The Gorgeous, Little-Known Missouri River Is One of the Most Underrated Fishing Spots in North Dakota

Fun fact: North Dakota is an unsung fishing paradise. Our state offers some of the best fishing for walleye, northern pike, perch, catfish, and many more. For anglers of all skill levels, there’s one little-known fishing spot in North Dakota where you can catch trophy northern pike, premier walleye, and smallmouth bass. 

Where most Americans see "boring" and "flat", those of us well-versed in the Dakotas know that this isn't even a little bit true. Did you know, for example, that some of the best fishing in the U.S. can be found here in the Peace Garden State? Yep. Take, for instance, the Missouri River; whereas most folks across the nation have no clue that it's a mecca for those who love to fish, those of us who live here know all about it. The best fishing in North Dakota is a well-kept open secret... and the key is the river.

What Makes This Fishing Spot in North Dakota So Unique

The Missouri flows eastward from beautiful Montana into western North Dakota, and I promise you: the fishing is GREAT.

Often mentioned in listicles and Q&A sessions on the internet as one of the best places you can catch fish, this amazing little river is so much more than just a body of water.

It seems to go on forever, reflecting the sky's brilliant blue and appearing remarkably clear to the eye.

It's nice and cool even on the warmest of summer days, and once you've come down here for the fishin', you'll never want to leave.

What You Can Catch at This Hidden Gem

You'll have a vast array of fish to pick from.

You never know what you're going to get: maybe some walleye, trout, salmon, or catfish is on the menu tonight.

Unless, of course, you're a catch-and-release kind of person... which I am.

I like to admire the beauty of these little creatures before setting them free, no doubt to go tell one hell of a story to their friends and family.

Other fish worth mentioning include gar, bass, pike, carp, and drum... There are just so many that it's tough to narrow down a short list.

Even if you're not super big into fishing, I get you - and I promise it's worth coming out for anyway. Accompany that one person you know who's super into fishing and come see the beauty of North Dakota's countryside firsthand.

The river is calling... are you going to answer?

Best Time to Visit and What to Know Before You Go

Different times of the year are better than others, depending on what you’re hoping to catch. The best time for catching walleye in the Missouri River is late March through early June and again in the fall (September through November). 

You can still go fishing in the summer; just know that the fish may move to deeper, cooler water, and you should follow them. 

Fishing in the winter is a completely different ball game. Yellow perch and pike are the prized catches during this time of year.

Regardless of what time of year you go fishing, you'll want a valid North Dakota fishing license first. For more aquatic adventures, check out some of the best fishing lakes in North Dakota.