North Lemmon Lake is a small but remarkably diverse fishery in the southwestern corner of North Dakota – a deep little lake just north of Lemmon, South Dakota, that holds an unusual mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, walleye and even stocked trout. Compact, deep and well-managed, it punches far above its size for anglers in Adams County. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
North Lemmon Lake at a glance
- Surface area: small (~50+ acres), but deep for its size
- Depth: average ~13 ft, maximum ~33 ft
- Elevation: ~2,750 ft, on the high plains of southwestern North Dakota
- Location: Adams County, about 5 miles north of Lemmon, South Dakota
- Top fish: largemouth & smallmouth bass, bluegill, walleye, rainbow & brown trout
A small lake with a big species list
What makes North Lemmon special is its diversity. Despite its modest size, the lake is relatively deep – up to about 33 feet – which lets it support both warmwater and cool-water species. Anglers can catch largemouth bass up to 4 pounds, walleye up to 8 pounds, plus smallmouth bass, bluegill, and stocked rainbow and brown trout – a combination you rarely find in one small prairie lake.
Fishing North Lemmon Lake
North Lemmon is managed for that varied fishery and stocked regularly (rainbow and brown trout were added in 2024). A North Dakota fishing license is required. The lake’s depth and structure reward anglers who target the right water for each species – bass and bluegill around cover, walleye and trout in the cooler depths. It’s a productive, family-friendly spot and a good ice-fishing lake in winter.
Recreation and access
A public boat ramp and a recreation area serve the lake, with fishing, paddling and camping the main draws in this quiet southwestern-North Dakota setting. Its location just over the South Dakota line near Lemmon makes it a convenient stop for anglers from both states. The surrounding grasslands are good for wildlife watching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
North Lemmon Lake is about 5 miles north of Lemmon, South Dakota, in Adams County, southwestern North Dakota, off ND-22/US-12. Hettinger and the Grand River National Grassland are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a North Dakota license is required.
- Diverse fishery: rare bass-and-trout combo – bring varied tackle.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for bass, walleye and trout; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in North Lemmon Lake?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, walleye, and stocked rainbow and brown trout – an unusually diverse mix for a small lake.
How deep is North Lemmon Lake?
It averages about 13 feet and reaches roughly 33 feet at its deepest – deep for its small size.
Where is North Lemmon Lake?
In Adams County, about 5 miles north of Lemmon, South Dakota, in southwestern North Dakota.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.