Anyone Fishing in ND?

[AKFly]

Just checking to see if anyone is fishing in ND? Finally got my pontoon setup and have fished Lake Darling but that is about it. Wanted to see if anyone had any info on other lakes.

[NDflyfisher]

PM sent with a few places

[bismanfly]

Hey Man, I flyfish nd. I'm from Bismarck, living in fargo at the moment. Lake Darling not to often I hear of that. My family is from Norm/Sherwood.

[exryan]

Are there any good trout fishing spots on the western side of the state?

[NDflyfisher]

Originally Posted by exryan

Are there any good trout fishing spots on the western side of the state?

Western side is a big area. What town? Not much for trout with the exception of a few smaller trout lakes.

[exryan]

I am in Keene, ND. NW of Watford City.

[NDflyfisher]

Not much in that area. A few small trout lakes check out the ND G&F website. Its going to be a long drive for decent trout fishing. Go east to the tailrace or west to the Big Horn. The tailrace is much closer but not a typical trout fishery. Toss your scuds and chirono's in the garbage they will not work. They feed on the same forage as the walleye and pike, smelt. Think big white streamers. Its more like steelhead flyfishing, you most likely will be skunked but if you get one it will be a trout of a lifetime. The MO is a big river but trout can still be caught from shore in the honeyhole and in the chutes. If you can spey cast the chutes at night may be awesome. Best flyfishing is when the releases are the highest. The Big Horn is awesome and worth the drive but you need a driftboat, you can rent them at one of the flyshops in Fort Smith.

[exryan]

Are you talking about Big Horn National Forest? I have no clue of all the waterways here... the tailrace are you refering below the dam at below Lake Sakakawea?

[NDflyfisher]

Yes, below Lake Sakakawea. There are browns, bows, cutts, king salmon and warm water fish species (pike and walleye). Most of the cold water fish stop at Stanton which is 15 miles downsteam. Very limited shore access for the entire 15 miles except for the chutes (just below the dam), the ramp area and the campground stretch which are all in the first mile or so below the dam. All of the fisherman there are spin casters after the walleyes. Its difficult to wade due to the speed and depth of the river. A boat of some kind is the best way to fish the river but they can be caught from shore also in the first mile. I float it with a driftboat. A canoe would work. You just will not be able to go back upstream so be prepared for a long day float to Stanton or camp on the way and make a 2 day trip of it.

The Big Horn river is about 300 miles west. Its a decent drive but not bad to flyfish one of the best trout rivers in the world.

exryan, where are you from? Im assuming here working in the oil field due to being in that area of ND.

[exryan]

Thanks a lot... if I get time I will check the dam out. Otherwise Ill drive by the Big Horn going home instead of going through Spearfish.