Stump Lake is one of North Dakota’s great walleye and perch fisheries – a sprawling 15,700-acre natural lake in Nelson County, just east of Devils Lake, with which it’s now connected. Deep, rocky and full of flooded timber, it holds thriving populations of walleye, yellow perch, northern pike and white bass, making it a top destination for open-water and ice anglers alike. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
Stump Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~15,742 acres, with about 72 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~30 ft, maximum ~73 ft – one of the deeper natural lakes in the state
- Elevation: ~1,450 ft, in the Devils Lake basin of northeastern North Dakota
- Location: Nelson County, near Lakota and Tolna (east of Devils Lake)
- Top fish: walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, white bass
How big and how deep is Stump Lake?
Stump Lake covers roughly 15,700 acres – one of the largest natural lakes in North Dakota – and is notably deep for a prairie lake, averaging about 30 feet and reaching around 73 feet at its deepest. Rising water over the past few decades flooded the surrounding land and ultimately joined Stump Lake to neighboring Devils Lake, drowning trees and farmland and creating the brushy, timber-and-rock structure the lake is famous for today.
Fishing Stump Lake
Stump Lake is a premier multi-species fishery:
- Walleye – the headline fish, thriving on an abundant forage base (notably freshwater shrimp) and fished around the rock piles, points and flooded timber.
- Yellow perch – often jumbo-sized, a major draw both in open water and through the ice.
- Northern pike in the bays and along weed and brush edges.
- White bass round out a strong, varied catch.
A North Dakota fishing license is required. The lake’s rock piles, submerged timber and minimal weed growth concentrate fish on structure, and the rich forage grows fast, healthy walleyes and perch. Winter ice fishing for perch and walleye is excellent.
Boating, access and recreation
Public boat ramps serve the lake, and the big open water suits powerboats, though anglers should watch for submerged timber and rocks – run cautiously and keep a contour map handy. Beyond fishing, the lake draws hunters and wildlife watchers to the surrounding Devils Lake wetland complex. There is no developed swimming beach; this is a fishing and boating lake first.
Water level
Like the entire Devils Lake-Stump Lake basin, Stump Lake has seen dramatic water-level changes – decades of rising water expanded it enormously and connected it to Devils Lake. Levels remain dynamic, so check current conditions and updated lake-contour maps before navigating, as structure and access can shift.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Stump Lake is in Nelson County, east of Devils Lake near Tolna and Lakota, off ND-20 and county roads, about 1.5 hours west of Grand Forks. The Devils Lake fishing complex and Sullys Hill (now White Horse Hill National Game Preserve) are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- Submerged hazards: flooded timber and rock piles – navigate carefully with a contour map.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for walleye and pike; winter for jumbo perch and walleye on the ice.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Stump Lake, North Dakota?
It averages about 30 feet deep and reaches roughly 73 feet at its deepest – unusually deep for a North Dakota prairie lake.
How big is Stump Lake?
About 15,742 acres with around 72 miles of shoreline, making it one of the largest natural lakes in North Dakota.
What fish are in Stump Lake?
Walleye, yellow perch (often jumbo), northern pike and white bass, supported by a rich freshwater-shrimp forage base.
Where is Stump Lake?
In Nelson County, just east of Devils Lake near Tolna and Lakota, northeastern North Dakota.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.