Lake Sakakawea

Lake Sakakawea is the 3rd largest reservoir in the United States. The lake was created to stem the flooding on the Missouri River and to provide an energy source for the area around the lake. The Garrison Dam was started by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1940’s and the dam was finished in the 1950’s. The lake averages between 2- and 3- miles in width and is approximately 6- miles wide at its widest point. The lake was named after Sacagawea, a Shoshone Indian woman, who helped Lewis and Clark in their adventure to scout the Louisiana Purchase. Lake Sakakawea is a very popular fishing destination across the country. Due to the size of the lake fishing can be tough. But, when you locate the fish, the fishing can be outstanding. Hiring a guide is suggested.

A wide range of species from rainbow smelt, crayfish, small minnow species and cisco.

Shortly after ice out, walleye, northern pike, sauger and saugeye will make their spawning runs into bays and the small fingers that are in the bays. The bays with more current and warmer water are more popular. After the walleye, northern pike, sauger and saugeye run, the smallmouth bass and largemouth bass will move up into shallow bays and fingers to spawn. Water temperatures play a major role in the spawning of these fish. Watch for the water temperatures in the 40’s to the mid 60’s respectfully.