Stutsman County · 15 miles northeast of Jamestown
Spiritwood Lake
Spiritwood Lake is one of central North Dakota’s few deep natural lakes: a landlocked glacial basin of about 493 acres northeast of Jamestown that plunges to 55 feet — an average depth of thirty. That depth, unusual for a lake this size on the prairie, keeps the water comfortable and relatively clear all summer.
Ringed by cabins and anchored by the resort that hosts its public ramp, Spiritwood is Jamestown’s home lake — a place where the fishing is serious but the pace isn’t.
The Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the marquee here — abundant, and thriving over the rocky shoreline structure that ND Game & Fish highlights on this lake. Walleye and yellow perch run at moderate, steady levels, with northern pike and bluegill in the mix. The deep basin keeps fish active through summer heat that shuts shallower lakes down, and winter brings a popular local perch-and-walleye ice bite.
The Right Boat for Spiritwood Lake
- Lund — smallmouth on the rocks. Shop Lund boats →
- Yamaha WaveRunner — deep, protected play water. Shop WaveRunners →
- Pontoon — the resort-and-cabin rhythm. Shop pontoons →
Boat shopping for Spiritwood Lake? Visit Vallely Sport & Marine — Bismarck or call (701) 299-0172. We handle delivery, service, winterization, and storage across the region.
