Rods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
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A huge Missouri River reservoir with walleye, pike, and a chinook salmon fishery.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Sakakawea for chinook salmon, walleye and northern pike. The best months overall are Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct. In October, chinook salmon, walleye and northern pike are in season, and Spinnerbait, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There is 1 shop within 45 miles; the closest is Scott's Bait & Tackle in Pick City, 16 mi away. Missouri River (Bismarck) is 67 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct
In October
Chinook Salmon, Walleye, Northern Pike
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Lake Sakakawea 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 LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Northern Pike
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · 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
Chinook Salmon
Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.
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 Lake Sakakawea
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
Shops Near Lake Sakakawea
Bait & Tackle
Scott's Bait & Tackle
Pick City, North Dakota· 16 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Pick City, ND.
Make It a Trip