Fishing Stump Lake

AKA: Stump Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Stump Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Stump Lake, ND

Popular Fish Species Stump Lake, ND

Walleye Fishing

Stump Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by North Dakota Game and Fish and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods 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.

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Stump Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

White Bass Fishing

White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. Numerous successful spawn years have increased the population of white bass in Stump Lake, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing for white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for walleye, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Stump Lake in North Dakota.

Stump Lake Fishing Video

Quality walleye fishing is the primary draw to Stump Lake, a 15,000-acre lake in the eastern part of the state. The primary boat launch ramp is located at Stump Lake Park on the east side of the lake.

Stump Lake is located in the eastern section of North Dakota and is a popular fishing destination for anglers seeking a variety of fish species. One of the most sought-after fish in Stump Lake is walleye. Known for its delicious taste and exciting fights, walleye fishing in Stump Lake can be a rewarding experience. Anglers can target walleye using techniques such as jigging, trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, and live bait presentations. The lake's structure, including submerged stumps and weed beds, provides ideal habitat for walleye.

Yellow perch are another popular species in Stump Lake. These tasty panfish can be found in good numbers and are often targeted by anglers looking for a delicious meal. Yellow perch can be caught using small jigs, live bait such as worms or minnows, and light tackle. Stump Lake offers ample opportunities for yellow perch fishing, especially during the spring and fall seasons when they congregate near shorelines and weed beds.

White bass are also present in Stump Lake and provide exciting fishing action. These aggressive fish can be caught using a variety of techniques, including casting crankbaits, jigging spoons, and trolling. White bass are known for their strong fights and acrobatic leaps, making them a popular target for anglers seeking an adrenaline rush.

Northern pike, with their aggressive nature and impressive size, are another prized species in Stump Lake. Anglers can target northern pike using large spoons, swimbaits, or live bait such as large minnows or suckers. The lake's weedy areas, shallow bays, and drop-offs are prime spots for finding northern pike.

Stump Lake in the eastern sector of North Dakota is a popular fishing destination known for its walleye, yellow perch, white bass, and northern pike fisheries. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, Stump Lake offers a range of fishing opportunities and the chance to catch some delicious and exciting fish. With its beautiful surroundings and recreational amenities, Stump Lake provides a great setting for boating, camping, and enjoying the outdoors.

There are 72 miles of shoreline strewn with standing trees, stumps and brush that provide cover for forage fish. The lake has healthy populations of walleye, white bass, perch and pike. Anglers can fish access to much of the shoreline for fishing from the bank or portage of car top boats, kayaks and canoes. There is limited services or shopping at the lake, so come prepared with fishing tackle, bait and camping supplies.

Primary fish species residing in Stump Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Stump Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to the diverse fishery, Stump Lake offers opportunities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the lake's various fishing spots and access hard-to-reach areas with a boat. Camping facilities in the area provide a convenient and scenic base for anglers to relax and enjoy their fishing trip.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Stump Lake Main Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off 32nd Street NE, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Tolna Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, south side, off 100th Avenue NE, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.