Lake LaMoure in LaMoure County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In North Dakota, Lake LaMoure falls inside LaMoure County. Elevation runs to 1,335 feet. At 395 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. The outline measures near 6.7 miles, so local knowledge counts. It is low-lying compared with other North Dakota water we list. The nearest place of any size is Oakes, 14 miles away. Ellendale follows at 23 miles, then Lisbon at 31 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lake LaMoure

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Survey and observation records for LaMoure County include black bullhead, bluegill and walleye. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Lake LaMoure the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 8°F in January up to 71°F in July. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at late November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Plan around that when you fish Lake LaMoure.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is a slipway on the shore, half a mile from the water we list. For walleye, a jig and minnow near the bottom is the standard; evenings beat middays. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Cottonwood Lake, 6.7 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. The position on Lake LaMoure is worth confirming on the day.