Nelson Lake is the most unusual lake in North Dakota – a 573-acre reservoir near Center that never freezes and grows the biggest largemouth bass in the state. Warmed year-round by the discharge of a coal-fired power plant, it offers open-water bass fishing in the dead of a North Dakota winter, a one-of-a-kind fishery on the northern plains. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
- Nelson Lake at a glance
- The lake that never freezes
- Fishing Nelson Lake
- How deep is Nelson Lake?
- Boating, access and recreation
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- Why doesn’t Nelson Lake freeze?
- What fish are in Nelson Lake?
- How deep is Nelson Lake?
- Where is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~573 acres on Square Butte Creek
- Depth: maximum ~35 ft
- Elevation: ~1,740 ft, on the Missouri Coteau of central North Dakota
- Location: Oliver County, near Center (cooling reservoir for the Milton R. Young Station)
- Top fish: largemouth bass (state-record water), bluegill, crappie, catfish
The lake that never freezes
Nelson Lake is the cooling reservoir for the Milton R. Young Station, a coal-fired power plant that has run for half a century. The plant’s warm-water discharge keeps the lake open and warm year-round – water temperatures can sit between 45 and 60°F even in midwinter – giving largemouth bass a far longer growing season than anywhere else in North Dakota. The result is the state’s premier bass lake in a region where walleye normally rule: the state-record largemouth (8 pounds, 8 ounces) came from Nelson Lake in 1983, and big bass are still its claim to fame.
Fishing Nelson Lake
Nelson is all about the largemouth bass – fish the warm-water areas near the discharge in winter and the whole lake in the warmer months, working docks, points and weed edges. The lake also holds bluegill, crappie and catfish. A North Dakota fishing license is required. Because the lake stays open, it offers a rare winter open-water fishery – anglers cast for bass while snow blankets the surrounding prairie.
How deep is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake reaches a maximum depth of about 35 feet across its 573 acres. Water temperature varies widely by location depending on proximity to the power-plant discharge, which is exactly what creates the lake’s unique year-round bass fishery.
Boating, access and recreation
A public boat ramp serves the lake, and its open water makes it popular for fishing from boats and the bank. Because it stays ice-free, Nelson draws anglers all winter – a striking sight on the frozen northern plains. There is no developed swimming beach; this is a fishing lake. Always use caution near the power-plant intake and discharge areas and obey posted restrictions.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Nelson Lake is near Center in Oliver County, north of the Missouri River and about 45 minutes northwest of Bismarck. The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site and the Missouri River are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- Year-round open water: a rare winter bass fishery – dress for cold and fish the warm zones.
- Power-plant lake: obey posted rules near the intake/discharge; conditions vary by area.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t Nelson Lake freeze?
It’s the cooling reservoir for the Milton R. Young power plant, and the warm-water discharge keeps the lake open and warm (45-60°F) all winter – giving largemouth bass a year-round growing season.
What fish are in Nelson Lake?
Largemouth bass (the state record came from here), plus bluegill, crappie and catfish.
How deep is Nelson Lake?
About 35 feet at its deepest, across roughly 573 acres.
Where is Nelson Lake?
In Oliver County near Center, about 45 minutes northwest of Bismarck, North Dakota.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.