Harts Lake near Bottineau: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Bottineau County end of North Dakota holds Harts Lake. The country round it is mixed forest from end to end. At about 25 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Our Bottineau County list holds plenty of bigger water. Bottineau is the closest place, 11 miles off. Further out sit Deloraine (15 miles) and Boissevain (24 miles). The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Harts Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Bottineau County cover bluegill, brown bullhead and northern pike. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Harts Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 65°F and January at 2°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. Open water usually runs from late April until about mid November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It sets the rhythm of the year at Harts Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Line Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Harts Lake before loading the car.