Missouri River Guide Service

Bismarck, ND Fishing Guide

The State Record Walleye was caught on this stretch of river in 2021, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it is broken a few more times right here in the very near future!

Spring and fall are the best times of the year with ice out averaging mid to late March. The spring run will begin right at ice-out, and remains strong into early June! For you guys looking to dust off the winter open water rust because your state is closed, look no further!  You will have a chance at a fish of a lifetime right around the city limits of Bismarck!  We’re a local Bismarck, ND fishing guide, who travels from the tailrace by Lake Sakakawea, all the way to the south end by Hazelton.

The Missouri River is no place to mess around however with lots of obstacles in the road such as sandbars, logs, rocks, and other debris.  This is where my 40 plus years of fishing this system helps me read and stay on top of things on this constantly changing Missouri river system.

The fish will begin to taper off and head back down into Lake Oahe as the spawn ends and the water temps begin to rise.  Expect these toothy critters to start showing back up near town (Bismarck, ND) in late September.  Lures of choice are mostly jigs tipped with minnows or plastic in the spring and fall.  Pitching shallow sandbars is my favorite tactic in early spring with vertical jigging in the fall.  Let me tell you this is so addictive!

Good numbers of fish are caught with a chance at a trophy walleye especially early spring.  Coming to fish with me on the Missouri River near Bismarck also gives you an opportunity to take in Bismarck’s other attractions.  Hawk Tree Golf course and the States Capital just to name a couple.