The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Ashtabula
Barnes County, North Dakota · 5,170 acres (8.1 sq mi)
35°F water, level 1265 ft, calm this morning.
About Lake Ashtabula
Lake Ashtabula spreads over 5,170 acres in Barnes County, North Dakota. It was made by Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River. Lake Ashtabula stretches 27 miles along the Sheyenne River behind Baldhill Dam, completed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1950.
From end to end it runs about 19.6 miles with roughly 54 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,270 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 45 ft. Valley City is about 8.3 miles south. Fargo, the nearest city, is about 59 miles east.
- Size
- 5,170 acres (8.1 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 45 ft
- Shoreline
- About 54 miles
- End to end
- About 19.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,270 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Baldhill Dam, Sheyenne River
- County
- Barnes County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:15 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 in Lake Ashtabula
Anglers come to Lake Ashtabula for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, white bass and bluegill and sunfish. With the surface at 35°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
- SlowCrappie
Cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 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
At the surface, seen .
Water level
7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
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 4:58 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Ashtabula
- Valley Cityabout 8.3 mi south
- Cooperstownabout 11 mi north
- Finleyabout 15 mi north
- Fargonearest city, about 59 mi east
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Lake Ashtabula
What fish are in Lake Ashtabula?
Lake Ashtabula holds walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, white bass and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Ashtabula?
About 45 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake Ashtabula?
5,170 acres, with about 54 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Ashtabula?
Valley City is about 8.3 miles south; Cooperstown is about 11 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Lake Ashtabula today?
The surface was about 35°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Ashtabula on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
