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
Missouri River Fishing Report-November 16th, 2025
The bite is definitely on locally here on the river near Bismarck. I spent a lot of time and effort on the river September and October looking for a steady bite. I know from my past experience that deer openers are typically the benchmark. This year...
Missouri River Fishing Report-November 9th, 2025
Things have really changed in the past couple of weeks on the river near Bismarck. We are seeing a push of fish moving up from Lake Oahe. Along with this push there are even a few unicorns have shown themselves. The fish are extremely healthy looking...
Missouri River/Lake Oahe Fishing Report-November 2nd, 2025
It's improving slowly but surely out here on the Missouri River/Lake Oahe just south of Bismarck. The migration fish coming out of Oahe are slowly trickling up the river right now. Not in huge numbers, but definitely moving. I think we are almost on...
ND Fishing Report-October 26th, 2025
Things have definitely improved here locally as far as the fishing goes. We are just now seeing a trickle of fish moving up into the river. Not in huge numbers, but for sure more prevalent than a couple weeks ago. On average we are seeing more of...
Missouri River Fishing Report-October 19th, 2025
Things are still not progressing on the river yet like I had hoped. There are a few (very few) select spots that if you can get in them first thing in the morning or right before dark you'll catch some fish. Unfortunately, these fish are fish that summer...
ND Fishing Report-October 12th, 2025
I wish I had a better fishing report from the river here near Bismarck for everyone. To be honest, the fishing was way better two weeks ago. For me right now out there it feels like mid September fishing rather than mid October. Water is still too...
Interested in a Fishing Trip to the Missouri River, ND?
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