Loading trail…
North Dakota · Fishing
Beulah sits in Mercer County in the heart of western North Dakota, and while it's not a destination most anglers put at the top of their list, the fishing options here are more varied than you'd expect for a small prairie city.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
No additional spots match this filter.
Beulah sits in Mercer County in the heart of western North Dakota, and while it's not a destination most anglers put at the top of their list, the fishing options here are more varied than you'd expect for a small prairie city. Lake Shore Park gives you shoreline access to still water, which is where most locals start — it's accessible and practical for a half-day outing. Beaver Creek adds a river fishing option for those who want moving water and a different kind of experience. Beulah Bay rounds out the list with open-water access that draws anglers looking for larger structure and more room to work. The Missouri River system and Lake Sakakawea's influence on this region means the fishery is shaped by big-reservoir dynamics, so understanding water levels and seasonal patterns matters more here than in a lot of other parts of the state. North Dakota Game and Fish regulations apply across all three spots, so checking the current year's license requirements and any site-specific rules before you go is straightforward and worth the five minutes. Whether you're wading Beaver Creek or casting from the bank at Lake Shore Park, Beulah gives you a reasonable range of water types without a long drive.
Beulah has three distinct fishing setups: lake fishing at Lake Shore Park, river fishing on Beaver Creek, and open-water fishing at Beulah Bay. That gives you a mix of still water, moving water, and larger bay structure within a short distance of each other.
Yes, a valid North Dakota fishing license is required at all three locations. You can purchase one online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website or at local sporting goods retailers. Check the current regulations booklet for any site-specific rules before you head out.
Lake Shore Park
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Beulah Bay
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Beaver Creek
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Garrison Dam Tailrace
~33 min drive
Moderate
Minehan Slough
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Hazen Bay
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Indian Hills
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Mckenzie Bay
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Lake Sakakawea State Park
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Parshall Bay
~1h 5m drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Fort Stevenson State Park
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ND.
Also worth it near here
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window at all three spots. Ice-out in April and May tends to trigger active feeding, and early morning and evening hours in summer will generally outperform midday when water temperatures climb. Beaver Creek can run higher and faster during spring snowmelt, so early summer is often more fishable for wading.
Lake Shore Park is the most beginner-friendly option of the three, with accessible shoreline that doesn't require wading or a boat. It's a reasonable spot for kids learning to fish or anyone who wants a low-barrier outing without specialized gear.
For Beaver Creek, a light to medium spinning setup with smaller lures or live bait works well for river fishing, and waders are useful if you want to move around in the water. At Lake Shore Park and Beulah Bay, a medium-action rod with enough weight to cast from the bank or a boat will cover most situations. Bring a valid license, a net, and a way to measure fish since size limits apply.
