Fishing at Schmidt Lake, Rolette County, North Dakota

• Overview

  In North Dakota, Schmidt Lake falls inside Rolette County. It lies 2,083 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 33 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Most waters listed here for Rolette County are larger. Nearest town is Shell Valley, 14 miles off. Bottineau is 16 miles and Belcourt 18 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Schmidt Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name bluegill, northern pike, white bass and yellow perch. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Read Schmidt Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 66°F; the cold one sits at 1°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late April. On average, late April opens the water and mid November closes it again. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. On Schmidt Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Berry Lake is 1.6 miles distant. Treat Schmidt Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.