There is only one lake is North Dakota that can be fished by boat or shore all year and it’s called Nelson Lake. This is the only lake in the state that doesn’t freeze – even in the coldest parts of the winter. The nearby Minnkota Power Cooperative coal-fired generating plant discharges warm water into the lake, which keeps the waters at a temperature that is too warm to freeze. Even in the winter, the water here is often more than 50 degrees, especially in the area closest to the plant. Several species of fish thrive in these warm waters, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie. You can even find a few Northern pike here, though they mostly prefer colder waters.

driving directions

Nelson Lake boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Nelson Lake.