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Lake Ilo

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
1
Species
5

Lake Ilo is a scenic reservoir located one mile west of Dunn Center, North Dakota, within the Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this body of water serves as both a recreational fishing destination and a vital habitat for local wildlife. The refuge is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of lands set aside to conserve wildlife and habitat for current and future generations. With its calm waters and variety of fish species, Lake Ilo offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels throughout the year.


Species & education

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

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye75,600 fish · FingerlingsJun 10, 2026
  • Walleye104,300 fish · FingerlingsJun 30, 2025
  • Northern Pike40 fish · FingerlingsJun 30, 2025
  • Northern Pike25 fish · FingerlingsJun 30, 2025
  • Yellow Perch3,715 fish · AdultsApr 16, 2025

Source

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

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

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Ilo. 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 Ilo

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.

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North Dakota Fishing License

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

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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.

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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.

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Take Lake Ilo 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 Ilo to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Ilo 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 Ilo and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


Explore North Dakota waters

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