Fishing Lake Oahe
AKA: Oahe Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Oahe, ND

Walleye Fishing
Lake Oahe is home to a hearty population of big walleye. Nutrient water and excellent forage in the lake, have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Lake Oahe, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Northern Pike Fishing
Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Lake Oahe. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, lake trout, Chinook salmon and northern pike at Lake Oahe in North Dakota.
Lake Oahe Fishing Video
In the upper reaches of the Missouri River, behind the Oahe Dam, lies Lake Oahe. One third of this 370,000-acre lake is in south-central North Dakota, including a third of over 2,200 miles of shoreline.
Lake Oahe is a sprawling reservoir located in the central section of North Dakota, extending into South Dakota. It is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities and diverse fish species. Anglers from near and far flock to Lake Oahe to pursue a variety of popular fish species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, lake trout, Chinook salmon, channel catfish, yellow perch, bluegill, and northern pike.
Smallmouth bass fishing in Lake Oahe is highly regarded, attracting anglers with the promise of trophy-sized fish. The rocky shorelines, submerged structure, and drop-offs provide excellent habitat for smallmouth bass. Anglers can target them using various lures such as crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics. Catching smallmouth bass in Lake Oahe offers not only thrilling fights but also the chance to land some impressive specimens.
Walleye is the most sought-after species in Lake Oahe, known for its abundance and size. Anglers can find walleye near points, submerged structures, and weed edges. Techniques such as jigging, trolling, and live bait presentations are commonly used to entice these elusive fish. Whether targeting trophy walleye or enjoying a day of catch-and-release, Lake Oahe offers a prime walleye fishing experience.
Lake Oahe is also famous for its excellent lake trout fishery. These cold-water predators can reach impressive sizes, providing a thrilling challenge for anglers. Trolling with downriggers and deep-diving lures is a popular method for targeting lake trout in the deep waters of Lake Oahe. Anglers can also jig or cast with spoons and swimbaits to entice these powerful fish. Lake trout fishing in Lake Oahe offers a unique opportunity to land a trophy-sized fish and create lasting memories.
Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, is another prized species found in Lake Oahe. Anglers can target Chinook salmon using downriggers, trolling spoons, and flasher-fly combinations. These powerful fish provide an exciting battle and are highly prized for their size and delicious flesh. Catching Chinook salmon in Lake Oahe is a memorable experience for any angler.
Channel catfish, yellow perch, bluegill, and northern pike are also popular species in Lake Oahe. Anglers can target channel catfish using various baits such as cut bait, stink bait, or live bait near submerged structures and channels. Yellow perch and bluegill can be found near weed beds, rocky areas, and drop-offs. Anglers can use small jigs, live bait, or worms to entice these panfish. Northern pike, known for their aggressive strikes, can be caught using large spoons, spinners, or swimbaits near weed beds and submerged structure.
Lake Oahe in the central sector of North Dakota offers exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers targeting smallmouth bass, walleye, lake trout, Chinook salmon, channel catfish, yellow perch, bluegill, and northern pike. Whether you're an avid angler seeking trophy-sized fish or a recreational angler looking for a relaxing fishing experience, Lake Oahe has something to offer. The combination of diverse fish species, scenic surroundings, and ample boating and camping facilities make Lake Oahe a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts.
It is very fertile smallmouth fishery and also maintains abundant schools of catfish, walleye, trout, salmon and pike. The real draw is the population of quality smallmouth bass. Four to five-pound fish are quite common, and smallies over six pounds are not uncommon. Walleye, lake trout and landlocked salmon also grow big here and draw attention from fishing enthusiasts. The ideal way to fish this large body of water is from a boat, yet anglers can find plenty of places to fish from the bank. At least a dozen boating access areas have boat launch ramps. General Sibley Park & Campground has a boat launch for small craft (up to 15 ft) and is ideal for launching canoes, kayaks and car-top boats. Ice fishing in winter can be very productive for crappie, walleye and pike. Plenty of campgrounds, RV parks and lodging options are available, primarily on the eastern side of the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Oahe
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Oahe Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Oahe, providing anglers with easy access to different fishing spots. The lake's vast size and scenic shorelines make it ideal for exploring and finding prime fishing locations. Additionally, camping facilities around Lake Oahe allow anglers to extend their stay and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Beaver Bay East Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off State Route 1804, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Beaver Bay Main Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off State Route 1804, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Cattail Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 91st Street SW, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fort Rice Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off 63rd Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fort Yates Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Proposal Avenue, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Langeliers Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 100th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Maclean Bottoms Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off 106th Street SE, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Prarie Knights Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off 80th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Misty Waters Marina
5800 Burnt Creek Loop
Bismarck, ND 58503
701 223-9003
Ricker's Marina
2540 Marina Rd
Mandan, ND 58554
701 222-2000
Fishing Guides On Lake Oahe
Mike Peluso Outdoors - walleye
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a North Dakota Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
General Sibley Park Campground - 701 222-1844
Hillcrest Acres Campground - 701 255-4334
Bismarck KOA Journey Campground - 701 222-2662
Hazelton Recreation Area Campground - 701 255-0015
Beaver Creek Recreation Area Campground - 701 255-0015
Kohler Point Campground - 701 595-0696
South Dakota Campgrounds & RV Parks
Lake Oahe ND Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Oahe
General Sibley Park & Campground
5001 S Washington St
Bismarck, ND 58504
701 222-1844
Fishing lakes in each state.
101724
Lake Oahe in North Dakota.
NORTH DAKOTA


Information about fishing lakes in North Dakota
Fishing for bass, catfish, walleye, trout, salmon and pike at Lake Oahe in southern ND.