The Missouri River in and around Bismarck is open and in a fishable state. Warming waters should start walleye movements in the coming days. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

Open water is here in Bismarck and it is here to stay!

Ramps on the Missouri River are pushed, the ice is gone, and hopefully the walleyes will begin to filter north.

I’ve only been out twice since returning to Bismarck after guiding on the ice all winter on Devils Lake. There are a few things to note, but the first is that the water is extremely low! This is going to make navigation and launching a tad difficult. Another important thing to remember – especially launching in the early mornings right now – is to drain your trailer before pulling it up the ramp.

I’ve been rigging boats here the past week trying to get things ready to start guiding. I decided to fix up a smaller boat for my one- and two-person trips. So, my fishing has been a little limited. I have however caught a few fish, slipping the current and also pulling jigs upstream really slow.

The ramps I have used or know of people using are Fox Island, Interstate, Misty Waters, Graner Bottoms, Hazelton, Wilton and Washburn. All are in decent shape and you can get your bigger rigs in. I’m going to be hitting it hard starting this week, so lots of good, up to date reports will be coming your way!

I have a few openings in April yet plus two other guides we can line you up with. I also have openings in May if you are looking for some early spring time on the water, let me know!

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