Guide To Fishing At Lake Audubon
AKA: Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

Immediately east of highway US 83 lies Lake Audubon, a 25,000-acre lake in the west-central part of the state, at Coleharbor. The sprawling shores and multitude of islands create over 150 miles of shoreline for anglers and sightseers to explore.
Lake Audubon is located in the central part of North Dakota, near Coleharbor. It is a renowned fishing destination known for its diverse fish population and scenic beauty. Anglers visiting Lake Audubon can expect to target a variety of popular fish species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, perch, and northern pike.
Smallmouth bass are highly sought after in Lake Audubon. They provide a thrilling angling experience and can be found around rocky structures and submerged vegetation. Anglers often use lures like crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics to entice smallmouth bass to bite.
Walleye fishing is excellent in Lake Audubon, attracting anglers from far and wide. These highly prized game fish are known for their delicious taste and can be caught using a variety of techniques such as trolling, jigging, and live bait presentations. The lake's rocky points and drop-offs are prime walleye habitats.
Muskie, also known as muskellunge, are another prized species found in Lake Audubon. These large, predatory fish offer an exciting challenge for anglers. They are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Anglers targeting muskie often use large, flashy lures such as bucktails, jerkbaits, and topwater plugs.
Perch and northern pike are also abundant in Lake Audubon. Perch are highly regarded for their tasty fillets and can be caught using small jigs tipped with live bait or small minnows. Northern pike, on the other hand, are aggressive predators that provide thrilling fishing action. They are often targeted using large spoons, swimbaits, or live baitfish.
Lake Audubon not only offers excellent fishing opportunities but also provides a range of recreational activities. Boating is popular on the lake, with boat ramps and facilities available for anglers and boating enthusiasts. Additionally, camping areas near the lake provide a convenient option for those looking to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the natural surroundings.
In summary, Lake Audubon in North Dakota is a prime fishing location with a variety of popular fish species. Anglers can target smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, perch, and northern pike while enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake. The lake's rocky structures, drop-offs, and abundant vegetation create excellent habitats for these fish. Boating and camping facilities enhance the overall experience, making Lake Audubon a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
This massive waterway is a fun fishing destination and is loaded with fish. Species thriving here include bass, walleye, perch, musky and pike, all of which can be caught ice fishing in winter and conventional fishing in spring, summer and fall. The most popular species are smallmouth bass and walleye. There are five boat launch ramps/landings in the northern quadrant of the lake. A campground, RV hookups, lodging and restaurants are all handy at the lake.
What to fish for...
Fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Lake Audubon in North Dakota.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Audubon
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Audubon Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES - 5
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Cabin Sites Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off 30th Street SW, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Lane Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off 29th Avenue NW, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
North Arm Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, at the north end of the County Road 8 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Three Mile Corner Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off 15th Street NW, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Turtle Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off 15th Street NW, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Click here for a North Dakota Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
East Totten Trail Campground - 877 833-6777
Lake Audubon ND Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Lake Video
Contact Information
Lake Audubon
East Totten Trail Campground
Coleharbor, ND 58531
877 833-6777
Fishing lakes in each state.
Lake Audubon in ND
NORTH DAKOTA


Fishing for smallmouth bass and walleye in west-central ND.