The fishing on the Missouri River around Bismarck was getting pretty good but the rains we received dirtied the water so Monday was my last day on the river for the season. The fishing was good enough to take limits every day but you still had to work a bit to get the fish you wanted. We caught fish anywhere from 2 feet of water to about 15 depending on the spot we were fishing. Jigs and minnows pitched or vertical jigging would catch fish. Long lining 1/8th and 1/4 oz jigs in 4 to 6 feet of water would net fish as well. Water temp was in the high 40’s so I’m sure when the water clears up it will be good again.
All that being said I have moved to Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon now. I have spent the last 2 days at North Lake and been doing okay, although it’s not a catch fest. Still have to work for them but limits are possible if you work at it. Light jigs and minnows pitched to shore or long lined behind the boat on points and some shore lines have been the best for me. The smallmouth are biting well when you run into them. The smallmouth are very shallow and the walleye are as deep as 8 or 10 feet. Water temps are 60 to 63 degrees. This next week will be much better and I expect that Lake Audubon will get good as well as Lake Sakakawea in the bays. Remember to stay shallow and in the bays. Main lake fishing is at least a month or more away. Also, very good fishing is taking place in the Newtown area. Haven’t been there myself but from the reports I’ve been getting, easy limits are the word.
Kent Yancey
Big Muddy Guide Service
www.bigmuddyguide.com