Guide To Fishing At Heart Butte Reservoir

AKA: Lake Tschida

Boasting a wide variety of fish species, Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida) attracts anglers of every age and experience level. This is a 3,400-acre lake with over fifty miles of shoreline, in the southwest part of the state, 12 miles south of Glen Ullin.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Heart Butte Reservoir is a picturesque lake located in the western part of North Dakota. Situated in the heart of the prairie, this reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a variety of species. Popular fish species in Heart Butte Reservoir include smallmouth bass, walleye, black crappie, white crappie, muskie, yellow perch, and northern pike.

Smallmouth bass are highly sought after in Heart Butte Reservoir. Anglers can target these feisty fish using a variety of techniques such as casting crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastics near rocky structures, drop-offs, and submerged logs. The reservoir's clear waters and rocky shorelines provide ideal habitats for smallmouth bass.

Walleye is another prized species in Heart Butte Reservoir. Anglers often find success trolling with crankbaits, spinner rigs, or live bait presentations to entice these elusive fish. Key areas to target walleye include points, submerged humps, and areas with a transition from shallow to deeper water.

Black crappie and white crappie can be found in Heart Butte Reservoir, offering excellent panfishing opportunities. Anglers often use small jigs, minnows, or soft plastics to target crappie near submerged structures, brush piles, or areas with vegetation. Crappie can provide fast-paced action and a delicious meal for anglers.

Muskie, known as the "Fish of 10,000 Casts," also inhabit Heart Butte Reservoir. These apex predators offer a thrilling challenge for anglers. Anglers often target muskie using large jerkbaits, bucktails, or topwater lures near weed beds, rocky points, or drop-offs. Catching a muskie in Heart Butte Reservoir is a true angling accomplishment.

Yellow perch and northern pike are abundant in the reservoir, providing additional angling opportunities. Perch can be targeted using small jigs, live bait, or small spinners. Northern pike, known for their aggressive strikes, can be caught using larger spoons, swimbaits, or crankbaits.

Heart Butte Reservoir offers a tranquil setting for boating and camping enthusiasts. Anglers can enjoy the calm waters and beautiful scenery while fishing for their favorite species. The camping facilities in the area provide a great opportunity to relax and spend more time in the great outdoors.

In summary, Heart Butte Reservoir in North Dakota is a prime fishing destination known for its diverse range of species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, black crappie, white crappie, muskie, yellow perch, and northern pike. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences while surrounded by the natural beauty of the reservoir. With its excellent boating and camping facilities, Heart Butte Reservoir offers a complete outdoor experience for anglers and nature lovers alike.

Bass, walleye, crappie, perch, pike and muskie are available for catching, with walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass getting the most attention. There are ten campgrounds at or nearby the lake, ten boat launch ramps, lodging and dining at the lake.

What to fish for...

Fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch, northern pike and tiger muskie at Heart Butte Reservoir in North Dakota.

Primary fish species residing in Heart Butte Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Heart Butte Reservoir/Lake Tschida Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Crappie Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Crappie Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Heart Butte Dam North Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off State Highway 49, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Heart Butte Dam South Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off State Highway 49, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Heart Butte Reservoir State Game Management Area Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off 58th Street SW, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Click here for a North Dakota Fishing License.