Fishing on Lake Sakakawea: It's Just You and the Fish

With more shoreline than the Pacific Coast of the state of California, Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota has a lot of room for fish – lots of different fish. Anglers can spend a day on the water without meeting another person. It's just you and the fish.

On a lake as big as Lake Sakakawea, anglers never run out of ways to fish and species to fish for. And fishing has never been better. Fish are healthy and abundant, specifically the walleye. The game fish of choice in North Dakota showed good body condition, good growth rates and high abundance, as reported by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Walleye abundance is the highest documented in the last 45 years due to several strong year-classes in recent years.  

Techniques and targets vary by location and season. The only sure thing about fishing in North Dakota is that the fish keep on biting. As Lake Sakakawea warms and cools, the presentations change to keep the bite going. Fishing, however, remains excellent all along the big lake, beginning in the spring at the lake’s headwaters at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. 

Water temperature warms first there and fish follow the warming temperatures down the lake. Techniques will vary. Trolling crankbaits and using bottom bouncers and spinners are tried-and-true methods.

By late summer, fish have moved down the length of the lake and fishing has picked up in the deep water at Garrison Dam, the structure that holds back the massive body of water. There, you can find a smorgasbord of fish, including walleye, northern pike, salmon, crappie, smallmouth bass and more.

Guides advise you to trust your electronics and fish where you find them. The same can be said for other bodies of water in the state.

Anglers pulled walleye out of our rivers and lakes all summer and they're still doing so through the ice. Walleye is the king - the fish of choice - in North Dakota and can be found almost anywhere.

Devils Lake is brimming with perch, bass, walleye and pike. Here, like on Lake Sakakawea, fish will begin to slowly alter their depths and cause anglers to switch patterns. Again, the fishing remains excellent.

Lake Sakakawea Spring 2026 Update: Low Water, Great Fishing, and Where to Launch

Despite lower-than-normal spring water levels, Lake Sakakawea continues to offer outstanding fishing and plenty of opportunity for anglers itching to get out on the water. Here’s what you need to know as we head into the season—where the fish are biting, how to navigate the low water, and which boat ramps remain accessible.

Lake Sakakawea is sitting below average this spring, with water levels nearly 30 feet below full pool. While that can affect access at some ramps, it has not dampened the fishing. In fact, early-season we can expect:

• Strong walleye activity along shallow rock and gravel.
• Aggressive northern pike in bays and flooded vegetation.
• Consistent smallmouth bass action near rip-rap and structure.

As the lake transitions into warmer weather, expect fishing to be excellent throughout May & June on the upper end of the lake from Williston to Van Hook, and June-July on the lower lake down to the dam. 

Even with reduced water levels, several ramps around the lake offer reliable access thanks to deeper ramp construction and favorable shoreline conditions. Anglers should consider these proven low-water options:

Highly Usable Ramps in Low-Water Conditions

• Fort Stevenson State Park - The new ramp is one of the lowest-elevation ramps on the lake; excellent access even during significant drought years.
• Beulah Bay - Consistently dependable; new low water ramp well below current water elevation.
• Douglas Creek - Known for holding water late into low-water cycles.
• Deep Water Creek - Provides usable depth and is monitored closely for conditions.
• Tobacco Garden - Multiple low water ramps are a popular choice during low-water years.

The best tool to check whether lake ramps are useable is on North Dakota Game & Fish’s website under the “Where to Fish” application. Click on Upper Missouri River/Lake Sakakawea under ramp status and look for ramps labeled useable. 

Lake Sakakawea continues to deliver world-class fishing, even with lower water this year. By selecting ramps with lower elevations, staying informed on access conditions, and targeting known fish-holding structure, you can enjoy a successful—and scenic—fishing adventure.

Whatever your choice of fight, North Dakota has the battle for you. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has all the information you need to get started.