RIVERDALE, N.D. - The 2016-2017 winter access policy released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Garrison Project identifies 62 areas/points of entry to Lake Sakakawea and 13 areas/points of entry to Lake Audubon. The Spillway Pond will remain open via foot traffic only.
Entry points defined in the policy are available for the period of the calendar year in which Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon freeze over until April 1 of each calendar year or until the lake becomes ice free, whichever occurs first.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) doesn’t encourage or recommend driving on the ice at any time. For those who do recreate on the ice, the USACE Omaha District urges extreme caution as any winter activity performed on the ice can be hazardous. For instance, thin ice or open water may exist near springs and pressure ridges throughout the winter.
Fishermen are encouraged to use only licensed, motorized vehicles and existing authorized public roads for entering and leaving ice fishing access areas. Some public roads often drift closed with snow and will not be plowed open. In these instances, operating a motor vehicle off-road to obtain access is not allowed. Additionally, the public is reminded that access is for ice fishing purposes only. Restrictions are in place to preclude using the ice to cross the reservoir.
All Title 36 Regulations apply to the Ice Fishing Access Sites. North Dakota Game and Fish Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) Regulations apply within all WMAs located on Corps lands around the reservoir. Additionally, North Dakota Game and Fish has specific regulations pertaining to the use of ice/fish/spearing houses within the State of North Dakota.
Have fun this winter and be safe; “ALWAYS, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO”. Check in with someone who is near the particular body of water where you are accessing. Bait shops, outfitters, game wardens, and public land managers are all valuable sources for ice condition updates.
The policy indicating the designated areas on Lake Sakakawea is available here.
For additional information contact: the USACE in Riverdale (701-654-7411) or Williston (701-572-6494); or North Dakota Game & Fish Office in Riverdale (701-654-7475) or Williston (701-774-4320).