Late season Darkhouse Spearing

[merkman]

I just read the following.

Looks like some late season spearing trips to ND are in order!!

Quote:

North Dakota

Harsh conditions with record levels of snowfall across the state during the 2008-2009 winter created many total winter-kill lakes. However, the record snowfall increased lake levels and created new lakes providing for excellent northern pike production and recruitment.

Angling Regulation Changes

North Dakota Game and Fish Department in 2009 and 2010 expanded the number of lakes open to darkhouse spearing for northern pike by adding 16 new lakes for a total of 52 lakes across the state.

North Dakota Game and Fish Department extended the season with an additional two weeks to the season beginning December 1 and ending March 15th each year.

[Huey]

How much is a No Dak non-resident license?

[northspear]

dont need one just a fishing license.

Darkhouse spearfishing is legal for all residents having a valid fishing license and for residents who are under age 16. Nonresidents may darkhouse spearfish in North Dakota if the nonresident’s state provides the same privilege for residents of North Dakota. All individuals who participate in darkhouse spearfishing must first register with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Register Online to Darkhouse Spearfish or contact any Game and Fish Department office, prior to participating.

Possession of a spear is counted as a hook-and-line fishing pole while darkhouse spearfishing. Pneumatic or rubber band powered spear guns may not be used. Live fathead minnows, creek chubs and sticklebacks, preserved baitfish, legal live bait and artificials may be used as decoys. Any line used for a decoy will be considered a hook-and-line fishing pole if a hook is attached to the line.

There is no restriction on the size of the ice hole while actively engaged in darkhouse spearfishing. When a hole greater than 10 inches in diameter is left in the ice when a darkhouse is moved, the area in the immediate vicinity of the hole must be adequately marked with a natural object or a brightly painted or colored wooden lath. Markers must be visible from a minimum of 150 feet

[waterbound]

Sounds like I should store up some vacation pay and take a couple days off to hit some of them North Dakotan pike in March!

[northspear]

well ill let you know what its like this coming week. im in north dakota right now and going out spearing monday and up by DL tuesday to walleye fish and tip-up fish for northern.