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional larger fish. Northern pike average 18 to 24 inches, with some reaching 30 inches or more. The slough's shallow, weedy habitat produces plenty of fish, though trophy-sized specimens are less common than solid eating-sized fish.

Is there a launch fee or day-use fee?

No. Kraft Slough is public water managed by North Dakota Game and Fish, and there are no fees to fish it. You need only a valid fishing license.