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 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
McPhail Slough
Kidder County, North Dakota · about 1,000 acres (1.6 sq mi)
34°F water, windy Friday (20 mph SE).
About McPhail Slough
In Kidder County, North Dakota, McPhail Slough covers about 1,000 acres.
It stretches about 1.7 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 6.5 miles. Its surface is about 1,730 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Steele, is about 13 miles southwest. Bismarck, the nearest city, is about 53 miles west.
- Size
- About 1,000 acres (1.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 6.5 miles
- End to end
- About 1.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,730 ft
- 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 23 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. At 34°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
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
- 7
6 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
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 7:39 am · sunset 5:05 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near McPhail Slough
- Steeleabout 13 mi southwest
- Bismarcknearest city, about 53 mi west
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Questions about McPhail Slough
What fish are in McPhail Slough?
Lakes like McPhail Slough 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 McPhail Slough?
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 McPhail Slough?
About 1,000 acres, with about 6.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near McPhail Slough?
Steele is about 13 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at McPhail Slough today?
The surface was about 34°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
McPhail Slough on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
