Trip of a Lifetime: Hunting, Fishing & Filming in Devils Lake, North Dakota
When you think of Devils Lake, North Dakota, one word comes to mind — adventure. From glassy waters brimming with fish to rolling fields echoing with the sound of wings, this northern destination is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Recently, PATTRIE Productions took the trip of a lifetime out to Devils Lake for a week of waterfowl hunting, pheasant hunting, and open-water fishing. Along for the ride was Mike Clingan, owner and professional photographer with Montana Outdoor Imagery, whose job was to capture the magic of it all — the landscapes, the laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of the outdoor community.
The Trip of a Lifetime
For Jared and Pat, this wasn’t just another hunting trip — it was an opportunity to celebrate the traditions, communities, and conservation values that make the outdoors such a vital part of life in North Dakota.
Devils Lake, known as one of the best destinations for multi-sport outdoor adventures, offered everything they were looking for: early-morning duck blinds, endless shoreline fishing, and unforgettable pheasant hunts under the wide Dakota sky.
“It was a trip of a lifetime, really,” Pat recalled on the podcast. “You can’t beat this mix of scenery, challenge, and community.”
Maximizing Every Moment Outdoors
One of the major themes from the trip was maximizing your outdoor experiences — making the most of your time in the field or on the water. With the help of local guides, and navigation tools like OnX, Jared and Pat were able to explore new hunting zones, stay compliant with land access rules, and uncover those “hidden gem” spots that only the locals know.
“You need to make sure that you are legal,” Jared emphasized. “That’s where tools like OnX and the expertise of local guides make a huge difference.”
For anglers and hunters alike, Devils Lake offers a rare kind of convenience — world-class fishing and hunting in one region, often within a few miles of each other.
Where to Stay: Dakota Sunset Resort
For anyone planning a similar trip, Dakota Sunset Resort became the perfect home base. With easy lake access, comfortable accommodations, and a welcoming atmosphere for hunters and anglers, it served as the team’s recharge station between long days in the field and on the water.
As Pat noted, “It’s the kind of place where you can hang your waders to dry, swap stories around the fire, and watch a sunset that reminds you why you came out here in the first place.”
Capturing the Essence of Outdoor Life
With Mike Clingan behind the lens, the PATTRIE crew focused on more than just harvesting birds or catching fish — they wanted to tell the story of outdoor life.
From dawn hunts in the marsh to the quiet moments of reflection between casts, Montana Outdoor Imagery captured the people, landscapes, and wildlife that make Devils Lake special. This content will help promote the hunting, fishing, and local tourism industries that keep rural North Dakota thriving.
These images will not only celebrate the experience but also highlight how communities rely on — and are strengthened by — outdoors-loving people who travel, spend, and support the region.
Mike Clingan, Montana Outdoor Imagery
Lessons Learned and Memories Made
Throughout the trip, the team emphasized the importance of:
Local knowledge for navigating terrain and regulations.
Guides and mentors who elevate the experience for newcomers.
Community connections that make the outdoors feel inclusive and welcoming.
Supporting local businesses to sustain outdoor economies.
As Jared said during the podcast, “Encouraging new hunters is how we keep these traditions alive.”
Plan Your Own Devils Lake Adventure
If you’ve ever dreamed of a trip that combines world-class hunting, epic fishing, and unforgettable camaraderie, Devils Lake, North Dakota should be at the top of your list.
Start planning your trip today at DevilsLakeND.com — and be sure to check out local spots like Dakota Sunset Resort, OnX Maps, and Montana Imagery to help you make the most of it.
Final Thoughts
For PATTRIE Productions, this wasn’t just a content trip — it was a celebration of the wild spaces that shape us. It was about connecting people to the land, to each other, and to the timeless call of the outdoors. From sunrise hunts to sunset casts, this trip celebrates everything we love about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.
Hunt hard. Fish often. Share freely. Because in Devils Lake, the adventure never ends.
