Ashley Peterson NDGF darkhouse spearfishing
By Doug Leier
Have you ever been darkhouse spearfishing for pike? It’s relatively new compared to most outdoor recreation, having started a mere 25 years ago, but for those who have taken the opportunity it’s hard to compare.
I remember the first time I went spearfishing at Spiritwood Lake. Sitting still in a darkhouse was like nothing I’d ever done before. I’m no expert but when the first northern drifted into the decoy as I sat undetected, I locked up. Not surprisingly, I missed it.
Maybe it’s close to the thrill of calling turkeys into a decoy? Others might describe the rush like sitting undetected in a tree stand archery hunting for deer. I can attest it’s a rush of its own unique draw.
Decoying a pike isn’t the same as decoying ducks or holding a draw on a deer. None of those take place in the middle of a frozen lake with nothing but ice and cold water between you and the pike.
If you’ve ever watched a pike come in and attack a decoy, it’s incomparable. To get to that point is not easy. The combination of cold, snow and dark could be why the popularity of darkhouse spearfishing hasn’t, and likely never will, rival the sun, waves and water of summer fishing?
Looking at last year’s spearfishing statistics prove how a warmer winter with poor ice conditions results in lower participation and success.
Greg Power fisheries division chief highlights a few notes:
► 3,099 individuals registered (2,017 residents, 1,082 non-residents); the number of registrants were down 10% from the previous winter likely due to extreme cold weather and snowfall.
► 12,441 northern pike were harvested.
► Average spearer was 47.8 years old and 89% were male.
► Nearly 73% of the respondents indicated that they actually participated.
► 61% and 66% of the DHSF respondents indicated they open-water fished and ice-fished respectively, while 81% of all respondents either open water and/or ice fished.
► Survey respondents indicated participation in DHSF on a record 126 water bodies (up 20 from last year’s record of 106).
► Sakakawea accounted for 33% of the total effort (and equaled the effort of the next nine water bodies).
► Sakakawea accounted for 20% of the total pike harvest.
► 2.6% speared a rough fish.
► Median and mean weights of the largest pike reported harvested by the respondents were 8.0 and 9.5 pounds respectively – very similar to the previous year.
► Also, 5.6% of all spearers reported they had harvested a very large (20 lbs. or larger) pike.
2024-25 North Dakota Darkhouse Spearing
Individuals required to possess a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) to darkhouse spearfish must first register online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
Darkhouse spearing is allowed for all anglers with a valid fishing license and for youth under age 16.
Northern pike and nongame fish are the only legal species statewide, while walleye can be
speared at Stump Lake and the Devils Lake complex south of U.S. Highway 2 and the Missouri River System (including lakes Oahe and Sakakawea and the Missouri River) up to the first tributary bridge.
Spearers and anglers are reminded that materials used to mark holes must be in possession as soon as a hole greater than 10 inches in diameter is made in the ice.
Registration and full details can be found on the Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov.
Comments