Sweetwater Lake is a broad, shallow prairie lake in east-central North Dakota near Sanborn – a roughly 1,685-acre pike-and-perch water in the pothole country between Jamestown and Valley City. Wide and weedy, with no developed ramp, it’s a low-key spot for shore and small-boat anglers chasing pike, perch and the occasional walleye. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
Sweetwater Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~1,685 acres, with about 8 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~6 ft, maximum ~8 ft – a shallow prairie lake
- Elevation: ~1,440 ft, in the Coteau pothole country of east-central North Dakota
- Location: near Sanborn, east-central North Dakota
- Top fish: northern pike, yellow perch, with some crappie and walleye
How deep is Sweetwater Lake?
Sweetwater Lake is very shallow – averaging about 6 feet and only around 8 feet at its deepest, across roughly 1,685 acres. That shallow, fertile water warms quickly and grows weeds and forage, supporting a strong pike and perch population, though shallow lakes like this are prone to winterkill in hard winters.
Fishing Sweetwater Lake
Sweetwater holds northern pike and yellow perch, with moderate numbers of crappie and some walleye. A North Dakota fishing license is required. There is no developed boat ramp, so it’s primarily a shore and cartop/small-boat fishery. The shallow, weedy water is good pike habitat, and the lake can offer fast perch action in the right years.
Access and recreation
Access is informal, with no developed ramp – bring a small or cartop boat, canoe or kayak, or fish from shore. The surrounding pothole prairie is rich waterfowl habitat, popular with hunters and birders. There’s no swimming beach; Sweetwater is a low-key fishing lake.
Water level
As a shallow prairie lake, Sweetwater’s level and fishery fluctuate strongly with wet and dry cycles, and it can be vulnerable to winterkill. Check current conditions and recent fishing reports before making a trip.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Sweetwater Lake is near Sanborn in east-central North Dakota, off I-94 between Jamestown and Valley City. The Jamestown Reservoir and the pothole lakes of the region are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- No ramp: shore and cartop/small-boat access only.
- Shallow lake: prone to winterkill – check recent reports before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Sweetwater Lake?
Northern pike and yellow perch, with some crappie and walleye.
How deep is Sweetwater Lake?
It averages about 6 feet and reaches only around 8 feet at its deepest – a shallow prairie lake of about 1,685 acres.
Where is Sweetwater Lake?
Near Sanborn in east-central North Dakota, off I-94 between Jamestown and Valley City.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.