RIVERDALE, N.D. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Garrison Project has announced their 2024-2025 winter access policy.
There will be 109 areas and points of entry to Lake Sakakawea and 20 areas and points of entry to Lake Audubon this season. The areas and points of entry are a combination of boat ramps, shoreline access sites and freeways located in limited development areas. A couple of these points will be by foot traffic only due to terrain. Entry points defined in the policy are available for the period of the calendar year in which Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon freeze over and until the lake becomes free of ice.
The Omaha District regularly updates an interactive web application that identifies access locations and their status. It is available by visiting https://arcg.is/0aGSrq. A free ESRI ArcGIS Explorer application is also available for iPhone and Android smart phones. Search "Lake Sakakawea Ice Access" from the application for see where access points are located.
Lewis and Clark Magnum Point and Hofflund Bay Wildlife Management Area will not open until after muzzle loader season closes Dec 15, 2024.
Driving on the ice at any time can be dangerous and is not recommended. Recreators should exercise extreme caution while on the ice as thin ice or open water may exist near springs and pressure ridges throughout the winter.
Anglers are required 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. Operating a motor vehicle off-road to obtain access during these conditions 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 ice fishing access sites. North Dakota Game and Fish wildlife management area regulations apply within all wildlife management areas located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineer land around the reservoir. Additionally, North Dakota Game and Fish has specific regulations pertaining to the use of ice fishing spear houses within the state of North Dakota and the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
Have fun this winter but be safe; “ALWAYS, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO”. Check in with someone who is near the body of water that you will be accessing. Bait shops, outfitters, game wardens and public land managers are all valuable sources for ice condition updates.
Please visit the Omaha District’s official website and Facebook page as well as Lake Sakakawea’s website and Facebook page for future updates pertaining to ice access. This includes, but is not limited to, closures and openings of access areas.
For additional information, please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Riverdale office at (701) 654-7761 or Williston office at (701) 713-9000. You may also contact the North Dakota Game & Fish’s Riverdale office at (701) 654-7475 or Williston office at (701) 774-4320.