If fishing a North Dakota lake or river is in your spring plans, don’t forget new fishing licenses are required starting Wednesday, April 1.
New hunting and trapping licenses also are required April 1.
Licenses can be purchased on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Once the license is processed, users will have the option to print a hard copy and/or download the license to a smart phone or mobile device, which is helpful when asked to show proof of license while hunting or fishing in rural areas that lack cellular service.
Licenses also are available at more than 140 vendor locations throughout the state or by calling (800) 406-6409. The 2020-21 small game, fishing and furbearer licenses are effective April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
In addition, the North Dakota Legislature last year passed legislation to create an aquatic nuisance species program fund in the state treasury. Along with an ANS fee on motorized watercraft that went into effect Jan. 1, this state law also establishes a $2 surcharge on each resident fishing license and combination license, except for the resident 65 years of age or older license, permanently or totally disabled license, or a disabled veteran license. The bill establishes a $3 surcharge on each nonresident fishing and each nonresident waterfowl license. The ANS surcharge is in effect with the 2020-21 license.
