Bakken Rig Count Drops to 32 Despite New Enerplus Rig

The active drilling rig count in North Dakota's Bakken formation fell to 32 on Monday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The count represents a net decrease of two rigs from the previous day, with one new rig reported and three removed from service.

Enerplus Resources USA Corporation added the sole new rig to the field. The PATTERSON 806 rig is operating in Williams County at location 158-99-28. Three rigs were released from duty. Phoenix Operating LLC removed two rigs: the PATTERSON 276 from Burke County (161-93-1) and the PATTERSON 268 from Divide County (162-95-27). Silver Hill Energy Operating, LLC removed the NABORS B27 rig from Burke County (159-93-6). No rigs were reported as having moved locations.

The current activity level continues a recent period of consolidation for Bakken drillers. Compared to one week ago, on September 7, 2026, the rig count has decreased by three, from 35. However, the count is unchanged from the level seen one month ago on August 15, 2026, which also stood at 32 active rigs.

The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for future oil production in the Williston Basin. A stable count in the low 30s suggests operators are maintaining a disciplined capital spending approach, focusing on core acreage and maximizing returns from drilled wells rather than aggressively expanding drilling programs. The removal of rigs from outlying counties like Divide and Burke, paired with an addition in the core Williams County area, aligns with this trend of high-grading operations.

For service companies and local economies in the oil patch, a static rig count provides a baseline for employment and equipment demand, though volatility in daily rig additions and releases can create localized impacts. Royalty owners in areas where rigs are released may see a pause in new drilling activity on their leases.

The Bakken formation remains North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Operators continue to drill long-lateral wells targeting the Middle Bakken and Three Forks formations, utilizing advanced completion techniques to enhance oil recovery. The current rig fleet is responsible for drilling the new wells that will sustain the state's production levels in the coming months.