1st time to Missouri river/Sakakawea

[MGM]

Have never fished ND before, got a week off in the middle of may and am thinking about trying Missouri river between Bismark and the Garrison dam, or Sakakawea. I've got a 17' older boat so probably don't want to get too many miles from landing. Already found a lot of good info on this site. Any advice, opinions about best area to start with at that time appreciated. Thinking about either looking for a room in Dam area or around Bismark.
Thanks

 

[dean nelson]

If your chasing eyes your going the wrong direction. Best bet would be the upper oahe area south of bismarck. The areas from Hazleton down to the line should be active. The river will be starting to throttle back a bit by that point and that'll be too early for the eastern end of Lake Sakakawea.

 

[BDub]

If your chasing eyes your going the wrong direction. Best bet would be the upper oahe area south of bismarck. The areas from Hazleton down to the line should be active. The river will be starting to throttle back a bit by that point and that'll be too early for the eastern end of Lake Sakakawea.

Dean is right. Beaver Bay is a good bet.

 

[Sub_Elect]

Right now anywhere from Bismarck to Hazelton is going good. Since you have never fished the Missouri River you may just want to follow people and stay close to the ramps. River is changing quickly and sandbars are popping up overnight. Good news is the whole river is loaded with fish and you can do really well.

PS, If you have waders throw them in your boat in case you have to push off a sandbar. NOT KIDDING!

 

[MGM]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. Looks like I should start looking for a room in Bismark or south. Any ideas of places to stay where I can plug in trolling motors? I can probably get advice from local bait shops on bait, tackle, ect. Hopefully wind won't blow 30 mph the whole time. Almost feel like a kid again getting to explore some new water! Can't wait. Weather is supposed to finally start warming up around here by this weekend, maybe can find some crappies.
I'll bring the waders.

 

[Sub_Elect]

I have seen boats in every motel all over town, I would think they all have a place to plug in. Good luck fishing.

 

[Up Y'oars]

To get you started in the right direction here's some helpful beginnings:

1) Hotel - Call Expressway Inn, or Expressway Suites = 701-222-2900 / 3311
Rooms are reasonable on the wallet.
Bait shop (Pony Express) is 2blks west on the way to the river in the Bismarck area.
Bait shop (Runway Conoco) just 1mi southwest on the way to Hazelton / Beaver Bay area.
Scheels Sporting Goods is also one block away at the Kirkwood Mall.
Dakota Tackle is just 2mi to the east on the same street.

2) Not many housing options to the south of Bismarck unless you get down to SD Border (Pollock, SD). Good fishing down there with all of Oahe, State line ramps, Langeliers, etc.

3) Just in case you don't have a backup prop, here's the number for Bismarck Prop Works = 255-3864 in case you need a second prop at the last moment. Lots of places in the river have sunken rocks, trees, etc. and when a new boater gets in the water they don't understand that the middle of the river does NOT mean the deepest! The channel usually stays on one side or the other of the embankments (cuts usually best bet) as it winds downstream.

 

[Captain Ahab]

If you are exploring, try to put in downstream of where you want to fish. If you run into a sand bar going against the current, it is A LOT easier to resolve. How do I know this? Don't ask, ha ha. After you spend some time on the river, you will be able to read the current to tell you the depth. If it is sunny without a bunch of wind, it makes it a lot easier.

 

[dean nelson]

Bismarck is probably your best bet for a place to stay if you don't mind putting on a few road miles. Bismarck will allow you to pick the side of the lake you want based on the wind forcast. Beaver bay has a causeway so some part of it is always calm so Linton would be the best other choice.

 

[wildeyes]

mid-May pick any small lake they will be happen also.

 

[Sum1]

Make sure you have a stainless steel prop. If its aluminum, bring spares.

 

[MSA]

yes the mighty Missouri is a prop eatin machine.

 

[MGM]

Thanks again to everyone for they're advice, especially Up Y' oars. This is a great site! I post a report of my adventures/misadventures when I get back.

 

[SDMF]

Kelly Inn in N Bismarck has a few plugs in the parking lot and is relatively easy to get in/out of with a trailer/boat.

 

[Up Y'oars]

Thanks again to everyone for they're advice, especially Up Y' oars. This is a great site! I post a report of my adventures/misadventures when I get back.

Forgot to mention, you'll also be next door to a Perkins restaurant, Dan's Supervalu one block behind the hotel for snacks in the room, and Captain Jack's Liquorland one block to the north for some 'soda'... :;:exactly

 

[dean nelson]

Forgot to mention, you'll also be next door to a Perkins restaurant, Dan's Supervalu one block behind the hotel for snacks in the room, and Captain Jack's Liquorland one block to the north for some 'soda'... :;:exactly

And kitty corner to the worst part of bismarck so the parking lot regularly gets hit with thefts!

 

[guywhofishes]

please allow me to derail this thread :;:muahaha

in some parts of the country they say "catty corner". I'm always like "WTF?... catty corner?" hee hee

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/04/origins-kitty-corner-catawampus-cat-words/

 

[b2down]

MGM, if you need a place to park and charge your boat just send me a PM and your welcome to park it my house. I live east of Bismarck 3 miles so it's on the way to the river if your fishing south. Parking a boat at any hotel would scare the hell out of me unless I took everything out.

 

[Sum1]

MGM, if you need a place to park and charge your boat just send me a PM and your welcome to park it my house. I live east of Bismarck 3 miles so it's on the way to the river if your fishing south. Parking a boat at any hotel would scare the hell out of me unless I took everything out.

Me too. I've never parked my boat at a hotel but I would definately be taking everything out. Then again I'm a paranoid dude.

 

[MGM]

Thanks for the offer, appreciate it, I generally do take everything out when traveling.