Missouri River Guide Service

( Bismarck, North Dakota )

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.

Honest Missouri River in North Dakota Fishing Reports

MPO Fishing Report-March 19th, 2023

MPO Fishing Report-March 19th, 2023

So as I reported earlier in the week my ice fishing for the season is closed for the year. It was a banner season on Devils Lake. Definitely the best winter I've had in the last 5 years. I'm now turning my attention to the open water. Now normally I begin guiding...

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Ice Fishing Report-March 12th, 2023

Ice Fishing Report-March 12th, 2023

This actually might be the last ice fishing report of the season. I only have one week left on the ice. As I look outside I could probably guide on the ice well into April. This last blizzard definitely is gonna make this final week an interesting one. Access as I...

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Ice Fishing Report-March 5th, 2023

Ice Fishing Report-March 5th, 2023

For me the ice fishing season is ticking away. I have about 2 weeks left of guiding on Devils Lake. After I'm done on the ice my attention will immediately turn to the open water north of Bismarck near the tailrace and hopefully near town early April. Until then I...

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Ice Fishing Report-February 26th, 2023

Ice Fishing Report-February 26th, 2023

I've personally had a goofy week up here on Devils Lake. With the storm events around us it definitely caused some interruptions. One of the interruptions was clients couldn't travel in to fish. So I definitely took a hit business wise with the weather. It's all part...

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Ice Fishing Report- February 19th, 2023

Ice Fishing Report- February 19th, 2023

If you are around my age, you will remember the commercial of the donut maker. Alarm rings, he gets up, and says time to make the donuts. Well, that's me and ice fishing right now. Not a lot has been changing yet. The conditions are pretty much the same, and the bite...

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Ice Fishing Report-February 12th, 2023

Ice Fishing Report-February 12th, 2023

Things are getting better and also getting worse as far as the ice /slush/snow is concerned. The warmer weather has settled the snow down. It has also created the slush pockets that will eat up your side by side if you are not careful. Take your time and travel in...

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