Big November.  Walleyes are moving upstream on the Missouri River, and big fish are on the bite ahead of the cold water season. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

The walleye bite on the Missouri River near Bismarck keeps improving every day! There are definitely a lot more fish the further south you go, but we’ve also spotted some really big ones making their way upriver.

This past week, jigs and minnows have been the most effective for us. Don’t be afraid to throw out a dead rod as well or drag jigs upstream real slow.

Keep an eye on your electronics, especially your side scan unit, to track fish movements. You’ll actually see them coming into your spot, and if you notice them moving, they’re usually up on the sand near the current seam. When you see this happening, hit spot lock and pitch at them before they move on.

The walleyes are moving hard right now but are very willing to cooperate when you spot them on your electronics near the main river channel.

The weather looks like it will hold up for at least two more weeks, so if you’re interested in getting out, I’ll have days available upon request. From what I’ve seen, you definitely have a chance to catch a really big walleye right now or even set a personal best!

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters.