North Dakota's Game and Fish Department has wrapped up surveys and sampling efforts for the open water season.
Fisheries Chief Greg Power says the results point toward good conditions in the state's three big fisheries.
Power says good habitat and forage conditions in Lake Sakakawea have resulted in an abundance of rainbow smelt and other forage, which in turn has contributed to excellent condition and growth of game fish such as walleye and northern pike.
Walleye and northerns also are plentiful in Devils Lake, though the number of catchable-size perch is down.
The Missouri River between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe is still under the influence of habitat changes caused by the 2011 flood. But the outlook has improved greatly in Lake Oahe, especially near the South Dakota border.