Fishing Lake Sakakawea, ND

AKA: Sakakawea Reservoir

Boat and bank fishing

Last updated on February 7, 2026.

Popular Fish Species
Lake Sakakawea Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Fishing License
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Lake Sakakawea, ND

Popular Fish Species

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in Lake Sakakawea again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. 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. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. 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. 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.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Lake Sakakawea continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend 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. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike roam the waters of Lake Sakakawea. They are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to 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. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Lake Sakakawea. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. 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. 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.

Lake & Fishing Video

Fishing tips for boat or bank fishing

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, Chinook salmon, northern pike and sauger at Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota.

Created by by Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, Lake Sakakawea is home to quality walleye and smallie fishing, plus big pike and salmon. This giant, 368,000-acre lake is located in the west-central part of the state, stretching from Garrison to Williston.

Smallmouth bass fishing in Lake Sakakawea is particularly noteworthy, with anglers enjoying the chance to catch these feisty fighters, in impressive size. Walleye fishing is another of the main draws of Lake Sakakawea, and the reservoir is renowned for its robust walleye population. Sauger, a close relative of walleye, is another popular species in Lake Sakakawea. Lake Sakakawea is also known for its Chinook salmon fishery. Channel catfish and northern pike are also popular species in this lake.

If you like fishing the shallows around the shore, there is over 1,300 miles of shoreline to explore. If you like structure fishing or trolling, there is almost 180 miles of river channel, ledges and humps. In addition to bass, walleye, pike and salmon, the lake has healthy populations of catfish and sauger. Well over a dozen boat launch ramps are scattered up and down the lake for boat access from either the north or the south side of the lake. Kayaks and canoes can be launched from many of the public access areas, parks and campgrounds. Several marinas provide boating services, some with rental boats.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Sakakawea

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Sakakawea Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

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Marinas

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Fishing License

Click here for a North Dakota Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground - 701 487-3315

Downstream Campground - 701 654-7701

Morning Star Campground - 701 654-7636

Wolf Creek Campground - 701 654-7411