Sakakawea Trip Timing Help?

[Traxion]

We fish the N end of Oahe mainly and have been less than impressed the past few years. Fishing sucks, at least compared to the glory days of 10 years ago. Thinking of heading up to pillage Sakakawea for a long weekend sometime this summer. I have fished the East end a bit, staying at the State Park. I have also stayed at Beulah a couple times and fished west and north in the Beaver Bay/Nishu areas. We're coming from W SD so the middle to western part of the lake are the closest. I would be open to fishing farther west, just not sure on lodging options on the south side of the lake. A cabin or even the good old tent would be fine, long as power is available to plug in the boat. Any recommendations on places that might fit the bill? Then, and probably most importantly, what timeline would you suggest? Thinking mid July ish? Thoughts?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Vollmer]

New Town. Stay at the casino. Good fishing in that area last year.

It was pretty decent all summer.

 

[shorthairsrus]

Believe or not the wife wants to do a day trip from dl to sak u know your desperate to do that.

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We will most likely go in July. Hopefully make it back to the cleaning station with them Biggins and I will tell em I caught em on strommes��

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;:;rofl

 

[cooter00]

July is a good time Newtown area is usually good and the river from tobacco to white earth is usually heated up by that time tobbaco has primative cabins but if you are looking for comfort I recommend the casino

 

[Petras]

As much as I hate to tell anyone to stay in new town, that would probably be your best bet. I personally like to put in at pouch point. The ramp is a little shady, but this at least allows me the choice to either run up the river and fish the river, or I can zip up into the van hook arm. Mid to late July is a great time to hit Van Hook. I like to hit shell village first, if that doesn't produce, bounce up to 8# island, and then maybe hit some of the structure on the west side on the way back towards the river. I have had a couple very good years in this are the last couple years. Stop into the bait shop at van hook and they will tell you everything they know, and they have some pretty good laminated maps with all the island and point names on them. If your going to take peoples advice on where to fish, those maps are a must. Also, when you do decide to hit the area, shoot me a PM and I'll tell ya everything I know. I plan on being out a shitloads this summer.

 

[Norske]

When I lived in Hazen (for 30 years), my neighbor and I would get serious about Sakakawea in July. Until then, it was Devils Lake.

 

[eyexer]

they have hotels east of New Town by the Van Hook convenience store/gas station.

 

[ranger150]

June is My favorite month on Sak. You can catch them eyes pitching a JIG!!!:;:thumbsup

 

[raider]

in your situation, and knowing what i know bout the nw section of the lake, i'd proly say stay around new town and target van hook... pretty nice campground with all the amenities and ramps right at van hook...

you also have a ramp, campground, and hotel at the casino if that's your thing... going west from there you have white earth and beaver bay with ramps all within 45 miles... anything south or slightly nw on the river side, just put in at the casino ramp and run from there...

have had some pretty awesome days at van hook that time of year, as well as the river...

you don't have to don't pigeon hole yourself into one area or one fishing style in that area... have an open mind, heed the advice, and play the wind... there are limits being pulled by almost every style of fishing in that area at that time of year...

good luck...

 

[Plain Skeeter]

July 16th there is a tournament out of 4 bears. Just a heads up.

 

[KDM]

I've stayed at the New Town Territorial Inn a couple times and it was nice. There is a pretty good restaurant/bar next door as well. They have a big enough parking lot to accommodate hooked up boats and have several plug in locations along the building for guests to use.

 

[sierra1995]

I've stayed at the New Town Territorial Inn a couple times and it was nice. There is a pretty good restaurant/bar next door as well. They have a big enough parking lot to accommodate hooked up boats and have several plug in locations along the building for guests to use.

I did some work in the New Town area and stayed at the territorial as well. There were a handful of trucks/boats in the parking lot just about every day. They have electrical hookups outside for you to charge batteries. Plus the Scenic 23 probably has the best steak in the New Town area. There is a new mexican joint that just opened up on main street next to Satermo's hardware. it's worth the trip

 

[eyexer]

the casino has a little problem paying the winners so keep that in mind

 

[Norske]

According to the members of Ft. Berthold I worked with for over 25 years, the only room in the whole casino without security cameras is the money counting room. Maybe causes the trouble paying winners?

 

[LiebelsGuide]

I would suggest the New Town areas as well. Multiple ramp options for pretty much any wind. I like fishing the "river" portion because you can find places to fish in any wind. If you stay at the territorial inn like has been said before you have many boat ramps within 40 miles. Don't forget south towards deepwater and Indian Hills(another great option to stay at).

 

[Traxion]

Thanks for all the good info. Any input on McKenzie Bay? Also thought about fishing out of there.....