Bowman-Haley Lake is a quiet 1,500-acre reservoir in the far southwestern corner of North Dakota, built by the Corps of Engineers on the North Fork of the Grand River. Remote and lightly visited, it’s a dependable walleye, pike and perch lake for the ranching country around Bowman, with a campground and the wide-open buttes-and-prairie scenery of the state’s southwest.
This guide covers Bowman-Haley Lake: the fishing, the camping, and access. It’s part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
Bowman-Haley Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~1,500 acres on the North Fork Grand River
- Location: Bowman County, far southwestern North Dakota (near Bowman)
- Built: Bowman-Haley Dam, completed 1966 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
- Top fish: walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, smallmouth bass, catfish
Fishing Bowman-Haley Lake
Bowman-Haley is an unpressured prairie fishery with a good mix: walleye are the main draw, with northern pike in the bays, yellow perch and crappie, plus smallmouth bass and catfish. A North Dakota fishing license is required. Its out-of-the-way location keeps the crowds away, and it’s a quiet ice-fishing spot in winter.
Camping and access
A campground and boat ramp on the lake provide the basics for an overnight or a day of fishing, set against the rolling buttes of southwestern North Dakota. This is wide-open ranch country – services are limited, so come prepared – but for anglers who like solitude, Bowman-Haley delivers.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Bowman-Haley Lake is south of Bowman in the far southwestern corner of the state, near the South Dakota line, about 2.5 hours southwest of Dickinson. The Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park lie to the north, and the fossil-rich country around Bowman is a draw for dinosaur enthusiasts.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- Remote: far southwestern ranch country – limited services, come self-sufficient.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for walleye, pike and perch; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Bowman-Haley Lake?
Walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, smallmouth bass and catfish.
Is there camping at Bowman-Haley Lake?
Yes – a campground and boat ramp on the lake provide basic facilities for overnight stays.
Where is Bowman-Haley Lake?
In the far southwestern corner of North Dakota south of Bowman, near the South Dakota line.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.
