By Doug Leier
North Dakota watercraft owners getting set for open water fishing should know that 2026 marked the beginning of a new three-year registration cycle. Whether you’re getting ready for a summer on the lake or planning a quiet paddle down a local river, making sure your watercraft registration is current is an important first step before heading out.
The 2026–28 watercraft registration period runs through Dec. 31, 2028. Registration fees remain based on the length of the boat. Motorboats under 16 feet in length, as well as all canoes regardless of size, are registered for $30. Motorboats measuring 16 feet to less than 20 feet cost $45 to register, while motorboats 20 feet and longer are registered for $60. All registration fees are prorated, which helps ensure fairness for new owners entering partway through the cycle.
In addition to the base registration fee, all watercraft registrations require a $15 aquatic nuisance species fee. This fee supports ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species that threaten North Dakota waters, fisheries and recreation opportunities. Aquatic nuisance species remain a serious concern, and this fee plays an important role in protecting lakes and rivers for future generations.
New watercraft owners have several convenient options for completing the registration process. Required documentation, such as a bill of sale or proof of taxes paid, can be uploaded directly
when registering online. Owners who prefer traditional methods may also mail the documentation using standard mail. Once the registration is submitted, a 10-day temporary permit is issued so the watercraft can be used while processing is completed and decals are delivered. For the fastest turnaround, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department encourages owners to submit documentation online whenever possible.
Keeping your registration current not only ensures compliance with state law, but also helps support conservation, enforcement, and water recreation access programs that benefit all watercraft users across the state.
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In addition to water-based recreation updates, North Dakota Game and Fish has introduced a new program designed to strengthen relationships between landowners and hunters. HuntLink is a voluntary program created to make it easier for landowners to connect with hunters and trappers in a structured, managed way.
HuntLink provides landowners with an additional tool to address wildlife management needs on their property. This may include help with antlerless deer management, reducing coyote impacts, or addressing other species that can cause damage or create conflicts. For landowners dealing with wildlife depredation or simply looking for more control over access, HuntLink offers a practical solution.
Enrollment is simple. Landowners can sign up through their North Dakota Game and Fish My Account page and create a listing describing the type of access they are willing to allow. Participation is entirely optional, and landowners may remove their listing at any time once they have connected with enough hunters or trappers to meet their needs.
For hunters and trappers, HuntLink provides a new way to identify opportunities across the state. The HuntLink map allows users to view landowner requests by location and species. However, participation does not guarantee access. Hunters and trappers must still contact
landowners directly and obtain permission before hunting or trapping, just as they would under any other circumstance.
HuntLink is about building connections, improving communication, and helping both landowners and sportsmen work together toward responsible wildlife management. Like many Game and Fish programs, it’s another example of how cooperation and good communication can benefit everyone involved.
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