Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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Home / North Dakota / Missouri River (Bismarck)
Rivers & Streams
Missouri River (Bismarck) Fishing Guide
North Dakota
A walleye river between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Missouri River (Bismarck) for walleye and northern pike. The best months overall are Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, walleye and northern pike are in season, and Suspending Jerkbait, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Jig and Minnow are a good place to start. There are 3 shops within 60 miles; the closest is Scheels in Bismarck, under 1 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Lake Sakakawea is 67 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov
In October
Walleye, Northern Pike
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Missouri River (Bismarck) Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
3 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Walleye · After dark.
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This Lure
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
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 Missouri River (Bismarck)
Rods
St. Croix Musky Casting Rod
A heavy, long casting rod for big bucktails, jerkbaits, and figure-eights.
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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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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Missouri River (Bismarck)
Bait & Tackle
Scott's Bait & Tackle
Pick City, North Dakota· 58 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Pick City, ND.
Make It a Trip