Fishing equipment and gear laid out on a snowy surface near a frozen lake.

Devils Lake

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A place i'll be Visiting for years to come


I had the pleasure of coming out to Devils Lake for the very first time in the Spring of 2023, for a North Dakota Tourism Media Event. Being an avid angler, I had heard all about the incredible fishery that is Devils lake from many fellow fishermen. The countless stories and tales of the giant Jumbo Perch that the lake is known for, as well as the multiple other species that you can catch in a day, making it an undeniable fishing paradise. I couldn't wait to experience it all for myself.


Group gathered on frozen lake wearing winter gear for ice fishing.
Devils Lake promotional materials displayed on a car dashboard.
Fishing rods extended over water during a fishing expedition.
Blue ice fishing shelter on frozen lake with distant figures in a minimalist winter landscape.
Exterior view of a bait shop with red and blue signage on brick building.
Freshly caught yellow perch with distinctive stripes being held up against grey sky.
Breakfast plates with fried eggs and avocado toast served on wooden table.
A person fishing from a boat on a calm lake during sunset.
Series of postcards showing Devils Lake, North Dakota fishing scenes.
National Game Preserve entrance sign with elk silhouettes in winter setting.
Close-up detail of yellow perch dorsal fin spines and scales.
Large group of people lined up outdoors for a fishing tournament photo.
Stone building entrance with ornate steps and black iron railings in a classical architectural style.
Ice fishing shelters and figures on a frozen lake against a misty winter horizon.
Interior stairwell with dark wooden banister and arched windows casting dramatic shadows.
Ice fishing scene with anglers bundled in winter gear holding fishing rods.
Close-up of a fishing net being used to catch fish in water.
Close-up of a fish's golden scales and orange fin against a dark background.
Several large pike fish caught during a successful fishing expedition.
Yellow perch catch being displayed during an ice fishing expedition.
Fish tail fin emerging through broken ice with detailed scale patterns visible.
A caught crappie fish being displayed on a boat during a summer fishing trip.
Hands holding a bright orange goldfish or carp caught while ice fishing.
Blue ice fishing shelters and trucks parked on a frozen lake during winter.
Fishing gear and equipment laid out on a dark surface.
Ice fishing catch showing freshly caught perch through holes in frozen lake surface.
Vintage handwritten jail register book with multiple entries visible.
Ice fishing scene with equipment and shelters visible on frozen lake.
Mexican restaurant table with tacos served on colorful plates.
Multiple fish catches displayed with fishing equipment and blue branding visible.
Empty small town sidewalk with brick buildings and storefronts.
Fishing boats on a lake at sunset with calm waters and fishing gear visible.
Person holding a freshly caught yellow perch while ice fishing on a winter lake.
Interior stairwell with wooden railings and white walls in an old building.
Black Paws Brewing Company menu displayed on wooden table showing beer and drink selections.
Yellow perch caught while ice fishing on a winter lake.
Walleye caught during winter ice fishing expedition on frozen lake.
Angler displays a large northern pike caught while fishing from a boat.
Row of Black Paws Brewing Company beer glasses filled with golden ale on wooden bar.
Ice fishing scene showing someone holding a yellow perch against snowy winter backdrop.
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Upon my arrival, everyone from the media team and hotel staff were so welcoming. The hospitality was next level, and the accommodations clean and comfortable. Within the first few minutes of putting my line in the water, all of my expectations were exceeded. We couldn't keep the fish off the hooks, I beat some personal PBs that weekend, as well as caught my very first White Bass! I knew that as soon as I went home, I would be telling everyone and anyone that would listen that the NEEDED to go and experience Devils Lake.


A few months later, I got another call from the wonderful people at North Dakota tourism. We had so much fun in the Spring, that they wanted me to come back out and get on the water for some Ice fishing, an opportunity I didn't have to think twice about. I made my way back out there, this time with my husband, so excited for him to finally see what the hype was all about!


Just like the first time around, we were welcomed with open arms, with some familiar faces, and some new. There's just something about coming to Devils Lake that makes you feel like you're home when you're there.


Before jumping right into fishing, we decided to play tourists for the first day and see what the community all had to offer and do. We started the day by getting one of the best cups of coffee i've had at a local little joint with a cozy atmosphere, with an exceptional avocado breakfast sandwich. We took our coffees and drove out to White Horse Hill National Game Preserve to see the Elk and Bison, where you can take a scenic tour through the park with your vehicle and enjoy the views and nature.


The next stop on the list was the Lake Region Heritage Center. The museum features so many special exhibits of a pioneer doctors room, the original federal courtroom, an early law office, barber shop, dental office, as well as a jailhouse exhibit complete with authentic jail house record books. It was so fascinating to walk around and learn the history that showcased the life of yesteryear in Devils Lake.


After a busy morning of touring the highlights of the town, we met up with the crew on the ice, and got into some great fishing. Just as I had experienced in the spring, the bite was hot, and the fish seemed to be getting bigger than the last one that was landed on the ice. We spent the next 3 days fishing, eagerly getting up at sunrise with excitement to get back out there and pull up more Jumbos.


Our final day out there came all too quickly, we spent our last evening in the hotel with the group that became close friends to us, and celebrated with a perch dinner and a few Canadian Caesars. We sat around talking about the catches and all the fun we had, each and everyone of us expressing how much we couldn't wait to come back out to Devils Lake and do it all over again. It truly is a place unlike any other.