The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Eckelson Lake
Barnes County, North Dakota · about 800 acres (1.3 sq mi)
Calm this morning.
About Eckelson Lake
Eckelson Lake spreads over about 800 acres in Barnes County, North Dakota.
From end to end it runs about 3.4 miles with roughly 8.7 miles of shoreline. At about 1,430 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Valley City lies about 13 miles to the east. Fargo, the nearest city, is about 71 miles east.
- Size
- About 800 acres (1.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 8.7 miles
- End to end
- About 3.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,430 ft
- County
- Barnes County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph
Saturday Fair
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 17 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual North Dakota mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake.
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- Largemouth bass
- Yellow perch
- Bluegill and sunfish
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:33 am · sunset 5:00 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Eckelson Lake
- Valley Cityabout 13 mi east
- Jamestownabout 19 mi west
- Fargonearest city, about 71 mi east
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Questions about Eckelson Lake
What fish are in Eckelson Lake?
Lakes like Eckelson Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Eckelson Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Eckelson Lake?
About 800 acres, with about 8.7 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Eckelson Lake?
Valley City is about 13 miles east; Jamestown is about 19 miles west.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Eckelson Lake?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
Eckelson Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
