Missouri River Fishing Report-Bismarck, ND April 2nd, 2019

Written by Mike Peluso

April 3, 2019

Super excited to bring everyone this fishing report! A bunch of good stuff to report on. First thing first the open water spring walleye bite on the upper portion of the a Missouri River near and north of Bismarck is now in full swing.
The Garrison Dam Tailrace stretch remains low, but the walleyes are there. You have to work for them but if you have patience and can grind it out the days end up pretty well. Now, I will say this, it’s going to get lower starting April 9th. The Corps of Engineers have decided they are going to cut flows for a few weeks due to flooding downstream.
So what are the reduced flows at each end of this walleye tank going to do? My guess it might be a lot like 96-97 when the water was high and backed up. The water in the river is super low right now, but with zero coming out on the bottom end it will begin to climb up hill. The movement will be slower for sure.
As of this report there are a few boat ramps open in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Fox island is pushed off, the interstate ramp is pushed off and useable. The only issue we have at the moment is muddy waters. Usually with good flows coming out of the Dam things clear fast. Not sure how the lower flows are going to affect this? However, I feel the fish are here and waiting, and with low waters they should be concentrated.
Go to tactics early on in this dirty low water will be big jigs, big plastics, Misty in whites will be best. Don’t be surprised if the fish are in really really shallow. I know I’m super excited now to start probing the river here locally!
I have scattered dates available right now so don’t hesitate to get ahold of me. I love to try and help guys learn the big muddy and at the same time, have a chance at a personal best, or even maybe a state record! Mikepelusooutdoors@gmail.com

Related Reports

ND Fishing Report-September 17th, 2023

ND Fishing Report-September 17th, 2023

My lake days on both Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea are slowly winding down. I still have the rest of September booked, but mostly Sakakawea before I drop down to the river near Bismarck for October and November, weather permitting. We did have a great first half of...

ND Fishing Report-September 10th, 2023

ND Fishing Report-September 10th, 2023

If you have been paying attention to the recent NWT Championship held up here on Devils Lake, I'm sure it opened a few eyes. The weights these guys caught were incredible! Devils Lake proves once again why it's one of the top walleye fisheries in the country. Let's be...

ND Fishing Report-September 3rd, 2023

ND Fishing Report-September 3rd, 2023

Like most years, I usually take a couple day break over my birthday (September 2nd) to recharge my batteries and my boat batteries. This year has been a busy season no doubt. It has also been probably one of the best years fishing wise I have seen. I know we had a...