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 12th, 2023

Missouri River Fishing Report-November 12th, 2023

It's amazing to me how this weather has straightened out and given us a chance to fish the Missouri River again. It was doom and gloom a couple weeks ago and now it looks like we will at least make the end of November. Just like I've been saying all fall long. The...

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Missouri River Fishing Report-November 5th, 2023

Missouri River Fishing Report-November 5th, 2023

Well, the good news is I actually got out in a boat a few times this week. The bad news was it wasn't that nice out. However, this next week's forecast is looking promising. I was hoping the fish had moved into the river better with the layoff. That did not happen...

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Missouri River Fishing Report-October 29th, 2023

Missouri River Fishing Report-October 29th, 2023

Unfortunately with the latest weather we just received up here in North Dakota, fishing has taken a back seat for a few days. I'm hoping things warm up enough here to get the most back in the river. Before the snow this week fishing was pretty solid. We weren't...

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Missouri River Fishing Report-October 22nd, 2023

Missouri River Fishing Report-October 22nd, 2023

The weather forecast for the next 10 days has me a little depressed. It's looking like my open water days are coming to an end. Most of my fishing time has been spent on the Missouri River near Bismarck. Hopefully I'll get a few more days in yet? The fishing on the...

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North Dakota Fishing Report- October 15th, 2023

North Dakota Fishing Report- October 15th, 2023

What a start to fall fishing so far here in North Dakota! It really doesn't seem to matter where you are fishing, the fishing has been fantastic! Now obviously not all bodies of water are created equal. Some just have better potential than others. For me personally...

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Missouri River Fishing Report-October 8th, 2022

Missouri River Fishing Report-October 8th, 2022

We have been waiting for fall to show up and I think it's finally kinda showing itself? Cooler temps, a little frost, and wind has definitely been on this weeks menu for weather. The fishing here locally has stayed about the same. You can definitely catch a few fish....

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