Largest natural lake in North Dakota
Devils Lake
Devils Lake is North Dakota’s largest natural lake, and it has no equal in the state for sheer fish-catching. A wet cycle that began in 1993 roughly quadrupled the lake, drowning tens of thousands of acres of farmland, trees, and roadbeds. That flooded timber is why the fishing is legendary — and why the boat you run here needs to be tough.
Between the standing trees, submerged rock piles, and old road grades, Devils Lake is aluminum-boat country. It is also, mile for mile, one of the top ice-fishing destinations in the United States.
The Fishing
Walleye numbers here are enormous, with genuine ten-pound fish caught every year. The lake markets itself as the Perch Capital of the World, and through the ice that is not an exaggeration — two-pound-class jumbo perch are a realistic target. Northern pike run big, and summer white bass runs can be arm-wearying.
The Right Boat for Devils Lake
- Lund aluminum deep-V — built for timber. Shop Lund boats →
- Glacier ice house — the strongest fit in our lineup. Shop ice houses →
- A serious electronics package. Shop fishing boats →
Boat shopping for Devils Lake? Visit Vallely Sport & Marine — Minot or call (701) 578-3946. We handle delivery, service, winterization, and storage across the region.
