RIVERDALE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Garrison Project has released the 2025-2026 winter access policy for Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon.

This year, there will be 116 areas and points of entry to Lake Sakakawea and 20 areas and points of entry to Lake Audubon. They are a combination of boat ramps, shoreline access sites and freeways located in limited development areas. Some points will be foot traffic only due to terrain. Entry points, defined in the policy, are available for the period of the calendar year in which Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon freeze over through March 15, or until the lake becomes free of ice.

Lewis and Clark Magnum Point and Hofflund Bay Wildlife Management Area are open since muzzle loader season ended Dec. 15.

Driving on the ice is not recommended at any time. Extreme caution should be used when recreating on the ice as any winter activity performed on the ice can be hazardous. Thin ice or open water may exist near springs and pressure ridges throughout the winter.

Anglers are required to use only licensed, motorized vehicles and existing authorized public roads for entering and leaving ice fishing access areas. Some public roads may be closed by snow drifting and will not be plowed open. In these instances, operating a motor vehicle off-road to obtain access is not allowed. Additionally, the public is reminded that lake access is for ice fishing purposes only. Restrictions are in place to preclude the public from using the ice to cross the reservoir.

All Title 36 Regulations apply to the Ice Fishing Access Sites. North Dakota Game and Fish Wildlife Management Area regulations apply within all WMAs located on federal lands around the reservoir. Additionally, North Dakota Game and Fish has specific regulations pertaining to the use of ice fishing spear houses within the state of North Dakota and the spread of aquatic nuisance species. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service rules and regulations apply to all access points on Lake Audubon located within the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge.

Questions can be directed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Riverdale Office, 654-7761, or Williston Office, 713-9000; North Dakota Game & Fish, Riverdale office, 654-7475, or Williston office, 774-4320; or Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 442-5474.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages anglers to have fun, but also follow the “Always, know before you go” motto. Before accessing any body of water, check in with nearby bait shops, outfitters, game wardens or public land managers who may be valuable sources for ice condition updates.