Missouri River Fishing Report-March 8th, 2026

Written by Mike Peluso

March 8, 2026

Not much has changed since last week as far as the river near Bismarck is concerned.  I was hoping it would have made a little more progress.  

It’s definitely a weird ice season out there.  Normally the river freezes in big chunks.  This winter for whatever reason it froze like a lake.  Completely flat and fairly clear.  I think this is why the ice hasn’t cleared yet. 

There is some open water fishing going on up north near the tailrace.  For now, for me, I’m going to hold off until the river here opens up.  Too many irons in the fire trying to rig stuff on my boat and getting the boat wrapped for the season.  

I personally don’t have many openings left for the river this spring.  That doesn’t mean I can’t get you a guide boat with one of the other guides I work with.  So please reach out if you are wanting to get on the water.

Until then keep an eye on these reports for when the ice goes off, boat ramps that are usable etc etc, 

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