North Dakota Fishing Access Areas

North Dakota USA

Agency: Coe
Size: 350,520.5 Acres
Shoreline: 1,396.5 Miles
Average depth: 65.7 Feet
Maximum depth: 180 Feet
Amenities:
− Boat Ramp
− Fishing Pier
Fish species:
− Bigmouth Buffalo
− Channel Catfish
− Chinook Salmon
− Cisco
− Common Carp
− Freshwater Drum
− Goldeye
− Northern Pike
− Sauger
− Smallmouth Bass
− Walleye
− White Bass
− Yellow Perch

More info: Walleye fishing was exceptional in 2022 and should remain so in 2023. High forage abundance and good habitat conditions have allowed Sakakawea walleye to maintain good body condition, good growth rates and high abundance. Walleye abundance and size structure did moderate in the middle and upper regions of the reservoir in 2020-21, but remains above the long-term average. Anglers should find good numbers of 15- to 20-inch fish in 2023 as several strong, young year-classes were recruited to the fishery. Good numbers of larger fish are available, but primarily in the lower reservoir. Northern pike abundance has declined from record highs the last decade, but still remain good. Trophy-sized pike exceeding 15 pounds are abundant. The smallmouth bass population remains good and anglers will continue to encounter good numbers of fish. The population also contains good numbers of whopper-sized fish. The Missouri River salmon fishery was greatly affected by high water in 2011, but recovered and salmon fishing in 2016-17 was good, but somewhat slower in 2019 and 2020. Salmon fishing was very good in 2022 with good numbers of fish caught. Fall spawning operations in 2022 found high numbers of spawning fish in Sakakawea and egg collection goals were easily met. The effects of high entrainment in 2018 and 2019 should largely be over for the Sakakawea salmon fishery in 2023.