Lake Tschida

Lake Tschida, Heart Butte Reservoir, is the only sizable body of water in the Heart River area and has become a popular recreation center managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The reservoir has a surface area of 6,576 acres. Picnicking, swimming, boating, camping, water skiing activities occur in the summer. Fall and winter activities include hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ice skating.

Six primitive campgrounds with wells and vault toilets are available. Designated areas along the shoreline of the reservoir have been leased by the Boy Scouts and other organizations, and 238 sites for summer homes and trailers have been leased. The more remote areas are leased for agricultural uses. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department administers part of the areas for fish and wildlife activities.

Fish species include crappie, walleye, catfish, perch, white bass, pike, bluegill, large and small mouth bass. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Bait, food, camping supplies, and gas concessions are open Memorial day through Labor Day.