Fishing around Bismarck

Looks like I’ll be taking a work trip to Bismarck in Mid June. I’d like to work in a day of fishing while I’m there. I’m thinking one of two options – pull my boat out there and hopefully I can get some guidance on where to go, or, I hook up with a guide for a day on the water. For either option I’m williling to drive an hour or maybe 2 if it’s warranted. Species targeted would be Walleye, bass, pike and if guiding maybe some catfish if there are some pigs to be had. With any of the species, given the choice, I’d take quality over quantity.

So, #1, anyone have some general locations either on the Missouri or some lakes? It sounds like the Bismarck area on the MO is only so-so.

Or #2, any first hand experience or knowledge of a top notch guide? Internet search shows a few pop up but looking for some personal recommendations.

You certainly can find walleyes around Bismarck in June. Might get better numbers by heading further south though.

North to Sakakawea or south to Oahe may work for you.

Sak is really full of fish, only an hour north of Bismarck

Mid June, I would fish Sak. Hire a guide and enjoy.

Yeah I’m liking the looks of Sakakawea, as long as the south/east end is as good as what I see up around the Van Hook arm which is another 1 hour + away.

The East end of Sak is not as good as the Van Hook area and doesn’t really turn on till July. It is probably close to 3 hours to get to Van Hook.

I would think about going south to Hazelton, Beaver Bay or Cattail Bay on Oahe. You could check with Wade at Dakota Tackle in south Bismarck when you are there or the time gets closer. Great store and a real helpful guy. He might be able to give you some ideas.

No personal experience but I have seen this guide active on social media lately.http://mikepelusooutdoors.com/

Jason Mitchell put this out last week. I think the fishing took place in May of last year.

I was in Bismarck this weekend for my grandsons birthday, but did not get a chance to fish. There were a lot of boats on the water right in town. I fished it once last year about two miles north of town. We caught walleyes in the slack water. Navigation is a little tricky, there are a lot of sand bars. The mapping chip was not much help due to the shifting sand. I believe the state record was caught in town by a shore fisherman last year.

This time of the year, I think I spend more time on the river than I do in my own house. The river is super low right now with the decreased flows out of the Garrison Dam. Navigation is much more difficult than last year. By June, I suspect they’ll be releasing a ton of water. This will make the river more easily navigable, but more difficult to fish.

I would think about running to sak with a guide. If the wind glows out of the right direction, it makes it difficult for any sized boat. The west end will be good in June but the east end can hold good fish as well. The west end is just a bit more idiot-proof.

A guide is a good option. There’s a couple around that I would recommend. Mike Peluso is one that has fished the whole state fairly extensively. Bring your rain gear, as he runs a tiller. kent yancey of big muddy guide service is another top notch guide in the area.

If you have any questions, pm me and I can try to help you out.

There’s no good walleye fishing in ND

Dennis Williams wrote:

Jason Mitchell put this out last week. I think the fishing took place in May of last year.

Saw the show. right in town and first week of may with last year’s very cold start to the season. Not sure when fishing slows right in town.

Get a guide. With only one day there’s no substitute for local knowledge overall and current conditions. Heck what you save in gas might go a fair bit towards paying the guide.

FWIW I haven’t fished or boated there in 20+ years. Which means my river navigation knowledge is near zero. Having wrecked 2 lower units around Bismarck and hit many a sandbar a guide seems nearly free. Other thought, if you beach on a sandbar alone how easy will it be to push off? Dad always had me jump in the cold water