The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Horsehead Lake
Kidder County, North Dakota · 10,100 acres (15.9 sq mi)
34°F water, ice 50% cover, windy Friday (20 mph SE).
About Horsehead Lake
In Kidder County, North Dakota, Horsehead Lake covers 10,100 acres; it is a natural lake. Horsehead Lake is a natural prairie lake in Kidder County managed for abundant northern pike and walleye.
It stretches about 6.2 miles end to end with roughly 21 miles of shoreline. At about 1,740 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The deepest water is about 22 ft, with an average depth near 13 ft. Steele is about 11 miles southwest. The closest city is Bismarck, about 48 miles away.
- Size
- 10,100 acres (15.9 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 22 ft (average 13 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 21 miles
- End to end
- About 6.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,740 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Kidder County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 7:00 am – 9:00 am bestsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pmsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Saturday Slow
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 24 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Horsehead Lake
The fish here: northern pike and walleye. At 34°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 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
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Partly frozen · About 50% ice cover
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:40 am · sunset 5:06 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Horsehead Lake
- Steeleabout 11 mi southwest
- Bismarcknearest city, about 48 mi west
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Questions about Horsehead Lake
What fish are in Horsehead Lake?
Horsehead Lake holds northern pike and walleye. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Horsehead Lake?
About 22 ft at the deepest point, about 13 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Horsehead Lake?
10,100 acres, with about 21 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Horsehead Lake?
Steele is about 11 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Horsehead Lake today?
The surface was about 34°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Horsehead Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.