Dakota Digest
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Dakota Digest
ANS Prevention Continues
While North Dakota has low numbers of aquatic nuisance species, ongoing efforts to protect state waters from the spread of ANS highlight the need for further education and regulation compliance among water recreationists.
Game and Fish Department staff conducted 7,500 watercraft inspections thus far in 2025, leading to the draining and removal of water and vegetation on watercraft. Recently, department personnel intercepted three watercrafts with zebra mussels at Devils Lake.
Ben Holen, Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator, said it is critically important water recreationists review ANS regulations and take a few minutes at the boat ramp to do the right thing each and every time.
“ We encourage anglers, pleasure boaters and others to clean, drain and dry all equipment after every use,” Holen said.
Clean and remove all plants or animals from watercraft or equipment prior to leaving any recreational area. Drain and remove water from all equipment prior to exiting designated access points. Not draining water can be extremely hazardous and may cause negligent transportation of ANS to various locations. Afterward, verify that all equipment is dry before using again and consider pressure washing with hot water.
GUN &
Riverdale Angler’ s
Whitefish Breaks Record
Lonnie Liebel caught a new state record lake whitefish that had been in the books for more than 40 years. The veteran Riverdale angler reeled in a 9-pound, 3-ounce whitefish on June 2 from the Garrison Dam Tailrace in the Missouri River.
Liebel, 71, fishes nearby Lake Sakakawea and the Garrison Tailrace frequently, just about always for walleyes. When the whitefish hit he knew it was something different, and tagged it to be a carp.
“ It’ s not uncommon to see even 8-pounders,” he said of the trophy whitefish.“ If you get 6 pounds it’ s pretty big. The right fish just happened to bite that day and I got lucky.” The previous record of 8 pounds, 11 ounces was established in March, 1984 by Bill Mitzel, Bismarck who was also fishing the tailrace.
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www. dakotacountrymagazine. com Dakota Country, September 2025, Page 31