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
Upper Des Lacs Lake
Burke County, North Dakota · 4,270 acres (6.7 sq mi)
32°F water, windy Friday (24 mph SE).
About Upper Des Lacs Lake
In Burke County, North Dakota, Upper Des Lacs Lake covers 4,270 acres; it is a natural lake. It lies on the Des Lacs River. Upper Des Lacs Lake lies within Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, a chain of lakes along the Des Lacs River valley near Kenmare.
From end to end it runs about 22.1 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 57 miles. Its surface is about 1,790 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Kenmare, is about 1.9 miles south.
- Size
- 4,270 acres (6.7 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 57 miles
- End to end
- About 22.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,790 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- River
- Des Lacs River
- County
- Burke County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 7:15 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 18 mph
Saturday Fair
- 4:00 pm – 5:45 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 Upper Des Lacs Lake
The fish here: largemouth bass. At 32°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
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
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
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 7:54 am · sunset 5:09 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Upper Des Lacs Lake
- Kenmareabout 1.9 mi south
- Bowbellsabout 5.6 mi southwest
- Mohallabout 26 mi east
- Stanleyabout 29 mi south
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Questions about Upper Des Lacs Lake
What fish are in Upper Des Lacs Lake?
Upper Des Lacs Lake holds largemouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Upper Des Lacs 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 Upper Des Lacs Lake?
4,270 acres, with about 57 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Upper Des Lacs Lake?
Kenmare is about 1.9 miles south; Bowbells is about 5.6 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Upper Des Lacs Lake today?
The surface was about 32°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Upper Des Lacs Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
