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North Dakota · Fishing
Valley City sits in the Sheyenne River valley with a solid mix of flatwater and moving-water fishing within a short drive of town.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Valley City sits in the Sheyenne River valley with a solid mix of flatwater and moving-water fishing within a short drive of town. Lake Ashtabula at Baldhill Dam is the anchor — a reservoir sitting at 1,285 feet that holds walleye, northern pike, white bass, and yellow perch, and it's genuinely accessible for anglers of all skill levels. Larson Slough rounds out the still-water options with lake fishing that draws locals who know the area well. For anglers who prefer current, Mel Rieman Rec puts you on the Sheyenne River, which runs through town and offers a different pace than the reservoir. The Valley City National Fish Hatchery is also in the mix, and its presence shapes the local fishery in ways worth understanding before you plan your trip. Six active fishing spots in and around a small city is a reasonable density, and you won't need to drive far between them. Whether you're targeting walleye on Ashtabula or just looking for a relaxed afternoon on the river, Valley City has enough variety to fill a long weekend without repeating yourself.
Lake Ashtabula at Baldhill Dam is your best bet for variety, with walleye, northern pike, white bass, and yellow perch all present in the reservoir. The Sheyenne River at Mel Rieman Rec and the slough and lake spots around town may hold additional species, but the confirmed multi-species fishery in the area is Ashtabula.
It's rated easy difficulty, so it's a reasonable choice if you're newer to fishing or bringing kids along. The reservoir at Baldhill Dam has accessible shoreline areas, and you don't need a boat to get started, though one will open up more of the water.
Mel Rieman Rec
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Lake Ashtabula - Baldhill Dam
~3 min drive
Easy
Valley City National Fish Hatchery
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Sheyenne River - Fort Ransom
~59 min drive
Moderate
Spiritwood Lake
~39 min drive
Easy
Larson Slough
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Jamestown Reservoir
~1h drive
Easy
Larson Slough
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
West Ashtabula Crossing
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Moon Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Island Lake
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Island Lake
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Also worth it near here
Walleye are low-light feeders, so early morning and the hour or two before sunset tend to produce the most consistent action. Midday fishing in summer is slower, though white bass and yellow perch are less fussy about light conditions and can be caught throughout the day.
Yes, a valid North Dakota fishing license is required at all waters listed here. You can purchase one online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website or at local sporting goods and bait shops in Valley City. Check the current regulations for any slot limits or possession limits on walleye and northern pike before you go, as these can change season to season.
The hatchery is a state and federal facility that raises fish for stocking programs across the region. Its presence near Valley City means local waters benefit from stocking efforts, though specific stocking schedules and target waters are managed by North Dakota Game and Fish and can vary year to year. Contacting the hatchery or checking NDGF stocking reports before your trip will give you the most current picture.
