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-April 2nd, 2020
If you look outside your window today, it’s hard to believe I was out catching walleyes yesterday.Today marked the first day I’ve been off the water in over 20 days. Being a full time guide, I feel it is important for me to be on the water daily. I try to stay on top...
Missouri River Fishing Report-March 30th, 2020
Amazing the difference a few days can make on the Missouri River. Sandbars move, currents change, and the walleyes move! Especially this time of year. I do have to admit I’ve never seen this much pressure on the river. We are seeing a lot of folks from other parts...
Missouri River Fishing Report-March 22nd, 2020
Amazing the turn of events we have seen in the last week or so across the world. Our lives without question, have been altered and a lot of us are being hit hard on the work front. I know I have personally, and I hope and pray for everyone we will get through this. I...
Missouri River Fishing Report-March 13th, 2020
It’s been a great week out here on the prairie. I’ve gone back and between open water on the Missouri River and back to the frozen stuff for fun. The river has been more of a scouting mission as of late looking for spots, channels and of course fish. All indications...
Missouri River Fishing Report-March 6th, 2020
I have a little more time on Devils Lake yet this winter, but the open water season is upon us here already in Bismarck-Mandan! I usually have to start the season up on the Tailrace region, but with our early spring, the river in town is open for business. What can we...
ND Fishing Report-February 21st, 2020
This report is going to be a mixed report. I’m gonna talk about Devils Lake, Sakakawea, Oahe and the Tailrace all in one. It’s getting to that time of year! So the first part let’s touch on Devils Lake. Things are still going pretty good on old Devils. The perch are...
Interested in a Fishing Trip to the Missouri River, ND?
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