Bakken Rig Count Dips to 21 Amid Broad North American Decline

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota fell to 21 on Monday, April 20, 2026, according to live Bakken Wire data. The net loss of one rig from the previous day resulted from two rigs being released and one new rig starting operations.

One new rig commenced drilling. Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. spud a well using the NABORS B17 rig at a location in McKenzie County (152-101-25). Two rigs were removed from service. Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC released the NABORS X-10 rig from a Williams County location (153-98-22), and XTO Energy Inc. released the NOBLE 2 rig, also in Williams County (154-96-10). No rigs moved between locations.

The current count of 21 rigs represents a slight decline from recent activity levels. One week ago, on April 13, 2026, the state reported 22 active rigs. The count is down two rigs from the 23 active rigs reported on April 1, 2026.

The gradual easing in Bakken drilling activity mirrors a broader contraction across the continent. According to Rigzone, North America dropped seven rigs week on week, marking the eighth consecutive week of declines in the regional rotary rig count. The report, citing data from oilfield services firm Baker Hughes, was published on April 20, 2026.

The Bakken formation and wider Williston Basin remain North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Rig count is a key leading indicator of future production activity and employment in the state's oilfield service sector. The current level, while down from earlier in the month, continues to support a base level of drilling operations.

Operators adjust their active rig fleets based on commodity price outlooks, capital expenditure budgets, and well inventory. The release of rigs by Hess and XTO, alongside the single new rig from Devon, reflects ongoing portfolio management by major producers in the play.