Well, I promised to give you a mid week report on how things are shaping up on the Missouri River near Bismarck. So far I know of 3 boat ramps in the local region of Bismarck-Mandan that are pushed off and are ready to go.

The big question remains if Hazelton and or Fort Rice will be useable. If those ramps are anything like they were last fall, it’s gonna be tough. The water is low and there is no back up from down south, making it even more extreme.

Fox Island in Bismarck should be decent along with Graners south of Mandan. Both are ice free with no docks in yet. The interstate bridge ramp is ice free, but this one always has sand which makes it a little tough, but should be marginal. I’ll keep checking ramps and again will report back.

My first open water guide trip is fast approaching. Once I hit the water it will be non stop. I’ll continue to bring you up to date fishing reports.