Fishing Lake Darling

AKA: Lake Darling Landings

Popular Fish Species
Lake Darling Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
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Lake Darling, ND

Popular Fish Species Lake Darling, ND

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population and plenty of small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Lake Darling this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Lake Darling Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Darling. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Lake Darling Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Lake Darling. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Darling in North Dakota.

Lake Darling Fishing Video

There are plenty of spots for remote, primitive camping along the nearly 50 miles of shoreline at Lake Darling, a 9,500-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, at Grano. In the warm season, fishing is good for bass, walleye, perch and pike.

Lake Darling is located in the central part of North Dakota, near the city of Minot. It is a popular fishing destination known for its diverse fish population and scenic surroundings. Lake Darling is home to several popular fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, channel catfish, and bluegill.

Walleye fishing in Lake Darling is particularly popular. These elusive game fish are known for their delicious white flesh and challenging nature. Anglers often target walleye using techniques such as trolling, jigging, or casting with live bait, such as minnows or nightcrawlers. The lake's structure, including drop-offs, points, and submerged vegetation, provide ideal habitats for walleye.

Largemouth bass can also be found in Lake Darling, offering anglers an exciting fishing experience. These aggressive predators can be targeted using a variety of techniques, including topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics. The lake's weed beds, submerged logs, and shoreline structures provide excellent cover for largemouth bass.

Yellow perch are another popular fish species in Lake Darling. Anglers often find success targeting yellow perch using small jigs tipped with live bait, such as minnows or worms. These tasty panfish can be caught near weed beds, drop-offs, or other structures where they congregate.

Northern pike are abundant in Lake Darling and provide thrilling fishing action. These aggressive predators are known for their powerful strikes and strong fights. Anglers targeting northern pike often use larger lures, such as spoons, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits. The lake's weedy areas and deeper pockets are prime locations for targeting these toothy predators.

In addition to the popular game fish, Lake Darling is home to other species such as channel catfish and bluegill, providing anglers with additional fishing opportunities. The lake's clear waters and abundant aquatic vegetation create a favorable environment for these fish.

Lake Darling in North Dakota is a fantastic fishing destination offering opportunities to catch walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, channel catfish, and bluegill. Anglers can enjoy the variety of fishing experiences provided by the lake's diverse fish population. Boating and camping facilities make Lake Darling an attractive destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable fishing adventure.

Walleye and perch are top choices while ice fishing in winter. There are five boat access landings around the lake. Greene Crossing Boating Access on the north end, Grano Crossing Boating Access mid lake, Lake Darling Landing 3 on the southwest shore, South Boat Ramp on the east side at the dam, and Lake Darling Landing #1 is on the west side by the dam. Most anywhere you camp there will be access to the shore for fishing from the bank. An RV park is about 30 minutes south of the lake, in Minot.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Darling

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Darling Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES - Five
Campgrounds: YES Undeveloped
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating and camping facilities are available at Lake Darling, allowing anglers to fully enjoy their fishing experience. Anglers can bring their boats and explore the lake's waters, searching for their favorite fishing spots. Camping options provide an opportunity to extend the stay and immerse in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Grano Crossing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, at the west end of the State Route 26 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Greene Crossing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the east end of the 49th Avenue NW Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Landing #1 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off 40th Avenue NW, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Landing #3 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off 73rd Street NW, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Spillway Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the east end of the dam, off State Route 6, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.