Lake Tobiason in Steele County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lake Tobiason lies in Steele County, North Dakota. Elevation runs to 1,112 feet. Around 47 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The full circuit measures close to 1.2 miles on foot. It lies lower than most water we list in North Dakota. 18 miles away sits Mayville, the nearest town. For a city, Fargo is 66 miles off. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Lake Tobiason

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Steele County records list bluegill and brown bullhead among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Lake Tobiason that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 69°F, while January sits near 5°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Look for the thaw near mid April; the fishing lifts straight after. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. On Lake Tobiason that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A ramp is mapped within half a mile. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Should this one be busy, North Golden Lake is 3.4 miles off. Signs at Lake Tobiason carry more weight than any list.