Winter Thrills: Dive into Ice Fishing Adventures in Nelson County!
By Esther Donohue
January 7, 2025
When winter blankets Nelson County with thick snow and ice, the frozen lakes transform into bustling hubs for anglers seeking the thrill of ice fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time fisherman, Nelson County’s many lakes offer an icy wonderland perfect for fishing and creating lasting memories.
I’ll never forget my first time ice fishing on the Tolna Dam. It was crisp, cold, and windy and my mom bundled me up in my snowsuit. After the holes were drilled, I proceeded to almost fall into one…a memory I will never forget.
Back then, we didn’t have an icehouse, we simply drilled holes and sat on some buckets. But the cold, windy ice never prevented me or my siblings from having fun, and it didn’t hamper the excitement of reeling up a fish, no matter the size. After all, who doesn’t like some battered and fried walleye for supper!
Icy Terrain, Abundant Fish
Nelson County is home to several lakes that become prime fishing spots during the winter months (and summer, too). With the beautiful icy terrain, abundant fish populations, and the many nearby amenities including local cafes, bait shops, and lodging options, it’s no wonder Nelson County has become a favorite destination for ice anglers from all over the state and country.
Visitors and locals enjoy many weekends relaxing on the ice on Nelson County Lakes, reeling in impressive catches, and sharing stories in their ice houses. The truly brave sit on a bucket, drill a hole, and take in the frosty beauty of the frozen lake.
A Family Adventure
Many parents take their kids ice fishing. Whether they’re infants, toddlers, tweens or teenagers, it’s a great way to spend time as a family! The kids learn a new hobby, how to bait hooks, and ultimately reel in a live fish (hopefully) large enough to make a meal.
Gather up your ice gear and visit these great ice fishing spots in Nelson County.
Stump Lake
The largest lake in Nelson County covers a vast amount of land, over 15,000 acres with 73 miles of shoreline. Much of the lake was farmland and trees and while you’re fishing you will see many stumps, hence the name Stump Lake. Stump Lake has many lakeshore access points, making it easy to drive onto the ice and park your icehouse.
The stumps provide an ideal environment for fish to thrive. When ice fishing on Stump Lake expect to catch walleye, northern pike, white bass, and perch.
Access points for Stump Lake can be found in these areas:
- Tolna Bay is located straight north of Tolna, just a mile out of town. Amenities in Tolna include lodging, Cenex with a cardtrol (no food but beverages), bank, grocery store, café, two bars
- Stump Lake Park – located right off State Highway 1. During winter months the cafe and bar are closed.
- Northern Lakeview Campground is closer to Lakota and there is lake access from their campground area. Lakota has lodging, cafes, bars, Cenex (hot food and grocery items), a drugstore, a bank, and a Dollar General. There is also an annual ice fishing tournament in February held in Tolna sponsored by the volunteer firemen.
Tolna Dam
Located three miles to the east of Tolna, and not far from the small town of Pekin, the Tolna Dam has one access point located right off Highway 20 in the camping area. This lake is a smaller lake with 165 acres, and five miles of shoreline. Expect to catch northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, bluegill, and small-mouth bass. My parents and brothers have caught some amazing fish out of this lake!
I grew up ice fishing and ice skating on this lake, my parents live right on a hill overlooking the Tolna Dam. It is the best view in all of Nelson County! Nothing beats watching the sunset on the Tolna Dam. During the summer months, there is a beautiful campground that is small and peaceful.
McVille Dam
In the most perfect location, right outside the east side of McVille, sits McVille Dam. It’s a small lake in size, just 30 acres with two miles of beautiful shoreline and an expanded campground. It is perfect for those who want easy access with two convenient lake access points.
During the summer months, McVille Dam is popular for its swimming area, canoe races (during McVille Days), and camping. Nearby McVille has a Cenex, gas station, bakery & cafe, bar, grocery store, car wash, bank, and lodging.
Lake Laretta
Located near the town of Michigan, off US Highway 2, Lake Laretta is 1,038 acres with 12 miles of shoreline, perfect for a quiet and undisturbed day on the ice.
A friend who has been fishing on Lake Laretta has caught northern pike and perch. According to North Dakota Game & Fish, the lake is stocked with northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch.
Stop for supplies at the Michigan gas station if you need supplies before heading out on the ice as it is not close to any town.
Whitman Dam
Located near the border of Nelson County and Walsh County, Whitman Dam is close to the former town of Whitman. Whitman Dam is 150 acres, with eight miles of shoreline. A nice small lake, perfect for a quiet time ice fishing, you will catch northern pike, walleye, pure muskellunge, perch, and black crappie.
During the summer months, there is primitive camping, and it has two access points to launch boats or access the ice. There are no amenities in this area, but the towns of Michigan and Petersburg are close.
Whether you’re looking to reel in a big catch or simply soak in the beauty of a North Dakota winter, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the ice and you’ll discover why so many anglers call this area a winter paradise. Pack your gear, gather your loved ones, and come and experience the fun of ice fishing in Nelson County!
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Read MoreAbout the Author
Esther Donohue lives on a farmstead near Pekin, North Dakota. She grew up in Nelson County and loves sharing her rural roots with others. She’s married to a fourth generation farmer, they have three children, numerous farm animals, and a massive vegetable garden.
Esther is a classically trained chef, operates a food truck, has a confection business and teaches Culinary Arts at Warwick Public school and recently started a blog, The Phat Hen where she shares her love for rural living and food.
When Esther isn’t working, she is enjoying the outdoors, time with family and quilting.
Follow her blog at www.thephathen.com and her food truck at Sweet Prairie Food Truck and her confection business at Rustic Rose Confections.
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