Nelson Lake in Oliver County stands out as a premier warmwater fishery in central North Dakota, located approximately 5 miles east and 3 miles south of Center. This 572-581 acre lake functions as a powerplant cooling reservoir, maintaining significantly warmer water temperatures year-round compared to other North Dakota water bodies. These elevated temperatures create exceptional growing conditions for warmwater species, particularly largemouth bass, which thrive in this unique thermal environment. The lake features an average depth of 14-16 feet with a maximum depth of 33-35 feet, covering a shoreline of approximately 12.5 miles. The warm water allows fish to remain active throughout the year, with open water conditions even during winter months when other lakes freeze over. Nelson Lake holds the distinction of producing the current North Dakota state record largemouth bass, an 8 pound, 8 ounce fish caught in 1983, highlighting the lake's potential for trophy-sized warmwater species.