Premium Multi Lake Fishing Adventure North Dakota
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided fishing across three premier North Dakota watersTarget walleye, pike, bass with premium tackle and electronics includedLicensed captain cleans and packages all keeper fish
Nothing beats a full-day guided fishing trip that takes you to three of North Dakota's hottest fisheries in one epic outing. This isn't your typical single-lake charter – you'll be chasing walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, and even lake trout across Lake Sakakawea, Devils Lake, and the Missouri River with a licensed captain who knows these waters inside and out. With a spacious 21-foot deep-V boat loaded with top-shelf electronics and premium tackle, you and up to three buddies will experience the best of what North Dakota fishing has to offer. Your guide handles everything from gear to fish cleaning, so all you need to focus on is setting the hook and reeling them in.
This full-day adventure is designed for anglers who want to maximize their time on North Dakota's premier waters. Your licensed captain will pick the best spots based on current conditions, fish activity, and seasonal patterns across all three fisheries. The 21-foot deep-V craft is built for these big waters, giving you a stable platform whether you're working structure on Sakakawea, trolling Devils Lake's expanses, or drifting the Missouri's current breaks. Modern fish finders and GPS units mean less time searching and more time with lines in the water. The boat comfortably handles four anglers without feeling cramped, and there's plenty of room for your cooler, extra layers, and personal gear. At the end of the day, your captain takes care of cleaning and packaging your keepers – a huge bonus that lets you focus on fishing instead of filleting.
Your guide switches up techniques based on what's working across these three distinct fisheries. Jigging is huge here, especially when walleye are holding tight to structure or suspended in the water column. You'll work everything from classic leadheads with plastics to blade baits and spoons, depending on fish mood and water conditions. Trolling comes into play when covering water or targeting specific depth ranges, particularly effective for pulling cranks over Sakakawea's reefs or working Devils Lake's drop-offs. The Missouri River demands a different approach – drifting with current, pitching jigs to wing dams, and working eddies where baitfish concentrate. Your captain provides all the premium tackle, from light spinning gear for finicky walleye to heavier setups when big northerns are on the prowl. The electronics package includes quality sonar for marking fish and structure, plus GPS to hit proven waypoints across all three waters.
Walleye reign supreme across these North Dakota waters, and for good reason – they're abundant, fight well, and taste even better. These golden beauties typically run 14 to 20 inches, with bigger fish pushing 24 inches or more showing up regularly. Spring and fall are prime time when walleye move shallow and feed aggressively, but summer patterns produce consistent action in deeper water. What makes walleye fishing here special is the variety of presentations that work – from classic jig and minnow combos to trolling spinner rigs and cranks. Northern pike add serious excitement to any trip, especially the toothy monsters lurking in Devils Lake and Sakakawea's weed edges. These ambush predators explode on lures and put up bulldogging fights that test your drag system. Pike fishing peaks during cooler months when they're most active, but you'll find them year-round in the right spots.
Smallmouth bass bring a different kind of fun to the mix, especially along the Missouri River's rocky structure and Sakakawea's shorelines. These bronze fighters are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish you'll tangle with, jumping and pulling drag on light tackle. Summer is prime smallie time when they're aggressive and shallow, but they'll bite year-round if you find them. White bass might be smaller, but when you hit a school, the action gets downright ridiculous. These silver streaks travel in packs and compete for your offerings, leading to multiple hookups and bent rods everywhere. They're perfect for kids or anyone who loves non-stop action. Lake trout are the wild card species, mainly found in Sakakawea's deeper zones. These cold-water fighters grow large and pull hard, offering a unique opportunity in North Dakota waters where trout fishing isn't the norm.
A guided trip across Lake Sakakawea, Devils Lake, and the Missouri River gives you the full North Dakota fishing experience in one day. Your licensed captain's local knowledge, combined with premium tackle and a well-equipped boat, sets you up for success on waters that can be challenging for visiting anglers. The convenience of having your fish cleaned and packaged means you're ready to travel home with your catch, and the four-angler capacity makes this perfect for families or small groups. With just a $150 deposit to secure your date and flexible cancellation policy, there's no reason to wait. Grab your North Dakota fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for a day on some of the Midwest's best fisheries. These multi-water trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so book early to guarantee your preferred dates.
Our 2019 Nitro ZV21 cuts through North Dakota's big waters like it was built for them—because it was. This 21-footer handles everything from Lake Sakakawea's choppy conditions to the Missouri River's current with its deep-V hull design. Dual Mercury engines give you serious power when you need to cover water fast chasing walleye schools, plus the precision control for trolling those perfect structure lines where the big northerns hang out. The spacious layout comfortably fishes four anglers without anyone stepping on rods or tangling lines. Modern electronics help locate fish in these massive waters, while the stable platform keeps you steady whether you're jigging in 30 feet or fighting a keeper smallmouth. Built for serious fishing on serious water.
Salvelinus Namaycush## Lake Trout (Salvelinus Namaycush) The lake trout is the largest member of the char family. Lake trout have a grey to green coloring with a lighter belly, the fish also have yellow to cream colored markings on its body and fins as well. Lake trout are known to be slow growing, and mature late in their lives and have low reproductive potential when compared to other species of game fish. ## Lake Trout Habitat Lake trout are a cold-water species, like a cold water species, they rely on high levels of oxygenation to survive. Lake trout are a very popular game fish and are the only major native game fish to inhabit deep and cold water of oligotrophic lakes, like those of northern Canada and the Great Lakes region. Most of the time the Salvelinus Namaycush can be found in these deep and cold water lakes suspended in the middle of the basin, sometimes at deep depths.  Lake trout have a relatively narrow distribution and range when compared to other species. Lake trout are found in the northern reaches of North America including the Great Lakes region and throughout Canada and parts of Alaska and to a lesser extent the Northeastern United States. Lake trout have also been artificially stocked in Europe like the Scandanavian country of Sweden. New Zealand, South America, and even parts of Asia have stocked populations of lake trout as well. ## Lake Trout Size Lake Trout are the largest of the char species, with sizes of 15-40 pounds not uncommon, and averages lengths of 24-36 inches. The world record Lake trout were caught on rod and reel Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories of Canada and was 72 pounds and had a length of 52 inches. ## Lake Trout Facts Lake Trout are known to hybridize with Brook Trout, creating a hybrid species known as “Splake” hybrid fish such as splake are usually sterile. And Fisheries around North America raise and stock splake in bodies of water to provide more sport fishing opportunities for fishermen. Due to being a cold water species Lake Trout in the southern reaches of their distribution and range tend to live in very deep water during the summer months, where the water temperatures are more suited to their needs. ## Lake Trout Fishing The best time to fish for Lake Trout really depends on factors like weather, These fish prefer to avoid bright light, so a good time to fish them are typically in overcast or low light conditions. Not only do lake trout prefer these conditions they also generally feed more frequently during these times. Most importantly is finding bodies of water with which lake trout inhabit, as they have such particular habitats and not all lakes can support them. Seeking out the deep water areas of these lakes are a great place to start. In the spring immediately after ice out can be a great time for fishermen to pursue lake trout, with the colder water temperature the fish can be found relatively shallow. ## Lake Trout Fishing Lures Jigging is the preferred method when targeting this species due to fishing in deep water. Lures like the Rapala Jigging Rap and lure that imitate wounded baitfish work great. Other great options are lures like jig heads with soft plastic paddle tail swimbaits used in a jigging fashion, skirted jigs and bladed jigging spoons are also great options. Crankbaits are great if the Fish are higher in the water column or if you're trolling, allowing the crankbaits to reach their maximum depth. Don't count out old fashioned spoons either, they can be a great tool to catch lake trout. ## The Trout Family Trout are members of the family Salmonidae, order Salmoniformes. The native trout family is closely related to salmon. A top fly fishing family of fish that are both tremendous game fish and tasty eating fish. Found in small streams, large rivers, and any trout stream with the right water temperature, aquatic insects, and clean water. The trout species is usually restricted to freshwater, though a few types migrate to the sea between spawnings. Members of the trout species include [Rainbow Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/rainbow-trout), [Brown Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/brown-trout), [Brook Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/brook-trout), [Lake Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/lake-trout), [Steelhead Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/steelhead), [Bull Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/bull-trout), [Cutthroat Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/cutthroat-trout), [Apache Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/apache-trout) and several other smaller species.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators in our system - long, green torpedoes with teeth that'll make you respect them quickly. Most run 24-30 inches, but 40-inchers aren't rare if you know where to look. They ambush prey from weed edges, shallow bays, and drop-offs, especially where there's cover to hide behind. Spring and fall are prime when they're aggressive and shallow, though summer fishing can be great in deeper water. Guests love the explosive strikes and brutal fights - these fish don't give up easy. While bony, the meat is actually quite good when prepared right. Pro tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately. Pike often grab prey sideways, so give them a few seconds to turn it before setting. Use a steel leader or you'll be retying all day.
Micropterus Dolomieu<h2>Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) Description </h2><p>Smallmouth Bass belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and is a popular freshwater fish among anglers. Smallmouth Bass has a dark green or black color body, with vertical dark brown stripes that usually fade with age, and the color contrast may vary depending on the fish’s habitat. Their eyes are red or brown. They have two dorsal fins; the front one has 10 fin spines while the other has 10 to 15 soft rays. </p><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://guidesly-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/content/small_smallmout_blog1_87be532ab6.jpg?22914426.89999962"><figcaption>Smallmouth Bass</figcaption></figure><p>Female Smallmouth bass are usually larger in size than males. The average size of smallmouth bass can be 18–20 inches. On average, they usually live only 5 to 6 years but can survive up to 15 years. Smallmouth bass found in lakes are larger than those found in streams and ponds. Females usually weigh from three to six pounds, while the males are around 2 pounds.</p><h2>Smallmouth Bass Habitat </h2><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://guidesly-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/content/Smallmouth_Bass_HeatMap%401600x_07e838cd01.png" alt=""><figcaption>Smallmouth Bass Map of Habitat</figcaption></figure><p>This bass species can be found in clear waters, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They prefer rubble and rocky bottoms. Smallmouth bass also prefer moderate temperatures, and they will swim deeper in the cooler water during summer.</p><h2>Spawning</h2><p><span style="color:rgb(32,33,36);">Smallmouth Bass spawn March-May when water temperatures reach between 59 and 64 degrees. The males build nests in the shallow waters of lakes and rivers. The nest is built building within 150 yards of where the male built his nest the previous year</span>. </p><h2>Diet</h2><p>The Smallmouth Bass eats small fish, crayfish, and insects. They hide behind a fallen tree or a rock and attack when the prey is near. </p><h2>Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Smallmouth Bass </h2><p>A light breeze and calm waters are best suited to catch Smallmouth Bass. In spring and fall, they like to swim in open waters during bright days and warm temperatures. In summer, they swim deep under cooler water and are harder to find. It is best to fish for Smallmouth early morning or late evening.</p><p>Smallmouth bass are fighters. A spinning rod of light to medium action with a 6 to 10 pounds test line is recommended. </p><p>There are plenty of baits and lures that work successfully to catch these fish; insects, jigs, minnows, plugs, plastic worms, spoons and night crawlers. A favorite of anglers is to use spinning baits that when rigged weightless, can hang on top of the water. When the fish are in deeper water during the summer, use a rig with a weighted vertical drop hook. </p><p>Fly-fishing Smallmouth Bass is popular due to their abundance and strength. When you want to cast into deeper water, use a 6, 7 or 8 weight rod. This will be suitable for strong winds, landing larger fish, and a long cast. A longer rod, 81/2- to 9-foot, is good when you need accuracy for casting near shoreline structures or long-distance casting.</p><h2>Is Smallmouth Bass Good to Eat</h2><p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">Smallmouth bass have a firm filet with a mild, yet distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. So whether you prefer grilling, frying, or baking your catch, smallmouth bass is a tasty and versatile option that you won't want to miss out on. What's more, smallmouth bass are a healthy food option, as they are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0, 0%, 0%);">With any freshwater fish, you need to be mindful of the water you are fishing. Make sure if you are eating your catch, the water is clean and be aware that freshwater fish should always be cooked.</span></p>
Sander Vitreus<h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;"><strong>Walleye (Sander Vitreus) Description</strong></span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Walleye are freshwater fish that is a part of the perch family. They are a very popular game fish for the angler in the regions where they are found, and also a favorite for the dining table. Walleye are long and thin and have a golden and olive coloring with white bellies. One predominant feature of the walleye is its eyes, which have a silver eyeshine called the tapetum lucidum. This eyeshine greatly aids the walleyes when feeding in low-light conditions. </span></p><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://guidesly-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/content/small_Captain_Dennis_Ansell_Walleye_2b03908345.jpeg?6070000.599999905"><figcaption>Walleye</figcaption></figure><h2><strong>Walleye Habitat and Distribution</strong> </h2><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://guidesly-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/content/Walleye_HeatMap%401600x_789db497a8.png" alt=""><figcaption>Walleye Map of Habitat</figcaption></figure><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Walleye live in a wide range of habitats. In small to large rivers, to deep and shallow lakes. They are fairly particular to where they like to be in these bodies of water and see out sand, rock, or gravel bottoms. Walleye will usually stay deeper in the water column during daylight hours and use weeds, timber, or other structures for cover. In River systems, they will likely spend their daylight hours in deep holes and drop-offs, and move out into the shallows to seek forage during the lowlight period. Walleyes can tolerate water temperatures from 32 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but are most comfortable when water temperatures are at 70 degrees. Walleye are nocturnal creatures that feed in shallow waters at night. Adult walleye primarily consume other fish. Small crustaceans and insects, primarily mayflies, are eaten by young walleye.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Walleye are found in the Arctic south of Canada down to the Great Lakes region and east to the St. Lawrence systems. Lake Erie is a well-known home of walleye anglers and great walleye fishing. The Midwest and Canada are the most popular areas with the best fishing, but over decades the species has been introduced artificially into lakes and reservoirs all over North America. The breathtaking waters of Lake of the Woods and Rainy River have earned the title of "Walleye Capital of the World." It has some of the best fishing in the world, and anglers come here year after year in search of that elusive record catch.</span></p><h2><strong>Typical Size and Weight</strong></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Walleye are reasonably large fish with a sleek and conical body shapes and a mouth lined with sharp teeth. the adult walleye can grow to 30 inches or more in length and top out at around 20 pounds in weight. Females generally grow larger than males. </span></p><h2><strong>Interesting Facts </strong></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">The Walleye also has a European counterpart, the zander, that looks very similar but the zander can grow much larger and can reach a weight of 40 plus pounds. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">The walleye can live for decades, with the oldest recorded fish being 29 years old. In areas with heavy fishing pressure however, Walleye usually don’t live past 5 or 6 years of age. </span></p><h2><strong>Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Walleye</strong></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Walleye can be a challenging game fish to pursue. Their location in a body of water and the tactics used to catch these fish can vary depending on certain times of the year. Walleye generally live at depths of 10 feet or greater, though in the spring and at night they can be found in shallow water areas. Freshwater fishing for walleye is best in the evening when minnow-style lures or jigs are fished near the bottom over rock piles or along the edges of weed beds.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;">Finding the fish is one of the biggest challenges for the walleye angler and the best place to start it by fishing structure. The angler should search multiple types of structure at varying depths to figure out where the walleye are on any given day. Be sure to check break lines, deep weed edges rock piles, and even in the middle of the basin for suspended schools of baitfish. With a little bit of time on water exploration, you will find the Walleye population.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#222222;">Live bait is the key to successful Walleye catches such as minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches. </span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#00122d;">One of the best techniques is a live bait rig, to which you troll your lure slowly along the bottom. These rigs include a ¼ or a ½ pound sinker, a swivel, a 3 - 6 foot leader of a 6-pound fishing line, and a No. 4 or 6 hook.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Ubuntu, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Is Walleye Good to Eat</strong></span></h2><p>Walleye is a delicious fish making it a popular choice among seafood lovers. The mild, flaky texture of the fish along with its sweet, buttery flavor is enough to make anyone's mouth water. This makes walleye an excellent ingredient that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Whether you fry or grill it, walleye never fails to impress with its delicious taste. So, if you're looking for a healthy and tasty addition to your meals, walleye is definitely the way to go!</p><p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">Walleye meat has a firm texture that holds up well to cooking methods such as grilling, frying, or baking. Its mild taste can be enhanced by seasoning it with herbs and spices or marinating it in your favorite sauce. Walleye also has low levels of mercury and other harmful contaminants, making it safe to eat regularly.</span><br><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);">When preparing walleye, remove the skin and bones before cooking. This will give you a clean fillet.</span></p><p>However, it's not just its flavor that makes it so popular. Walleye is also a very nutrient-dense food that provides numerous health benefits. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and selenium, all of which are essential for maintaining optimal health. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health, while B vitamins play a crucial role in energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Selenium is an important mineral that helps protect against oxidative damage and supports the immune system. By adding Walleye to your diet, you not only get the pleasure of savoring a delicious meal but also the nutritional benefits that come along with it. So, go ahead and indulge in this delectable fish to keep your body healthy and functioning at its best.<br> </p><p> </p>
Morone Chrysops<h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>White Bass (</strong><i><strong>Morone chrysops</strong></i><strong>) Fish Description</strong></span></h2><p><span style="color:#000000;">Also known as Sand Bass or Silver Bass, the White Bass is a member of the Moronidae or Bass Family.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">As its name suggests, the White Bass is primarily colored silvery-white to pale green. Its back is darker, but its belly and sides are white. The White Bass has narrow and dark stripes along the sides of its belly. It has rough scales that are distinctively big; it possesses two dorsal fins. Its body is compressed laterally.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">To identify White Bass, look for a lateral line with around 51 to 60 scales. This species also has dorsal fins numbering 12 to 14; anal fin rays, 11 to 14; pectoral fin ray, 15 to 17; and 20 to 25 gill rakers. Another characteristic of the White Bass is its prominent tooth patch near the tip of its tongue.</span></p><h2> </h2><h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Diet and Size</strong></span></h2><p><span style="color:#000000;">As a carnivorous feeder, the White Bass has at least four favorite major diet options: the leptodora, daphnia, cyclopoid copepods, and calanoid copepods. White Bass are visual feeders who will readily bite any live bait especially minnows and worms.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The White Bass can measure up to 10 to 12 inches in length; some are even recorded to have reached 18 inches. Generally, they weigh up to 7 pounds.</span></p><h2> </h2><h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Interesting Facts About the White Bass</strong></span></h2><ul><li><span style="color:#000000;">The White Bass is Oklahoma’s state fish.</span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">The White Bass has gained acclaim as a significant sport fish in Manitoba since it was introduced there in the 1960s.</span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">The White Bass has a “fake” spinous ray. It also has a homocercal tail.</span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">Female White Bass lay around 240,000 to 930,000 eggs; they spawn from mid-March to late May.</span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">One unusual mating ritual among the White Bass is how males bump against the female’s abdomen. After that, the female goes near the surface to begin spinning and releasing eggs.</span></li></ul><h2> </h2><h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>White Bass — Fishing Techniques</strong></span></h2><p><span style="color:#000000;">The White Bass is very popular among recreational anglers; in fact, this is the fifth most favored species among licensed fishers from Texas.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Once you sight a school of White Bass, make sure to use spinners or spoons along the water surface to entice them. One other common method of luring them is by using bottom fishing at night; you can also utilize live bait.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">You can use small jigs as artificial lures; a 1/8 ounce marabou jig should do the trick. For best results, use jigs that are black or white. If you go for soft plastic lures, try the tube bait, or a small jig head with a curly tail grub. One other lure you can utilize is a small jig packed with soft plastic swimbaits; you can have either the 1/8 or ¼ ounce jigs.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Be careful because White Bass are known to be aggressive fighters. However, this struggle may be worth it because of its exceptional taste.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Note that every state may have some regulations as to the size, length, and other factors related to capturing this fish.</span></p><p> </p><h2><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>White Bass Habitat and Distribution</strong></span></h2><p><span style="color:#000000;">The White Bass are fairly distributed in the US, especially in the Midwest. They are plenty around Lake Erie and Pennsylvania. Most of the White Bass population are native to Lake Poinsett, Detroit River, Arkansas River, the Great Lakes, and the Red River drainage. They also inhabit the lakes in Winnebago, Wisconsin and the rivers in Mississippi.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">This species generally inhabits big rivers and shallow rivers, reservoirs, streams, and creeks. They are often found upstream where there are high densities.</span></p>
Missouri River