ND Live Fishing Reports

Fishing reports are updated every Friday and follow the ND Live radio program heard throughout North Dakota

Greg Schoneck

River Monsters with no teeth

Normally by now I have hit the water several times. I remember last season we were on the river at Washburn and enjoying sunny days with fantastic catches. This morning it is 25 with snow falling. The older I get the more I like numbers somewhere between 55 and 75. Washburn feels 40 degrees away yet. Fact is the boat is still in hiding hoping to escape spring ice.

ND Live will kick off on Thursday the 28^th of this month. Tune in to am 550 Bismarck or am 660 Williston for the live reports. Starting May 1 Paddlefish season opens with plenty of water flowing to attract a big spawn.

Last season a new state record was set by Alex Mergan, a teenager from SD. The one day I was there a lucky fisherman drove over from New Rockford, made one cast and winched in 100 pounds of fish. I made my customary 700 arm wrenching casts for, ya you guessed it, nothing.

Before you jump in the truck you should know some things about what you are getting into. So let’s get started. First step is to answer this question. What does Paddlefish season and the IRS have in common? If your answer was staggering regulations go ahead and load your gear. If you missed question 1 better keep on reading.

This is a summary, for the whole load head over to ND Game and Fish for details.

Season opens May 1 and you’re gonna need a special tag. This is big game fishing so just like deer you gotta tag your critter. You can get tags in the Williston area.  Mondays and Tuesdays you can fish but cant keep’em. Rest of the week you can fish but cant throw’em back. Now do you see why if you missed question 1 ……read on?

You can’t fish before 8am and plan on being in bed early as 10 pm is lights out. Actually I think 8 would be better as that is closer to my bed time. The river section that is open to snagging is limited and confusing if you’re not from the area. If you make the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri your destination you will be safe.

If you hook a fish and get tired don’t let anyone help you or you are in trouble. Some areas you can gaff a fish to haul it in, other areas you can’t. Once your fish is cut up be sure to keep the back fin with the tag still attached.  

You snag these guys as they don’t like a big meal, at least not in one bite. I guess they like zooplankton, tiny little critters. No more than one hook to a line. Keep it on shore as fishing from a boat is illegal! Season can be closed anytime during the season. It’s called an “in-season” closure, go figure. No, you ani’t gettn your money back so be warned. Don’t cost that much anyway.

You’re gonna need some big game equipment. Lots of fishermen use 10-12 foot rods spooled with 30-80 # mono. Andy from Scenic Sports said the most popular set up is a 5 oz weight, 10/0 treble on 30 lb mono. Remember to check your drag tension. You will not have time to adjust if you hook the big one.  

Now to the good stuff. It is an absolute riot. Truly the closest thing to Big Game Fishing we have in ND. It is mud, rain, snow, cold, wet, absolute adventure. They say turn-around is fair play and I give the paddlefish a 10 on fight. When is the last time you hooked into a fish that pulled you in. See ya there.

Remember fishing is a learned sport. More you practice the better you get, so better get fishing!

Greg Schoneck for ND Live