Catch and Release Program
The Catch and Release program was established in 1985 to encourage the release of game fish. This program is open to Dakota Angler members and their families. There are adult and juniors division, no length restrictions for juniors divisions. Members with the highest length total will be awarded plaques and recognized at the annual meeting in April. Photos are not required but are encourage so we can feature them on our website and at the annual meeting. Program details are outlined below.
Adult Division Minimum Length requirements by species:
Walleye, Sauger, and Saugeye - 20 inches
Northern Pike and Muskellunge - 30 inches
Largemouth Bass - 16 inches
Smallmouth and White Bass - 15 inches
Crappie - 12 inches
Perch - 12 inches
Bluegill - 10 inches
Contest runs from March 15th of the current year to March 14th of the following year
Photos are not required but are requested if possible
Entries must be submitted on a Dakota Anglers Catch and Release Application (available at most bait shops and listed below)
Entries must be signed by submitting individual and witness of catch
Entries must be caught in North Dakota
2022/2023 Winners
Adult Division
Walleye - Cody Wegner 29.5 inches, Reule Lake 6/26/22
Northern - Cody Wegner 34 inches, Pipestem Reservoir 6/2/22
Black Crappie - Cody Wegner 15.5 inches, Lake Ashtabula 12/10/22
Muskellunge - Cody Wegner 38 inches, Lake Ashtabula 6/12/22
Total Accumulative Inches - Cody Wegner 920.5 inches, 36 entries
Juniors Division
Northern - Adam Krapp 37 inches, Pipestem Reservoir 9/2/22
White Bass - Paxton Chadduck 16 inches, Devils Lake 7/19/22
Total Accumulative Inches - Adam Krapp 37 inches, 1 entry
Entries can be emailed to dakotanglers@gmail.com or mailed to the address listed on the application.