Skip to main content

Lake Ashtabula

Boat Ramps
9
Access Points
17
Species
7

Lake Ashtabula is a scenic 5,174-acre reservoir located in eastern North Dakota, created by the construction of the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River in 1950. This 27-mile long impoundment offers anglers exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the year, with approximately 74 miles of shoreline to explore. With an average depth of 13.7 feet and a maximum depth of 45.2 feet, the lake provides diverse underwater habitat for numerous fish species. Despite being a reservoir, Lake Ashtabula fishes more like a river, retaining its riverine characteristics with a meandering channel and consistent current throughout its length. The name Ashtabula comes from a Native American word meaning Fish River, which perfectly suits this productive fishery that draws anglers from across the region.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Lake Ashtabula and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye65,600 fish · FingerlingsJun 9, 2026
  • Walleye100,800 fish · FingerlingsJun 9, 2026
  • Walleye42,600 fish · FingerlingsJun 9, 2026
  • Walleye13,120 fish · FingerlingsJun 9, 2026
  • Walleye118,500 fish · FingerlingsJun 5, 2026

Source

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page, opens in new tab

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Ashtabula. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Ashtabula

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

North Dakota licenses and regulations

North Dakota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more, opens in new tab

North Dakota Fishing License

Residents and Nonresidents under 16 years old and older are not required to have a fishing license

Learn more, opens in new tab

North Dakota Fishing Regulations

This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

North Dakota Stream Access Laws

Any person, before commencing any construction for the purpose of appropriating waters of the state or before taking waters of the state from any constructed works, shall first secure a water permit from the state engineer unless such construction or taking from such constructed works is for domestic or livestock purposes or for fish, wildlife, and other recreational uses.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Lake Ashtabula with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lake Ashtabula to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Ashtabula to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Ashtabula and check the forecast before you go.

SHEYENNE RIVER BELOW BALDHILL DAM, ND

Loading flow chart…
Latest
10 yr average

All Flow Stations



Explore North Dakota waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.