Des Lacs Reservoir Fishing near Burlington, North Dakota

• Overview

  Out in Ward County, North Dakota, sits Des Lacs Reservoir. Height above sea level is 1,877 feet. Surface area runs to about 20 acres — small enough to read in one session. Most waters listed here for Ward County are larger. Burlington at 6.5 miles is the nearest place to stop. After that come Minot at 13 miles and Minot Air Force Base at 15 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Des Lacs Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Across Ward County, recorded fish include northern pike, black bullhead and yellow perch. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. At Des Lacs Reservoir the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 68°F, while January sits near 6°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. The season on Des Lacs Reservoir follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Livingston Lake sits 11 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing here settles the position at Des Lacs Reservoir for certain.