What can be done to increase shore fishing opportunities?
Many lakes have a road and access to an immediate area around a boat ramp (often rest of the land surrounding a lake is privately owned) and thus shoreline opportunities can be limited. To increase shore fishing opportunities the Department has been aggressive in working with local communities to establish fishing piers, earthen, metal or both. In 2010 alone, 22 new fishing piers were installed in water bodies scattered around the state (see Fishing Pier List). All total there are 128 floating fishing piers on 100 different lakes or rivers in North Dakota. These piers also allow anglers access to deeper water, often away from the weeds which can complicate shore fishing as the summer progresses.
