Fishing Lake Metigoshe
AKA: Metigoshe Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Metigoshe, ND
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for big, fat bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Metigoshe. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Black Crappie Fishing
Lake Metigoshe holds a decent population of black crappie, which are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to a significant baitfish population, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Lake Metigoshe this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Metigoshe in North Dakota.
Lake Metigoshe Fishing Video
Big bluegill and heavy crappie entice anglers to Lake Metigoshe, a 1,500-acre lake in the north-central part of North Dakota. Much of the 27 miles of shoreline is developed with private homes, yet there is plenty of undeveloped areas for fishing from the bank.
Lake Metigoshe is a picturesque lake located in the northwest section of North Dakota, near the Canadian border. It is a popular fishing destination known for its diverse fish species and beautiful natural surroundings. Anglers visiting Lake Metigoshe can enjoy a wide range of fishing opportunities while targeting species such as black crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, bluegill, and northern pike.
Black crappie are plentiful in Lake Metigoshe and provide anglers with exciting fishing action. They can be targeted using small jigs, live bait, or minnows around submerged structures, brush piles, or areas with vegetation. Crappie fishing in Lake Metigoshe offers a thrilling experience and the chance to catch a tasty meal.
Largemouth bass are another popular species in the lake. Anglers can pursue these elusive predators using a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics. Largemouth bass can be found near weed beds, submerged logs, and areas with aquatic vegetation. Catching a largemouth bass in Lake Metigoshe can provide an exhilarating fight and a memorable fishing experience.
Walleye, known for their tasty fillets, are highly sought after by anglers in Lake Metigoshe. They can be targeted using crankbaits, jigs, or live bait presentations. Walleye often congregate near rocky points, drop-offs, or areas with structure. Anglers who understand the lake's structure and fish behavior can increase their chances of catching walleye.
Yellow perch are abundant in Lake Metigoshe and are a favorite target for many anglers. They can be caught using small jigs, live bait, or spinners near weed beds, submerged structures, or sandy bottoms. Yellow perch fishing provides a great opportunity for anglers to fill their creel with these delicious panfish.
Bluegill are another popular species in Lake Metigoshe. These feisty fish can be caught using small jigs, live bait, or flies around weed beds, docks, or submerged vegetation. Bluegill fishing offers a great option for anglers of all ages and skill levels, especially those looking for some relaxing and rewarding fishing experiences.
Northern pike are apex predators in Lake Metigoshe and can provide an exciting challenge for anglers. They can be targeted using large spoons, swimbaits, or live bait presentations. Northern pike can be found near weed beds, submerged logs, and areas with structure. Catching a northern pike in Lake Metigoshe can be a thrilling experience and test an angler's skills.
Lake Metigoshe in North Dakota's northwest sector offers a diverse fishery with species such as black crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, bluegill, and northern pike. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences while surrounded by the lake's stunning scenery. Whether it's targeting crappie, bass, walleye, perch, bluegill, or pike, Lake Metigoshe provides ample opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The boating and camping facilities make it an ideal destination for a complete outdoor adventure.
The primary fish species in Metigoshe include bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch and pike. Ice fishing for bluegill, crappie and perch is very popular, and a great way to introduce kids to fishing. Four major boat launch ramps, for boating access, are available for public use. The ramps are centrally located and are accessible from either side of the lake. Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground is located on the east side of the lake and includes a boat launch. Lodging, stores and restaurants are all close by the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Metigoshe
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Metigoshe Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Lake Metigoshe offers excellent boating opportunities, allowing anglers to explore the lake's various fishing spots. The lake is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a perfect destination for camping and enjoying the outdoors. The camping facilities provide a comfortable and convenient way for anglers to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Lake Metigoshe.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Hahns Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Hahns Bay Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Lake Metigoshe Main Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off E Shore Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and roadside parking.
Lake Metigoshe State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off E Shore Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Metigoshe
CnZ Guide Service - bluegill, crappie, walleye
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a North Dakota Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground - 701 263-4651
Lake Metigoshe ND Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Metigoshe
Lake Metigoshe State Park
2nd St E
Bottineau, ND 58318
701 263-4651
Fishing lakes in each state.
080924
Lake Metigoshe in North Dakota.
NORTH DAKOTA
Information about fishing lakes in North Dakota
Fishing for bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch and pike at Lake Metigoshe in north-central ND.