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Rating depth structure for walleye.
Recent public catches load as you reach this section.
896-acre lake near North Dakota. North Dakota Game & Fish survey water. The lake tops out around 19 ft. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled. Here is how the season plays out for each species, straight from the data behind the map.
The outline encloses 895 acres, worked by 5.7 miles of shoreline. Its 1.4 shoreline index means few bank features; the contours below do the pattern work. About 90% of the surface sits shallower than 15 ft — that's the weed-and-bait zone. Tip to tip the water measures near 2.6 mi with a 0.8-mi widest point. It sits in McLean County. Its nearest charted neighbour, Lake Brekken, is 11 mi to the northeast.
In spring, walleye run shallow here, mostly 4 to 15 ft. Midsummer fish sit out in 6 to 19 ft before dropping to 6 to 19 ft for winter. Fall walleye concentrate at Break off the point, a prime-rated drop-off around 13 ft. Fish it in the evening and early morning and you'll meet the bite. You won't need more than a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) most summer days.
Depth note: when a documented seasonal range extends below this chart, the table shows the deepest mapped working water, not a verified holding depth.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 4 to 15 ft | dusk & dawn | Main-lake point (6 ft) | 1/8 oz jig + minnow, Hair jig |
| Summer | 6 to 19 ft chart-limited; documented 15 to 35 ft | dusk & dawn | Break off the point (13 ft) | Crawler harness on bottom bouncer, Deep crankbait (trolled) |
| Fall | 6 to 19 ft chart-limited; documented 12 to 40 ft | dusk & night | Break off the point (13 ft) | Jigging rap, Jig + big minnow |
| Winter | 6 to 19 ft chart-limited; documented 20 to 40 ft | dusk & dawn | Deep basin (19 ft) | Jigging spoon + minnow head, Rattle bait |
6 pieces of structure are mapped here — Deep basin, around 19 ft, is the deepest of them.
Access data: North Dakota Game & Fish - Fishing Facilities. Confirm conditions and fees locally before you launch.
Season dates, license requirements, and size and bag limits for North Dakota waters are set by the North Dakota Game and Fish — and special regulations can apply to Coal Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official North Dakota fishing regulations →
Coal Lake is about 19 ft (6 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled.
Anglers target walleye on Coal Lake.
Break off the point is the top-rated area: a drop-off in about 13 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. The interactive chart above rates every spot for each species and season.
For walleye, the summer bite is best in the evening and early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.
Fishing on Coal Lake is regulated by the North Dakota Game and Fish. Check the official North Dakota regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.
Lake Brekken 11 mi · Lake Holmes 11 mi · Lake Audubon 12 mi · West Park Lake 15 mi · Riverdale Spillway Lake 16 mi · Cottonwood Lake 16 mi · Brush Lake 17 mi · East Park Lake 17 mi · Heckers Lake 19 mi · Long Lake 21 mi · New Johns Lake 22 mi · Missouri River 22 mi
See how Coal Lake stacks up: best walleye lakes in North Dakota
More water nearby: McLean County fishing maps (12 charts). Browse all North Dakota fishing maps. See every water on DepthScout. Bathymetry: published agency survey data. How we build these maps. Fish here with a sonar unit that logs? Send us your depth data and we'll improve this chart, credited to you. For fishing guidance only, never navigation.