Lake Sakakawea Scenic Fishing Guide
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday fishing trip targeting Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth BassAll fishing gear, bait, and life jackets provided by experienced guidesScenic Lake Sakakawea location accommodates groups up to four anglers
Picture yourself casting lines into one of North Dakota's most productive fishing waters while taking in some of the best scenery the state has to offer. That's exactly what you'll get with Rudland's Guide Service on Lake Sakakawea. This isn't just another day on the water – it's a full-day fishing adventure where serious anglers can target three of the region's most sought-after species while enjoying the kind of views that make you forget you're in the middle of the prairie. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some quality fish to your catch log or someone who wants to experience what makes this reservoir such a fishing hotspot, this trip delivers on all fronts.
Your day starts with meeting your experienced captain who knows Lake Sakakawea like the back of their hand. These aren't weekend warriors – they're full-time guides who've spent years learning the ins and outs of this massive reservoir. The boat is rigged and ready with all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Life jackets are provided, so you can focus on what you came here to do: fish. The trip accommodates up to four anglers, which means you're not fighting for space or competing for the guide's attention. You'll cover productive water throughout the day, moving between spots based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. The scenery changes as you move around the lake – from wide-open water that stretches to the horizon to more intimate bays and structure-rich areas where the fish like to hang out. Pack your own snacks and drinks because you'll be out there for the full day, and don't forget sun protection and a valid fishing license.
Lake Sakakawea is a massive body of water with over 180 miles of main stem and countless bays, points, and tributaries. Your guide will work a variety of techniques depending on the species you're targeting and the time of year. For walleye, expect to do some trolling with spinner rigs and bottom bouncers, especially along the main lake points and drop-offs. Jigging is also productive, particularly around structure like submerged trees and rock piles. Northern pike fishing often involves casting spoons, spinnerbaits, and large jigs around weed beds and shallow bays. These fish love cover, so you'll be working areas where the vegetation provides ambush points. Smallmouth bass fishing focuses on rocky areas, points, and drop-offs where these scrappy fighters like to hold. Tube jigs, small crankbaits, and soft plastics are go-to choices. The guide carries a full selection of tackle and knows how to adjust techniques based on weather, water conditions, and fish behavior. Electronics play a big role in finding fish on such a large body of water, and your captain will use sonar and GPS to locate the most productive areas.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Sakakawea, and for good reason. These golden-sided beauties are abundant throughout the system and provide some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater. They typically run anywhere from 14 to 20 inches, with plenty of keepers in the mix and the occasional trophy pushing 25 inches or more. Spring and fall are prime times when walleyes are most active, but summer fishing can be outstanding if you know where to look. They tend to school up around main lake points, drop-offs, and areas with current flow. What makes walleye fishing here so special is the sheer numbers – it's not uncommon to have multiple fish days when the bite is on. These fish fight with a distinctive head-shaking action that telegraphs right up through the rod, and there's nothing quite like that first solid thump when a walleye inhales your bait.
Northern pike in Lake Sakakawea are the stuff of legends, with fish over 40 inches caught regularly and true monsters lurking in the deeper water. These apex predators can hit 20 pounds or more, providing some of the most explosive strikes you'll ever experience. Pike are most active during cooler months, but they can be caught year-round if you know their patterns. They love shallow, weedy bays during spring and fall, then move to deeper structure and main lake areas during summer heat. What gets anglers fired up about pike fishing here is the unpredictability – you never know when that 15-pounder is going to absolutely demolish your lure. They hit hard, jump, and make screaming runs that test your drag and your nerves. The toothy grins and aggressive nature of these fish make every hookup an adrenaline rush.
Smallmouth bass might be the most underrated species in Lake Sakakawea, but those who target them know they're in for a treat. These bronze-backed fighters are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the lake, known for their acrobatic jumps and never-give-up attitude. Most smallies here run between 12 and 16 inches, with plenty of 3 to 4-pounders mixed in. They're most active from late spring through early fall, holding around rocky points, drop-offs, and areas with good structure. What makes smallmouth fishing so addictive is their fighting ability – they'll jump, dive, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. The clear water and rocky structure of certain areas in Sakakawea provide perfect smallmouth habitat, and when you find a school of them, the action can be non-stop.
Lake Sakakawea offers world-class fishing opportunities that rival anywhere in the Midwest, and Rudland's Guide Service knows how to put you on fish while showing you some of the most beautiful water North Dakota has to offer. This is the kind of trip that reminds you why you started fishing in the first place – good company, great scenery, and the chance to t
Get ready to fish Lake Sakakawea's prime waters aboard Rudland's spacious 621 Ranger boat. This well-equipped vessel comfortably handles up to four anglers while you target walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass across the lake's productive fishing grounds. The boat comes rigged with GPS navigation to hit those honey holes and a quality fish finder to locate schools below. Your captain knows exactly where the fish are biting and will put you on the action while you enjoy the scenic backdrop of North Dakota's largest lake. With all the fishing gear and safety equipment provided, just bring your license and get ready to fill the cooler on this full-day guided fishing adventure.
Esox LuciusNorthern Pike are aggressive predators that average around 2 feet and 3-4 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in Sakakawea's depths. These "freshwater sharks" have razor-sharp teeth and strike with lightning speed from weed edges and drop-offs. They hunt shallow bays and marshy areas during cooler months, then move deeper when summer heats up. What makes them exciting is their vicious fight - they'll jump, thrash, and test your drag system. Plus, they're not picky eaters, hitting spoons, spinners, and swim baits. My tip: when you feel that first strike, don't set the hook right away. Pike like to play with their food, so keep reeling slowly until they commit to a real bite.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in the lake. They average 12-16 inches but don't let size fool you - these bronze fighters will test your gear with jumps and runs. Look for them around rocky points, boulder piles, and drop-offs, especially in 8-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallower areas during warm afternoons. What makes them special is their scrappy attitude and willingness to hit topwater baits. They're decent eating too, with firm white meat. My go-to technique: try a weightless plastic worm around rocky structure. Let it sink slowly and twitch it just enough to look like an injured baitfish - that subtle action drives them crazy.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish - mild, flaky, and buttery when cooked right. They typically run 1-3 pounds here, with those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. During the day, look for them along rock piles and weed edges in 10-20 feet of water. They get active at dusk and dawn, moving shallow to feed. What guests love is the steady fight and knowing they're taking home great table fare. These fish can be finicky, so live bait like minnows or crawlers usually outperforms lures. Here's what I've learned: when walleye fishing gets tough, slow way down. Use a light jig and barely crawl it along bottom structure - patience pays off with these guys.
North Dakota