Horsehead Lake is the third-largest natural lake in North Dakota – a 10,000-acre prairie lake in Kidder County that has become one of the state’s go-to walleye destinations. Long a northern pike water, it has blossomed into a top walleye fishery in recent years, drawing anglers to the heart of the Missouri Coteau pothole country near Robinson. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
- Horsehead Lake at a glance
- How big and deep is Horsehead Lake?
- Fishing Horsehead Lake
- Boating, access and recreation
- Water level
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- How big is Horsehead Lake?
- How deep is Horsehead Lake?
- What fish are in Horsehead Lake?
- Where is Horsehead Lake?
Horsehead Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~10,148 acres – North Dakota’s third-largest natural lake; about 48 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~13 ft, maximum ~22 ft
- Elevation: ~1,830 ft, on the Missouri Coteau of central North Dakota
- Location: Kidder County, near Robinson and Tappen (north of I-94)
- Top fish: walleye, northern pike, yellow perch
How big and deep is Horsehead Lake?
Horsehead Lake spreads across about 10,148 acres with roughly 48 miles of shoreline, making it the third-largest natural lake in North Dakota behind Devils Lake and Stump Lake. Like most prairie lakes it’s relatively shallow – averaging about 13 feet and reaching around 22 feet at its deepest – so it warms quickly and grows fish fast.
Fishing Horsehead Lake
Horsehead has transformed into one of central North Dakota’s best walleye lakes:
- Walleye – historically a pike lake, Horsehead has been stocked with walleye over the past several years and they’ve thrived, reaching excellent catchable sizes.
- Northern pike remain strong in the bays and along weed lines.
- Yellow perch round out the catch and feed the ice fishery.
A North Dakota fishing license is required. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recently built a new concrete boat ramp on the west shore and added a deeper-water peninsula to fight siltation, improving access. Winter ice fishing for walleye, pike and perch is popular.
Boating, access and recreation
A new concrete push-style boat ramp on the west shore serves the lake, and the big open water suits powerboating and fishing. The surrounding pothole prairie is rich waterfowl and upland habitat, popular with hunters and birders. There is no developed swimming beach; Horsehead is a fishing-and-boating lake.
Water level
As a shallow prairie lake, Horsehead’s level rises and falls with the region’s wet and dry cycles, and siltation has been an ongoing management focus. Check current conditions and the updated lake-contour map before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Horsehead Lake is near Robinson in Kidder County, north of I-94, about 1 hour east of Bismarck. The Missouri Coteau pothole lakes and the Chase Lake wilderness area are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- New ramp: a recently rebuilt concrete ramp on the west shore.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for walleye and pike; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Horsehead Lake?
About 10,148 acres with 48 miles of shoreline – the third-largest natural lake in North Dakota.
How deep is Horsehead Lake?
It averages about 13 feet and reaches roughly 22 feet at its deepest.
What fish are in Horsehead Lake?
Walleye (now a top target after stocking), northern pike and yellow perch.
Where is Horsehead Lake?
In Kidder County near Robinson, north of I-94, about an hour east of Bismarck, North Dakota.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.