McLean County, ND · Reservoir
Lake Audubon
A 16,000-acre Missouri-system reservoir alongside Lake Sakakawea in central North Dakota, separated by Highway 83 and fed by Snake Creek. A consistent walleye and yellow-perch fishery with northern pike in the bays and smallmouth bass on the rock — a quieter alternative to its giant neighbor.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Walleye — Marginal conditions for Walleye.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at Lake Audubon.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 12 at 1:07PM CDT until July 14 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Bismarck ND
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Audubon
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Marginal conditions for Walleye. In season 51/100
What's helping
- Dark moon — walleye feeds aggressively in low light
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 5
North Dakota: 5 walleye and sauger combined per day (no size limit on most waters; a 14" minimum applies on the Missouri River system — Lake Sakakawea — and Devils Lake).
Source: North Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Northern Pike Marginal conditions for Northern Pike. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Esox lucius — A toothy, torpedo-shaped ambush predator that lurks in weed edges and drop-offs and strikes large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live suckers. Spawns in shallow flooded vegetation right after ice-out, holds shallow in spring and fall, and slides deeper through summer. Caught year-round, including through the ice — the prairie reservoirs of the northern plains, Fort Peck chief among them, grow trophy "gators" past 20 lb.
Prefers. Water 50–70°F (ideal 63°F) · either tide · depth 4–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- no limit
North Dakota: no daily or possession limit on northern pike on most waters — harvest encouraged.
Source: North Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
North Dakota: 5 bass/day, no statewide size limit.
Source: North Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#4 Yellow Perch Marginal conditions for Yellow Perch. In season 37/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — yellow perch prefers slack tide
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Perca flavescens — Late-winter and early-spring favorite. Schools up in tidal tributaries for the pre-spawn run in February and March, taking small minnows, shad darts, and small jigs. A classic Eastern Shore "neds" fishery.
Prefers. Water 45–70°F (ideal 58°F) · slack tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- no limit
North Dakota: no daily limit on yellow perch (35 in possession on Devils Lake and most waters — confirm).
Source: North Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
North Dakota non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
North Dakota: 5 walleye/sauger per day, 14" minimum on the Missouri system.
Local reports & rules for Lake Audubon: North Dakota Game & Fish fishing & regulations → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Audubon?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lake Audubon you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lake Audubon?
Lake Audubon is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Lake Audubon?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Lake Audubon against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Lake Audubon have?
Lake Audubon has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. North Dakota: 5 walleye/sauger per day, 14" minimum on the Missouri system.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lake Audubon?
state agency regulations apply at Lake Audubon. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Lake Audubon tidal water?
No. Lake Audubon is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.