What to expect at East Bay

East Bay is a shallow, 1,200-acre reservoir in Renville County in northwestern North Dakota, roughly 30 miles south of the Canadian border near Mohall. The lake holds walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch in water that rarely exceeds 25 feet deep, with most productive areas between 8 and 15 feet. The shoreline is a mix of prairie grassland and scattered cottonwoods, and the lake sits in open country with few services nearby — plan to bring fuel, food, and supplies from town.

East Bay is known for consistent walleye fishing in spring and fall, and for pike that can reach 35 inches. The perch population supports a small but steady winter fishery. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat often pushes fish into deeper water or slack periods. The lake is less crowded than reservoirs closer to Bismarck or Fargo, which means more solitude but also fewer facilities and less local information on the water.

Key Takeaways

  • East Bay holds walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch in water 8 to 15 feet deep, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing.
  • The lake sits 30 miles from the nearest town services, so bring fuel, food, and supplies before you arrive.
  • A North Dakota fishing license is required; nonresident licenses are sold online or at sporting goods stores in Mohall or Minot.
  • Public access is available at the East Bay Recreation Area boat ramp on the south shore; no overnight camping is permitted at the ramp itself.
  • Winter ice fishing for perch is possible from December through early March, depending on ice thickness and weather.

Seasons and what fish are biting

Spring (April through May) is the prime walleye season at East Bay. Fish move into shallower water to spawn, and you can find them 6 to 12 feet deep along the shoreline and in the creek channel that feeds the lake from the north. Live minnows under a slip bobber or jigging with small plastics work well. Pike are also active in spring, and larger fish often hunt in the same shallow zones.

Summer (June through August) can be hit-or-miss. Early morning and evening produce walleye in 10 to 15 feet of water; midday fishing is slower. Pike remain active throughout the day, especially around weed edges and structure. By late July, the lake can experience algae blooms in calm, warm weather, which can affect water clarity and fish behavior.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong walleye bite as water cools and fish move back into mid-depth zones. This is also when larger pike are most aggressive. Perch fishing picks up in late September and continues through early November before the lake freezes.

Winter (December through early March) is primarily a perch fishery. Ice typically forms by mid-December and remains solid through February. Jigging small spoons or live minnows in 8 to 12 feet of water produces perch in the 8- to 10-inch range. Always 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.

Access, boat ramps, and facilities

The East Bay Recreation Area is the primary public access point, located on the south shore near Mohall. The facility includes a concrete boat ramp suitable for trailers, a small parking area, and vault toilets. There is no fuel dock, no bait shop, and no overnight camping at the ramp. The nearest services — gas, food, lodging — are in Mohall, about 8 miles away.

The boat ramp is free to use and is maintained by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. During spring runoff or after heavy rain, the ramp can become muddy or temporarily impassable; call ahead if conditions are uncertain. The parking area fills quickly on weekends during peak season, especially in May and September.

Shore fishing is possible along the south and east shorelines where public land borders the lake, though access is limited compared to the boat ramp. Wading is difficult due to soft bottom and shallow water extending far from shore. Most anglers use boats to reach productive structure and deeper water.

Regulations and licensing

North Dakota requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Nonresident licenses are available as a 3-day license, a 10-day license, or an annual license. You can purchase them online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores in Mohall or Minot. Licenses are also sometimes available at bait shops in nearby towns, though availability varies.

Walleye have a daily limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum size. Northern pike have a daily limit of 3 fish with a 24-inch minimum size. Yellow perch have a daily limit of 25 fish with no minimum size. Catch-and-release fishing counts toward your daily limit unless you release the fish unharmed immediately. Check the current North Dakota fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

Boats must display a current North Dakota registration or a nonresident use permit. Electric motors are allowed; gas motors are permitted on East Bay. No jet skis or personal watercraft are allowed on the lake.

What gear and tackle to bring

For walleye, bring medium-action spinning or baitcasting rods with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. Live minnows (shiners or chubs in the 2- to 4-inch range) are the most reliable bait, fished under a slip bobber or on a jig head. Soft plastics in white, chartreuse, or natural colors work well when jigging. Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range can be effective in spring and fall.

For pike, use heavier tackle: 7- to 9-foot medium-heavy rods with 10- to 15-pound line. Pike will hit large minnows (4 to 6 inches), spoons, and crankbaits. Bring a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon to prevent bite-offs. Casting along weed edges and structure produces more strikes than trolling on East Bay.

For perch, light spinning gear with 4- to 6-pound line is sufficient. Small jigging spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with a perch eye or small minnow work best. In winter, an ice auger, skimmer, and insulated shelter make the experience safer and more comfortable.

Getting there and where to stay

East Bay is located near Mohall, North Dakota, about 200 miles northwest of Bismarck and 280 miles north of Fargo. From Bismarck, take US-2 north toward Minot, then head northeast on ND-14 toward Mohall. The drive takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. From Fargo, take I-94 west toward Minot, then follow ND-14 northeast; the drive is about 4.5 hours.

Mohall has a small motel, a few restaurants, and a grocery store. Camping options are limited in town, but the Renville County Fairgrounds sometimes allows RV parking during off-season. The nearest larger town with more lodging and services is Minot, about 50 miles south. Many anglers make East Bay a day trip from Minot or stay overnight in Mohall and fish early morning and evening.

Cell service is spotty around the lake, so download offline maps and let someone know your plans before you go. The nearest hospital is in Minot.

Why East Bay stands out

East Bay offers a quieter alternative to the more heavily fished reservoirs in central North Dakota. The walleye fishing is solid and consistent in spring and fall, and pike fishing can be excellent for anglers willing to cast structure rather than troll. The shallow water and prairie setting give the lake a different character than deeper reservoirs to the south — it feels more remote and less developed.

The trade-off is isolation. There are no bait shops, no restaurants on the water, and no overnight camping facilities at the lake itself. This makes East Bay best suited to anglers who are self-sufficient, who don't mind a short drive to town for supplies, and who value solitude over convenience. If you are looking for a busy resort lake with full services, look elsewhere. If you want to fish walleye and pike without crowds, East Bay delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish East Bay in winter?

Yes. Ice typically forms by mid-December and remains solid through February. Perch fishing is the main winter fishery, with jigging in 8 to 12 feet of water producing consistent results. Always verify ice thickness (at least 4 inches for walking) before going out, and check weather forecasts for sudden thaws.

Do I need a boat to fish East Bay?

A boat gives you access to deeper water and more productive structure, but shore fishing is possible along the south and east shorelines. Most anglers use boats because wading is difficult and the best walleye and pike water is 8 to 15 feet deep, beyond easy casting range from shore.

What is the best time of year to fish East Bay?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent periods for walleye and pike. Summer can be productive early and late in the day but slows during midday heat. Winter offers a perch fishery for ice anglers.

Where can I buy a fishing license for North Dakota?

Nonresident licenses are sold online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores in Mohall or Minot. You can purchase a 3-day, 10-day, or annual license depending on your needs.

Are there bait and tackle shops near East Bay?

There are no shops directly at the lake. Mohall has limited supplies, and Minot (50 miles south) has more options. Bring your own tackle and bait, or plan to pick up supplies in Minot before heading to the lake.