Fishing Lake Ashtabula

AKA: Ashtabula Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Lake Ashtabula Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Ashtabula, ND

Popular Fish Species Lake Ashtabula, ND

Walleye Fishing

Lake Ashtabula is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by North Dakota Game and Fish Department 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.

Lake Ashtabula Popular Fish - White Bass

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 Lake Ashtabula, 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.

Lake Ashtabula Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Ashtabula. 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.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Ashtabula in North Dakota.

Lake Ashtabula Fishing Video

There are seven boat launch ramps on Lake Ashtabula, providing access areas for boating and fishing.This 5,400-acre lake in the east-central part of the state is loaded with smallmouth bass, perch walleye, white bass and northern pike.

Lake Ashtabula is located in the eastern part of North Dakota, near Valley City. It is a popular fishing destination known for its diverse fish population. Anglers visiting Lake Ashtabula can expect to find a variety of species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, black crappie, white crappie, white bass, and sunfish.

Smallmouth bass are highly sought after in Lake Ashtabula. They are known for their fighting spirit and are often found around rocky structures and submerged vegetation. Anglers can use a variety of lures and techniques to target smallmouth bass, such as crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics.

Walleye fishing is also excellent in Lake Ashtabula. These prized game fish are known for their delicious taste and challenging nature. Anglers often use live bait, such as minnows or leeches, or artificial lures like jigs and crankbaits to entice walleye. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons to target walleye in Lake Ashtabula.

Crappie fishing is another popular activity on Lake Ashtabula. Both black and white crappie can be found in good numbers, particularly around submerged structures and brush piles. Anglers often use jigs or live minnows to catch crappie. These fish are highly regarded for their delicate flavor and make for excellent table fare.

White bass and sunfish are also abundant in Lake Ashtabula. White bass, known for their aggressive nature and strong fight, are often caught using lures such as jigs and spinners. Sunfish, including bluegill and other species, are popular among novice anglers and are a great target for family fishing outings.

Lake Ashtabula in North Dakota is a fantastic fishing destination offering a variety of popular fish species. Anglers can target smallmouth bass, walleye, black crappie, white crappie, white bass, and sunfish while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the lake. The best season to fish depends on the species, but spring and fall generally provide excellent opportunities. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, Lake Ashtabula offers a rewarding fishing experience with options for boating and camping to enhance your outdoor adventure.

Big smallmouth, giant walleye and fat perch get most of the attention here, but don't overlook the other species as they can provide consistent catches. Current is always a factor when fishing this river lake. Visitors arriving for boating or fishing can enjoy over seventy miles of shoreline. Many trails around the lake, as well as areas around the landings, offer access to anglers wishing to fish from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Ashtabula

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Ashtabula Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES - 8
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Aside from fishing, Lake Ashtabula offers boating and camping opportunities. Anglers can enjoy cruising the scenic lake while searching for their next fishing spot. There are boat ramps and facilities available for boaters. Camping areas near the lake provide a convenient option for anglers who wish to spend multiple days exploring the fishing opportunities and enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Ashtabula.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Hungry Pelican
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
701 490-3735

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Ashtabula Crossing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, at the west end of the 118th Avenue SE Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

East Ashtabula Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the east end of the 118th Avenue SE Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Eggerts Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 22nd Street SE, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Karnack Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off 10th Street SE, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Katie Olson Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Katie Olson Landing, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Mel Reiman Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off River Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sibley Crossing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, at the west end of the State Route 26 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sundstrom's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Sunset Place, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.