Big Start.  The walleye bite on the Missouri River is solid, with fish of all sizes coming to boat in the early goings. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso 

So normally this time of year my reports on walleye fishing activity on the Missouri River in and around Bismark consists of water clarity, ice conditions, boat ramps and so on, but not this spring! Things are in full swing already on the Missouri River, and I couldn’t be happier. 

There are lots of spots producing and lots of fish, and much smoother navigation on the river as well.  It’s not just “put the boat in and go,” but it’s a heck of a lot easier than in years past.  This spring you DO NOT need to fish in a crowd if you don’t want to. 

Walleyes are literally spread out all over the river already this year.  You can find good fish right now from the tailrace all the way down to the state line.  It’s absolutely incredible what this river system has in it already.  We are seeing eater size to whopper size and all the sizes in between wen it comes to walleyes.

Of course, if you follow my reports from each spring you know I love to fish jigs and that is exactly how I’m fishing them.  Jigs and minnows and jigs and plastics pitched back away from the boat are the techniques that are producing.  Shallow running crankbaits are working as well.  

I’m so excited to fire up the guide service here April 2.  It should be an amazing spring!