Lake Isabel is a popular fishing and recreation lake in Kidder County, central North Dakota – an 817-acre prairie lake near Dawson known for northern pike, walleye and perch, with a lakeside campground and easy access just off I-94. Shallow, fertile and family-friendly, it’s a favorite stop in the pothole country between Bismarck and Jamestown. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
Lake Isabel at a glance
- Surface area: ~817 acres
- Depth: average ~9 ft, maximum ~13 ft – a shallow, fertile prairie lake
- Elevation: ~1,860 ft, on the Missouri Coteau / Drift Prairie
- Location: Kidder County, near Dawson (south of I-94)
- Top fish: northern pike, walleye, yellow perch
How deep is Lake Isabel?
Lake Isabel is a shallow, fertile prairie lake, averaging about 9 feet deep and reaching only around 13 feet at its deepest across its ~817 acres. That shallow, productive water grows fish quickly and warms fast in summer, supporting a strong pike and panfish fishery.
Fishing Lake Isabel
Lake Isabel is managed primarily for northern pike, with fingerlings stocked annually, and also holds walleye and yellow perch. A North Dakota fishing license is required. The shallow water fishes well from boats and the bank, and the lake is a productive, accessible spot for pike and perch. Winter ice fishing is popular for pike and perch.
Camping, boating and recreation
Lake Isabel has a paved public boat ramp on the northeast side and a lakeside recreation area with camping, picnic facilities and shoreline access, making it a comfortable base for a fishing weekend. Boating, paddling and fishing are the main draws; the calm prairie setting is also good for birding and wildlife watching in the surrounding pothole country.
Water level
As a shallow prairie lake, Lake Isabel’s level and water quality can fluctuate with wet and dry cycles typical of the Missouri Coteau. Check current conditions before a trip, especially in dry years when shallow lakes drop.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Isabel is just south of Dawson off I-94 in Kidder County, about 50 minutes east of Bismarck. The Chase Lake and Long Lake national wildlife refuges and the prairie pothole country surround it.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- Camp on the lake: a lakeside recreation area with camping and a paved ramp.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for pike, walleye and perch; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Lake Isabel, North Dakota?
It averages about 9 feet and reaches roughly 13 feet at its deepest – a shallow, fertile prairie lake of about 817 acres.
What fish are in Lake Isabel?
Northern pike (the lake is managed for pike), walleye and yellow perch.
Can you camp at Lake Isabel?
Yes – there’s a lakeside recreation area with camping and a paved public boat ramp on the northeast side.
Where is Lake Isabel?
In Kidder County near Dawson, just off I-94, about 50 minutes east of Bismarck, North Dakota.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.