Lake Tschida is managed locally by Tri-Cities Joint Job Development Authority (TCJJDA) in a non-profit cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation.

All fees collected at the lake are reinvested in to the lake. The Lake is being managed without the use of tax funds as a self-supporting nonprofit venture.

The dam and reservoir are managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for downstream flood control and irrigation. Recreation areas around the lake offer fishing, boating, camping, and swimming. They are now managed by the TCJJDA. 

 Fees are being collected at some entrances with self-registration kiosks. Envelopes are provided to complete your registration. The appropriate fee should be enclosed and the envelope deposited at the kiosk. 

There are 10 boat ramps on the lake & 10 campground areas, which offer lots of opportunities. The most popular fishing methods are crankbaits, jigs, & spinners. Look shallow early & late in the year, as more fishing is done on the west end.

As the water temperatures rise, you’ll find more fish closer to the channel in deep water, which is found on the east side towards the dam. Historically, it has been known for smaller fish but those who fish it year-round will tell a different story.

Lake Tschida, Heart Butte Reservoir, is the only sizable body of water in the Heart River area & has become a popular recreation center formally managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.

The reservoir has a surface area of 3,400 acres. Picnicking, swimming, boating, camping, & water skiing activities occur in the summer. Fall & winter activities include hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling, & ice skating. 

 Special use permits have been issued to the Boy Scouts & other organizations to utilize designated areas along the shoreline of Lake Tschida. In addition, special use permits have been issued to 238 seasonal cabin & trailer users. Permits are also issued for private grazing & agricultural use of outlying areas.

Ten recreation areas provide numerous campsites. Some campsites offer picnic tables, grills, shelters, restrooms, & potable water. An RV dump station is provided at the Rimrock Recreation Area near the office and at the Schatz's Point Area.

Advance reservations online are available for all campsites.

Handicap accessible campsites are available; please call the office for more information.