Fishing at Bu Lake, Rolette County, North Dakota

• Overview

  Bu Lake lies in Rolette County, in North Dakota. It lies 2,129 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 76 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The edge runs 1.2 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Nearest place of any size is Shell Valley, 8.3 miles away. The nearest city of size is Winnipeg, 141 miles away. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Bu Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Rolette County cover bluegill, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch and johnny darter. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Treat Bu Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 65°F in July and bottom out at 1°F in January. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late April. From about late April to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It sets the rhythm of the year at Bu Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Cain Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. For Bu Lake in particular, ask before you travel.