Pheasant Lake in Dickey County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Pheasant Lake falls in Dickey County, part of North Dakota. Land around it is rolling bush. It measures about 211 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The shoreline runs about 3.5 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. The town to know is Ellendale, 6.9 miles out. Beyond it, Oakes at 29 miles and Aberdeen at 39 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Pheasant Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Fish documented in Dickey County include black crappie, bluegill and black bullhead. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Pheasant Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 71°F; the cold one sits at 10°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid April in spring and again near late November in autumn. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Pheasant Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. The nearest alternative is Webber Gulch, 7.1 miles out. Where Pheasant Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.