Alkaline Lake is one of the better walleye lakes in central North Dakota – a 6,300-acre prairie lake straddling the Kidder-Logan county line near Napoleon, known for abundant walleye, big northern pike and jumbo perch. A Class II fishery with natural reproduction, it’s a productive, uncrowded destination in the Missouri Coteau pothole country. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
Alkaline Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~6,306 acres, with about 37 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~16.7 ft, maximum ~23.7 ft
- Elevation: ~1,950 ft, on the Missouri Coteau of central North Dakota
- Location: Kidder & Logan counties, near Napoleon
- Top fish: walleye, northern pike, yellow perch
How big and deep is Alkaline Lake?
Alkaline Lake covers about 6,306 acres with roughly 37 miles of shoreline, and it’s reasonably deep for a prairie lake – averaging about 16.7 feet and reaching around 23.7 feet. That depth helps it stay healthy and support natural fish reproduction, earning it a Class II fishery rating.
Fishing Alkaline Lake
Alkaline is managed for walleye, with fingerlings stocked annually, and walleye are abundant. The lake also produces excellent northern pike – fish occasionally exceeding 10 pounds – and large yellow perch (in lower numbers). A North Dakota fishing license is required. The depth and natural reproduction make it a reliable, productive fishery from boats and the bank, with strong winter ice fishing for walleye, pike and perch.
Boating, access and recreation
A public boat ramp serves the lake, set in the rolling pothole prairie that’s prime waterfowl country, popular with hunters and birders as well as anglers. There’s no developed swimming beach; Alkaline is a fishing-and-boating lake. The wide, open water can get rough in wind, so watch the forecast.
Water level
As a Coteau prairie lake, Alkaline’s level fluctuates with the region’s wet and dry cycles; its depth gives it more stability than the shallowest lakes, but check current conditions and the lake-contour map before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Alkaline Lake is near Napoleon on the Kidder-Logan county line, central North Dakota, about 1 hour southeast of Bismarck. The Missouri Coteau pothole lakes surround it.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- Trophy pike: northern pike here can top 10 pounds.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for walleye and pike; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Alkaline Lake?
Walleye (abundant, the managed species), northern pike (sometimes over 10 pounds) and large yellow perch.
How deep is Alkaline Lake?
It averages about 16.7 feet and reaches roughly 23.7 feet at its deepest, across about 6,306 acres.
Where is Alkaline Lake?
On the Kidder-Logan county line near Napoleon, central North Dakota, about an hour southeast of Bismarck.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.