Rods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
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A 134 mile Missouri River reservoir on the plains with walleye, lake trout, and pike.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Fort Peck Lake for lake trout, walleye and northern pike. The best months overall are Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, lake trout, walleye and northern pike are in season, and Spinnerbait, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 2 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Norcutt’s Bait & Tackle in Glasgow, 29 mi away.
Best Months
Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov
In October
Lake Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Fort Peck Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Northern Pike, Walleye
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye, Lake Trout
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Northern Pike, Lake Trout
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Northern Pike
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Lake Trout
Fly 8 to 9 wt rod with a full-sink line when fish are shallow after ice-out.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20 to 30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader, or downrigger trolling gear.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Northern Pike
Fly 9 ft 8 or 9 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, wire or 40 lb bite tippet.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 30 to 50 lb braid, steel or titanium leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Fort Peck Lake
Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel
A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.
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Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait
A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Within 45 Miles