Lake Audubon is Lake Sakakawea’s quieter neighbor – a 16,000-acre reservoir held just east of the big lake by the Snake Creek embankment, with more stable water and a reputation as one of North Dakota’s most consistent walleye and northern pike waters. Part of the Garrison Diversion system and ringed by the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, it’s a fishing-and-wildlife lake that rewards anglers looking for slightly calmer, more predictable conditions than Sakakawea’s open sea.
This guide covers Lake Audubon: the fishing, the refuge and access, and how it connects to Sakakawea. It’s part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
Lake Audubon at a glance
- Surface area: ~16,000 acres, held by the Snake Creek embankment beside Lake Sakakawea
- Location: McLean County, central North Dakota (near Coleharbor & Garrison)
- Setting: part of the Garrison Diversion; ringed by Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
- Top fish: walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, smallmouth bass
Fishing Lake Audubon
Audubon is a walleye angler’s lake first, with the bonus of steadier water than its giant neighbor:
- Walleye – abundant and consistent, with good size; the lake’s more stable level keeps the fishing predictable through the season.
- Northern pike grow large in the weedy bays – a strong trophy-pike water.
- Yellow perch and smallmouth bass round out the catch, and the winter ice fishery is excellent.
A North Dakota fishing license is required. Public ramps provide access, and Audubon’s reputation for dependable walleye makes it a favorite of locals and tournament anglers alike.
The refuge and access
Lake Audubon is wrapped by the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, a major stop on the central flyway where pelicans, grebes, ducks and geese gather in huge numbers – the auto tour route and overlooks make it a birder’s lake as much as an angler’s. Several boat ramps and recreation areas serve the shoreline, and the lake sits just off US-83 for easy access. Because it’s tied to the Garrison Diversion, its level stays more stable than Sakakawea’s.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Audubon is off US-83 near Coleharbor, about 1.5 hours north of Bismarck and adjacent to Lake Sakakawea – the two are separated only by the Snake Creek embankment, so you can easily fish both on one trip. Garrison, the “Walleye Capital of North Dakota,” is minutes away.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- Refuge rules: respect Audubon National Wildlife Refuge regulations and seasonal closures.
- Pair with Sakakawea: the two lakes are side by side – fish both.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for walleye and pike; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Audubon?
Walleye (the headliner), northern pike, yellow perch and smallmouth bass.
How is Lake Audubon different from Lake Sakakawea?
Audubon is held beside Sakakawea by the Snake Creek embankment and has a more stable water level, making the walleye fishing especially consistent. The two are adjacent and easily fished together.
Where is Lake Audubon?
In McLean County near Coleharbor, off US-83 about 1.5 hours north of Bismarck.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.
