Sakakawea, Lake

High forage abundance and good habitat conditions have allowed Sakakawea walleye to maintain good body condition, good growth rates and high abundance. Walleye abundance increased in 2024 and is above the long-term average. In 2025, anglers should find good numbers of fish from 10-20 inches along with some larger fish found mainly in the middle to lower portion of the reservoir. Northern pike abundance has declined from the record-high in 2012, but trophy-sized pike exceeding 15 pounds are still present. The smallmouth bass population remains good with some whopper-sized fish in the system. Salmon fishing was good in 2024. Good numbers of fish were caught with an average size of about 6 pounds and larger fish weighing about 10 pounds.