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Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace) Fishing Guide

North Dakota

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.

Part of the Missouri River.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to the Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace) for rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye and channel catfish. No agency season found for the species here.

There are 3 shops nearby, including Scott's Bait & Tackle in Pick City. Also nearby: Lake Sakakawea.

Season at a Glance

No agency season found for these fish here.

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

Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace) Species

Species per ND Game and Fish: Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout; NDGF: Walleye and Channel Catfish.

Images: Duane Raver and Timothy Knepp, USFWS. Public domain.

What to Use

Fishing In
Fish

Channel Catfish

No agency season found

Spin / Cast

7 ft medium spinning or casting rod, 3000 to 4000 reel, 15 to 20 lb line, slip-sinker rig with a circle hook.

Rod, Reel and Line

  • Rod & ReelUgly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo · 7 ft medium rod, size 35 reelCheck Price
  • LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 17 or 20 lbCheck Price

Tie On in November

Named by NDGF: the North Dakota Game and Fish Department names this kind of fly, lure or bait for this fish here; tap the name for its page. It names the type, not the product we link, and does not endorse this site.

Other 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.

Buy Local

Shops near Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace):

Map of Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace)

Fishing VideosWatch Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace) Fishing Videos on YouTube

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

38°F high, 19°F low

About 0.6 in of precipitation for the month.

Typical, Not a Forecast: weather from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals at a station about 12 mi away.

Also Worth Packing

Clothing for November comes first, picked from typical weather here.

Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable four-layer waders built as a daily driver for seasons of wading.

Pack It For: Year-round

Check Price Maker's Page

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 Page

Apparel

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 Page

Apparel

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 Page

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Ramps and Launches on Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace)

Source: NDGF Fishing Facilities. Hours and fees change; check before you go.

Shops Near Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace)

Guides and Charters Near Missouri River (Garrison Dam Tailrace)

Farther Out

Nearby Water