Waders & Boots
Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable four-layer waders built as a daily driver for seasons of wading.
Pack It For: Sep to Jun
Check Price Maker's PageRivers & StreamsFly FishingSpin, Cast & Bait
Missouri River (Bismarck) Fishing Guide
North Dakota
A walleye river between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe.
Part of the Missouri River.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to the Missouri River (Bismarck) for walleye, northern pike and channel catfish. No agency season found for the species here.
There are 2 shops nearby, including Scheels in Bismarck. Also nearby: Lake Sakakawea.
Season at a Glance
JFMAMJJASOND
Walleye
Northern Pike
No Agency SeasonNo Agency Season Found
Channel Catfish
No Agency SeasonNo Agency Season Found
Legend
This Month Spawning No Agency Season Found
Spawning: ND Game and Fish (Walleye)
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a North Dakota fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Parts of the Missouri River
- Main PageMissouri RiverThe Missouri River in North Dakota: a spring and fall sauger and walleye fishery above Lake Sakakawea near Williston, a tailrace below Garrison Dam with trophy brown and rainbow trout, and a walleye river between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe at Bismarck.
- Rivers & Streams · North DakotaUpper Missouri River (North Dakota)The Missouri River from Williston to the Montana line, above Lake Sakakawea: a spring and fall fishery for sauger and walleye, where North Dakota Game and Fish says channel catfish are abundant.
- Rivers & Streams · North DakotaMissouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace)The Missouri River directly below Garrison Dam, where North Dakota Game and Fish says the tailrace continues to produce trophy brown and rainbow trout and a diverse quality fishery for walleye and salmon.
- Rivers & Streams · North Dakota · You're HereMissouri River (Bismarck)A walleye river between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe.
Missouri River (Bismarck) Species
Species per NDGF.
Images: Timothy Knepp and Duane Raver, USFWS. Public domain.
What to Use
Fishing In
Fish
Walleye
No agency season found
No fly setup listed for walleye; see Spin / Cast.
Spin / Cast
7 to 8 ft medium casting rod and line-counter reel for trolling crawler harnesses behind bottom bouncers and deep crankbaits, 10 to 12 lb line. For jigging, a 6.5 ft medium-light rod with 10 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodSt. Croix Eyecon Trolling Rod · 7 ft 6 in or 8 ft 6 in, medium, moderate, 10 to 20 lb line (telescopic)Check Price
- ReelOkuma Magda Pro Line Counter Reel · size 20, right handCheck Price
- LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 10 or 12 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
- Lure for November · 1/8 to 3/8 ozJig and Minnow · Northland Fire-Ball JigCheck Price
- Lure for November · 1.5 to 4.75 inJerkbait · Rapala X-Rap JerkbaitAfter dark.Check Price
- Lure for November · 4 to 7 inPaddle-Tail SwimbaitSee Options
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Map of Missouri River (Bismarck)
Planning for a Month
Prime in November
No agency season found for the species here.
Daylight
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Moon
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Typical Weather
40°F high, 20°F low
About 0.7 in of precipitation for the month.
Typical Flow
17,555 cfs
Most years 11,510 cfs to 31,480 cfs.
Typical, Not a Forecast: weather from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals at a station about 2 mi away; flow from USGS gauge 06342500, 1953 to 2025.
Also Worth Packing
Clothing for November comes first, picked from typical weather here.
Waders & Boots
Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive wading boots with determined traction for a full range of wading conditions, worn over waders or wading socks.
Pack It For: Year-round
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer
A 100% merino wool base layer for temperature regulation and moisture management, under waders or a jacket.
Pack It For: Nov to Mar
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Glacier Glove Alaska River Flip Mitt
Fingerless fishing gloves with a fold-over mitt for cold hands between casts.
Pack It For: Nov to Mar
Check Price Maker's PageTerminal Tackle
Northland Rock-Runner Bottom Bouncer
A bottom bouncer with a 10 in stainless steel wire feeler that glides over rocks, logs and weeds, for drifting and trolling spinner rigs and live bait for walleyes.
Check Price Maker's PageTerminal Tackle
Gamakatsu Circle Hooks
Circle hooks designed to set in the corner of a fish's mouth, for fresh and saltwater bait fishing.
Check Price Maker's PageNets & Tools
Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A floating trout net with tangle-free micromesh rubberized netting and a flat bottom that supports the fish's weight evenly.
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Simms SolarFlex Sun Hoody
A UPF 50+ hooded sun shirt with a vented hood and extended sleeves, for long, bright days.
Pack It For: Jun to Sep
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Buff CoolNet UV Neckwear
A UPF 50 sun gaiter for the face and neck.
Pack It For: Jun to Sep
Check Price Maker's PageWaders & Boots
Simms Neoprene Wading Socks
Worn inside wading boots in place of waders when the water is warm enough to wet wade.
Pack It For: Jul to Aug
Check Price Maker's PageSome links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Ramps and Launches on Missouri River (Bismarck)
Source: NDGF Fishing Facilities. Hours and fees change; check before you go.
Shops Near Missouri River (Bismarck)
Farther Out
Guides and Charters Near Missouri River (Bismarck)
Guide
Big Muddy Guide Service
Bismarck, North Dakota
1606 Wichita Dr #6413 701-391-7249
Per their website: Walleye
Guide
Mike Peluso Outdoors
Bismarck, North Dakota
Per their website: Crappie, Walleye, Northern Pike, Ice Fishing, Lake Trips, River Trips
Farther Out
Guide
Big Lake Guide Service
Riverdale, North Dakota
Per their website: Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike
Guide
rudlands guide service
Beulah, North Dakota
Per their website: Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Full-Day Trips