Summer fishing at Devils Lake heats up

Devils Lake in North Dakota is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, spanning more than 160,000 acres with hundreds of miles of shoreline and standing as the state's largest natural body of water. The town of Devils Lake, with about 7,300 residents, swells when conditions attract crowds for fishing, boating and other activities. The lake’s name has sparked debate due to its spelling, but locals insist there is no possessive apostrophe and the community is widely known by the name. An annual winter fishing tournament hosted by the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department draws thousands in January or February, depending on the weather.

Participants emphasize camaraderie and competition, with locals like Josh Gapp and Matthew Beck returning for multiple years. The event targets northern pike and jumbo perch, drawing anglers from across the region who relish the challenge and social aspect as much as the prize. Suzie Kenner of the Devils Lake Chamber & Tourism highlights the area’s outdoor economy and the lake’s status as a premier fishing destination in the northern Great Plains, with a legacy tied to historic exploration and the community’s seasonal rhythm.