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Bakken Rig Count Climbs to 36 as New Drilling Activity Offsets Departures - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

Bakken Rig Count Climbs to 36 as New Drilling Activity Offsets Departures

The North Dakota rig count rose by one net rig, with two new rigs spudding and one leaving the basin, reflecting sustained operator activity.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota increased to 36 on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, marking a net gain of one rig from the previous day. The increase was driven by two new rigs starting operations, offset by the departure of another, according to live rig data.

Two new rigs were added to the state's tally. In Divide County, Phoenix Operating LLC spudded the PATTERSON 280 rig at location 160-98-14. In McKenzie County, WESCO OPERATING, INC. commenced drilling with the CAPSTAR 329 rig at 145-103-20. These new additions represent fresh capital deployment in two of the Bakken's core counties.

The gains were partially offset by the departure of one rig. ROCKPORT ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC released the H & P 515 rig from its previous location at 146-98-18 in McKenzie County. However, the same operator remained active in the region, moving its PATTERSON 290 rig to a new McKenzie County location at 146-98-25.

The current rig count of 36 represents a steady increase over recent periods. Compared to one week ago, when the state reported 33 active rigs on October 7, 2026, activity is up by three rigs. The count is also four rigs higher than the level of 32 recorded one month ago on September 14, 2026, indicating a gradual, multi-week uptrend in drilling operations.

The sustained activity, particularly in the prolific McKenzie County, underscores continued operator focus on core Bakken and Three Forks assets. Rig movements and new spuds are key indicators of near-term future production, as wells typically take several weeks to drill and complete. The current count remains a critical metric for service companies, royalty owners, and regional economists tracking the oil and gas sector's health in North Dakota.

Source

Bakken Wire Live Rig Data, historical context from Bakken Wire archives

rig countdrilling activitynorth dakotabakkenmckenzie countydivide countyphoenix operatingwesco operatingrockport energy solutions

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