Fishing Lake Audubon

AKA: Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

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

Lake Audubon, ND

Popular Fish Species Lake Audubon, ND

Walleye Fishing

The cool waters and significant baitfish population make walleye fishing at Lake Audubon a very good choice this year. 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. 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.

Lake Audubon Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

A long-time staple at Lake Audubon, yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Audubon. 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.

Lake Audubon Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike are currently thriving in the cool waters of Lake Audubon. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. They are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Lake Audubon in North Dakota.

Lake Audubon Fishing Video

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 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.

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

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.

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.