Lots and lots to talk about in this weeks mid week fishing report. It amazes me how things change, especially this time of year on the Missouri River near Bismarck.

I’ve written in a few reports here as of late about the lack of forage the smaller fish may have in Lake Oahe. While this is definitely the case down below us, I’m not so sure this is the case up here in the river portion of Lake Oahe. The last few days, I’ve been scouting the river. I’ve seen literally what feels like millions of small baitfish in the river.

I’m not however sure what it is? I am sure it’s a great food source for our smaller walleyes in Lake Oahe. It’s my personal feeling the walleyes down below us haven’t tuned into this new and abundant forage. My hope is the fish make their run up into the river and find this new source of food. Once they discover it, I think things will get a whole lot better.

Reports have been coming in from the the South Dakota boys. They are saying the lake down by them is still holding strong as a trophy fishery. Lots of herring and gizzard shad are being seen. They are saying just like I have been, is the smaller fish are struggling to find food. Man I wish I could herd those walleyes to come up here.

So what am I finding for a bite out on the river right now? Some action for walleyes in the 12 to 16 inch range. They are scattered around a bit, but rest assured a few are making their way north. White bass…. haven’t seen this many white bass in the river in quite sometime. Certain areas you can stay very busy catching them. Gar, carp, and catfish are also very abundant. This is due to the river dropping in flows and depth. This pushes all the fish back out into the river.

I really think things should start to get better in a couple of weeks. Water temps are still pretty high for this time of year. 58 up to 62 I have seen all week. Would like to see it hit mid 50’s. This should get some fish moving.