North Dakota Game and Fish lists worms, wax worms, leeches, live minnows and dead minnows among fishing baits. It describes earthworms and nightcrawlers as simple to use and care for, and shows a worm or nightcrawler on a hook below a bobber as a versatile setup. These are examples of bait types—not a nationwide list of legal baits. (North Dakota: Open-Water Tackle)
Start with the bobber-and-worm setup
Our Start Here guide walks through the beginner lake-and-pond setup: a bobber, hook and worm. Use that page for your first-trip sequence rather than learning a second set of instructions here. North Dakota's equipment guide also describes hook-and-bobber rigs and worm presentations. (Agency reference)
Check legality before collecting or buying
Bait laws vary by state and by waterbody. Start at Fishing by State, follow your agency's current regulations, and check any special rules for the exact water you plan to fish. Do not assume that a bait being sold makes it legal in every nearby lake or stream.
New York example—not a national rule: NYSDEC lists waters where baitfish are prohibited. It also distinguishes certified from uncertified baitfish, requires buyers to retain the receipt for certified baitfish, and restricts the use and overland motor-vehicle transport of uncertified baitfish, with designated corridor exceptions. Read the full agency page for its definitions, species lists and exceptions before fishing in New York. (NYSDEC: Baitfish Regulations)
Do not release leftover baitfish
NYSDEC warns that baitfish can spread disease or disrupt native fish communities. Its responsible-angling guidance says never to release live bait from a bait bucket into New York waters or move bait or other fish between waters. Follow your own agency's disposal and transport instructions wherever you fish. (NYSDEC: Being a Responsible Angler)
Keep exploring: Start Here · Fishing by State · Baits & Lures Selection.
Sources checked Nov 6, 2026 (PT).