The fishing has finally picked up on the Missouri River around Bismarck. It still isn’t easy fishing but limits are definitely a good possibility. Water temps have warmed up to the upper 40s and the water clarity is very good, both north and south of town.
I believe the spawn is mostly over now, although an occasional fish here and there may still be holding eggs.
My go to presentation is still jigs and minnows but plenty of fish are being caught on crank baits and plastics. Depths have ranged from very shallow (like less than a foot) to 12 or 13 feet. The fish are holding in a variety of spots but I like to concentrate behind the sandbars casting jigs and minnows and don’t be afraid to fish very shallow.
Kent Yancey
Big Muddy Guide Service
www.bigmuddyguide.com