What Cedar Lake Offers

Cedar Lake is a shallow, 3,500-acre reservoir in LaMoure County in southeastern North Dakota, roughly 30 miles south of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The lake holds walleye, northern pike, and perch, with walleye as the primary draw. The water averages 8 to 10 feet deep, with some holes reaching 25 feet — typical of prairie reservoirs where wind and silt shape the bottom more than geology does. The lake is managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and sits within the Cedar Lake Wildlife Management Area, which means public access is may provide but the shoreline is largely undeveloped.

The lake's shallow character makes it responsive to seasonal change. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for walleye, when fish move into shallower water to feed. Summer fishing is possible but slower, as walleye retreat to deeper holes and weeds during the heat. Winter ice fishing draws a steady crowd, particularly for perch and pike. The lake's isolation — it sits well away from major towns — means fewer anglers than you'll find at Devils Lake or Garrison Dam, but also fewer services nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and perch in a 3,500-acre shallow reservoir managed for public fishing by North Dakota Game and Fish.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for walleye; summer fishing is slower as fish move to deeper water and weeds.
  • The lake averages 8 to 10 feet deep with some holes to 25 feet, so sonar or a depth finder helps locate structure and fish.
  • Public boat access is available at the Cedar Lake access area; the nearest town with fuel and lodging is Litchville, about 15 miles away.
  • North Dakota fishing license and walleye stamp are required; check current regulations for bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season at Cedar Lake. Walleye move into shallow bays and along the shoreline to spawn and feed after winter. Jigs tipped with live minnows, crankbaits, and live-bait rigs work well in 4 to 8 feet of water. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though overcast days can produce all day. Water temperatures in spring range from 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, so dress in layers.

Summer (June through August) slows considerably. Walleye retreat to deeper structure — the 20-foot holes and weed edges — and feed primarily at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Pike remain active in the shallows and weeds, making summer a better season for pike anglers. Perch fishing can be steady in deeper water. Many anglers shift to early morning trips or night fishing to avoid the heat and low daytime activity.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for walleye fishing. As water cools, walleye move back into shallower feeding zones. The same techniques that work in spring — jigs, live bait, crankbaits — produce well. Water temperatures drop from 60 degrees in early September to 40 degrees by late October. Fall can be windy on prairie lakes, so check the forecast and be prepared for rough water.

Winter (November through March) brings ice fishing for perch and pike, with some walleye opportunity. The ice typically forms by mid-November and remains solid through March. Tip-ups with live minnows work for pike; small jigs and spoons catch perch. Check ice thickness before venturing out — the North Dakota Game and Fish Department recommends at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 7 inches for vehicles. Winter access is less developed than summer, so bring a shelter and be self-sufficient.

Access, Facilities, and Logistics

Cedar Lake has one public boat access area managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, located on the north shore near the Cedar Lake Wildlife Management Area headquarters. The access includes a paved boat ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and vault toilets. There is no fuel, food, or lodging at the lake itself. The nearest town is Litchville, about 15 miles to the north, which has a small grocery store and gas station but limited dining and no motels.

For lodging and services, Fergus Falls, Minnesota (about 30 miles north) offers hotels, restaurants, and a full-service grocery store. The drive from Fergus Falls to Cedar Lake takes roughly 45 minutes. If you plan a multi-day trip, consider staying in Fergus Falls and day-tripping to the lake, or bring a camper or RV — there are no developed campgrounds at Cedar Lake, but dispersed camping is permitted in the Wildlife Management Area outside the immediate access zone.

The road to Cedar Lake is paved to Litchville, then gravel for the final 15 miles. In winter, this gravel road can become difficult; check road conditions with LaMoure County before heading out. Cell service is spotty, so download offline maps and let someone know your plans.

Walleye Fishing Tactics

Walleye at Cedar Lake respond best to live bait and jigs. In spring and fall, cast jigs (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) tipped with live minnows (shiners or fathead minnows, 2 to 3 inches) along the shoreline and in bays in 4 to 8 feet of water. Work the jig slowly along the bottom, pausing frequently — walleye often bite on the pause. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late evening (last two hours before sunset) are most productive.

Live-bait rigs (also called slip-sinker rigs) are effective in spring. Thread a live minnow on a size 2 or 4 hook, add a walking sinker above the hook, and cast along shallow structure. Let the rig sit or move it slowly — walleye will take it. Crankbaits that dive to 6 to 10 feet work well when walleye are actively feeding; retrieve steadily and vary your speed to trigger strikes.

Summer walleye require deeper presentations. Use a jig and live minnow in the 18 to 25-foot holes, or fish live bait on the edges of weed beds in 10 to 15 feet. Night fishing with live bait under a light (if permitted by current regulations) can be productive. Many anglers switch to pike and perch in summer rather than chase walleye in the heat.

Pike and Perch Opportunities

Northern pike at Cedar Lake are abundant and often overlooked by walleye-focused anglers. Pike prefer shallow water and weeds year-round, making them a good summer target when walleye are deep. Cast large spoons (1/2 to 3/4 ounce), large crankbaits, or live minnows (4 to 6 inches) in 3 to 8 feet of water around weed edges and shallow bays. Pike are aggressive and will strike hard; use a steel leader or heavy monofilament to prevent bite-offs. Spring and fall are productive, but summer can be excellent if you fish early morning or evening in the shallows.

Perch are abundant and provide consistent action, especially in winter. In summer, perch school in deeper water (15 to 25 feet) and can be caught on small jigs (1/8 ounce) tipped with minnow pieces or on tiny spoons. Winter ice fishing for perch is popular — drill holes in 12 to 20 feet of water and jig small spoons or tear-drop jigs. Perch bite readily and are excellent table fare, making them a good choice for anglers seeking a meal.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid North Dakota fishing license to fish Cedar Lake. Licenses are available online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you're visiting for a short trip.

Walleye fishing requires a separate walleye stamp in addition to your base license. Current bag limits and size restrictions for walleye, pike, and perch vary by year and are set by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Check the current regulations before you fish — limits and rules change, and ignorance is not a defense. The department publishes a free fishing guide that includes all current regulations; download it or pick up a printed copy at the access area.

Catch-and-release is permitted for all species, but handle fish carefully if you plan to release them. Use wet hands or a wet net, minimize air exposure, and return fish to the water quickly.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a depth finder or sonar unit if you have one — Cedar Lake's shallow, featureless bottom makes structure hard to spot by eye, and a depth finder will show you where the holes and weed edges are. A map of the lake helps you navigate and locate traditional fishing spots. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department publishes lake maps; request one before you go or download it online.

Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need — the lake is remote, and the nearest store is 15 miles away. In spring and fall, weather can change quickly on a prairie lake; bring rain gear and a windbreaker. In summer, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses) is essential. In winter, bring a shelter, heater, and extra clothing — wind chill on an exposed ice lake can be dangerous.

A quality fishing rod (medium-light to medium action, 6 to 7 feet) works for walleye and perch. Pike fishing benefits from a slightly heavier rod (medium to medium-heavy) to handle larger lures and potential snags. Bring extra line, hooks, jigs, and lures — you'll lose some to snags and fish, and the nearest tackle shop is in Fergus Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Cedar Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for walleye. Summer is slower for walleye but good for pike. Winter ice fishing for perch and pike is popular and can be excellent if you're prepared for cold weather.

Do I need a boat to fish Cedar Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. The public access area has a boat ramp, and many anglers fish from boats. Shore fishing is possible along the Wildlife Management Area shoreline, though access is limited compared to boat fishing.

What size walleye are in Cedar Lake?

Walleye at Cedar Lake typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with some fish exceeding 20 inches. The lake is not known for trophy walleye, but it produces steady numbers of keeper-sized fish. Current size and bag limits are set by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and change year to year.

Is Cedar Lake crowded?

Cedar Lake sees fewer anglers than larger, more famous North Dakota lakes like Devils Lake or Garrison Dam. Spring and fall weekends can be busy, but weekdays are usually quiet. Winter ice fishing brings a steady crowd but rarely feels crowded.

Can I fish at night?

Night fishing regulations vary by species and season. Check the current North Dakota fishing guide before you fish at night — some methods and times are restricted, and regulations change annually.