Baskets of Gold.  Numbers of walleyes in that 14-to-18-inch range are beginning to materialize on the Missouri River following a shortened spring fishing season. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso

By Mike Peluso

It’s hard for me to believe this is my last Missouri River walleye fishing report until fall as it just never felt like we had much of a spring. With late ice off, muddy water and terrible weather, it just made for a frustrating time. I’m hoping Mother Nature repays us with a nice autumn!

Anyway, just as I’m leaving the river for Devils Lake, the numbers bite is finally starting to show itself on the Missouri River in and around Bismarck. It’s not gangbusters everywhere, but certain stretches are holding numbers of perfect eater size walleyes. The best part of this time of year is you can catch them with any technique you like to use. The biggest thing is finding those stretches of sandbars or rocky shoreline on which to apply your techniques.

Do note that the water has risen on the Missouri substantially since last week, so if you haven’t been on the river for a bit, be prepared for some of your areas to be different. I will be reporting from Devils Lake over the next month or so and I’ll also be keeping tabs on Sakakawea as well.

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