Indian Hills / Mahto (Red Butte) Bay Area

Saturday 8-20-11 - Weather was in the higher 70s with light winds (5mph or less). Fished in the Bite Me Invite at Indian Hills Resort on the west End of Lake Sakakawea. No we didn't win the tourny, lol. We did come in with 8 walleye, 3 bass, 3 northerns, and 2 decent perch. We had two walleye over 4 lbs with 2 just a tick over 15 inches (these 4 were what we weighed), and the remianing 4 were 14 inchers. We fished crawlers on spinners with 2 hook harness and 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz bouncers. Fished beacon point with no success, moved to the south side of the lake with spotty success throughout the entire south shore. Nothing real consistant, we'd catch a couple and then it would die. We'd move and repeat untill weighin at 3:00 pm. Fished depths of 12-25 ft with our best luck coming in 18 feet running between .9 and 1.2 mph with the electric. Caught and released quite a few small walleye (6-12 inchers) which was good to see although between the small ones and the perch we went through about 5 dozen worms! Found a nice rock shoal loaded with small mounth, must of caught ten and kept the largest three however if we wouldn't have been tourny fishing I would have loved to have stayed for some fun as they were stacked in there from shore out to about 20 ft of water. Also manage a 3.5 lb cat which I thought was the fish that was going to put us close to some money, unfortunately it came up growling at me, ha ha. Overall it was a great day to be on the water and we had a good time trying to be competitive. Also met a fellow FBOr fishing the tourny however we didn't stick around afterwards so I only talked to a couple of guys standing around the scale.

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Don't for get the Apps. for the "BITE ME INVITE" are on our home page!

The REC Derby had some great weights, check out our photo gallery for a picture of the leader board and more of the healthy, fat walleyes they hauled in. The flats have started producing some fish as well as the points from here to the beacon. Mainly crawlers and some cranks. Nice stable weather has been good. Wed. was calm and a little slow. Just need a good walleye chop I think! We are seeing lots of 3- 4 lbs so get out here! I have a few campsites open this weekend and two small log cabins open Friday only!

Eastern Lake Sakakawea Recreation Report
August 11, 2011 

• South shore: Continued fair for walleye with most activity farther west using spinners with bottom bouncers or floating jigs with nightcrawlers in 12 to 15 feet. Some walleye success also from Renner and Beaver bays. 

• Van Hook: The lake remains fair for walleye in the north end of the Van Hook Arm as well the southern part of the Arm around Fox and 8-Pound islands with a minnow bite starting. Try spinners or Lindy rigs.
    
• Garrison: Lake Sakakawea is transitioning to main lake points and rock structure for walleye so the fish are finally starting to move deeper. Try 8 to 25 feet, depending on the wind and sun, using spinners and leeches or nightcrawlers. Some anglers are finding success with crankbaits, as well.
   
• Pick City: The east end of Lake Sakakawea is finally starting to produce a few more walleye. Try 10 to 12 feet using Lindy rigs, spinners or Gulp! but it doesn’t hurt to work deeper with crankbaits, as well. Bass, northern pike and perch are active in the bays using nightcrawlers. Anglers are finding an occasional salmon from the face of the dam. Try 65 to 85 feet, trolling with flashers and squids or herring. They should start to move in soon but so far things have been light for salmon success.

North Dakota Rivers Report, featuring Lake Sakakawea’s two major tributaries: 

• Missouri River: Garrison Dam average daily discharge is 100,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) but releases will be reduced in coming days.
   
• Little Missouri River, Long X Bridge: The streamflow average is 1.24 CFS while river stage at the bridge is 479 feet.
   
• Yellowstone River, Sidney, Mont.: The river stage is 9.45 feet with streamflow at 24,400 CFS.

Numbers and Web sites to know: 

• Indian Hills Resort: (701) 743-4122.
• N.D. Game & Fish Department main Bismarck office: (701) 328-6300, Web site ( http://gf.nd.gov ).
• N.D. Game & Fish Department Riverdale office: (701) 654-7475.
• Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.
• Friends of Lake Sakakawea: www.lakesakakawea.com

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Bite Me! Tournament applications are now available. You’ll find them on the Indian Hills website.

If you are part of the REC Derby and have not sent your apps in please do so ASAP!

I think the transition from North to South may have began! There are some great fish being caught at Deepwater. Maybe they will make the corner yet. All the walleye we are seeing are in great shape and have some weight to them. I can only mean good things for the future!

Eastern Lake Sakakawea Recreation Report
July, 28 2011
Patricia Stockdill 

• South shore: Some walleye success using crankbaits in 3 to 6 feet or 12 to 18 feet with Lindy rigs or spinners and nightcrawlers working west of the resort. 

• Van Hook: Weather fronts are creating inconsistent walleye success in the Arm but good numbers of anglers are on the water. Try 20 to 27 feet with spinners.
    
• Garrison: Most walleye success remains shallow in the weeds and trees in the back bays on the east end of Lake Sakakawea. Try a variety of fast presentations. The key is to work fast but experiment with a variety of presentations. If walleye aren’t biting, it’s a good bet another fish of some type, including northern pike, bass or perch.
   
• Pick City: The east end of Lake Sakakawea is producing a few walleye around 10 feet along the north shore but bigger fish seem to be hanging in the weeds and aren’t biting with any consistency. Try jigging in the weeds for a different presentation this time of year. However, the better bite seems to be from Nishu Bay to the west up into the Van Hook Arm. Try spinners with bottom bouncers and leeches or nightcrawlers. Anglers are finding some salmon activity along the face of the dam longlining with deeper-running crankbaits in 50 feet.

North Dakota Rivers Report, featuring Lake Sakakawea’s two major tributaries: 

• Missouri River: Garrison Dam average daily discharge is 115,000 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is a reduction from last week.
   
• Little Missouri River, Long X Bridge: The streamflow average is 0.88 CFS while river stage at the bridge is 316 feet.
   
• Yellowstone River, Sidney, Mont.: The river stage is 11.87 feet with streamflow at 37,600 CFS, continuing to decline after the mountain snowpack melt is over.

Numbers and Web sites to know: 

• Indian Hills Resort: (701) 743-4122.
• N.D. Game & Fish Department main Bismarck office: (701) 328-6300, Web site ( http://gf.nd.gov ).
• N.D. Game & Fish Department Riverdale office: (701) 654-7475.
• Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.
• Friends of Lake Sakakawea: www.lakesakakawea.com

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We are still waiting for the big bite to start! Not sure what is changing the pattern of the walleye. Traditionally we see the walleye start here just a week or so after the bite up north but this year it just has not been very strong. The Game and Fish guys were out last week test netting and they told me there are some really nice fish out there but they are scattered, McKenzie Bay had a good concentration as well as Deep Water. The age classes we are going to see in the next few years are growing and are very healthy. If I get a report from them I will send it on. Most boats headed to Parshall this week and had good success. The ones we seen here were few but 20-24 in was not uncommon. At the bottom of the report I have posted the local Derby's going on in case you want to stay out of those areas etc. Kelly

Eastern Lake Sakakawea Recreation Report
July, 14 2011
Patricia Stockdill 

• South shore: The walleye bite has definitely started with fish coming from the 13 to 18 feet range around Nishu and Beaver bays. Don’t forget to try farther west, as well. Spinners and nightcrawlers are garnering most angler’s interest. Perch, northern pike and smallmouth bass are mixed in with the walleye.
   
• Van Hook: Anglers are finding continued walleye success, wind permitting. Try nightcrawlers or leeches in 10 to 15 feet with spinners along with jigging or crankbaits. Most activity remains in the northern end of the Van Hook Arm.
    
• Garrison: Anglers are pretty tight-lipped about fishing this week, although there is word that Lake Sakakawea is fair for walleye on the east end. Work shallow down to 13 feet.
   
• Pick City: Like elsewhere along the east end, limited reports from Lake Sakakawea are coming in this week. However, try a slow presentation in 8 to 10 feet in the weeds. Anglers are finding a few salmon along the face of the dam. Try longlinging.

North Dakota Rivers Report, featuring Lake Sakakawea’s two major tributaries: 

• Missouri River: Garrison Dam average daily discharge is 135,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). Releases are gradually being reduced so there’s good news for downstream flood conditions.
   
• Little Missouri River, Long X Bridge: The streamflow average is 455 CFS while river stage at the bridge is 1.19 feet.
   
• Yellowstone River, Sidney, Mont.: The river stage is 15.94 feet with streamflow at 64,700 CFS. The river is also dropping.

What's going on!

Fort Stevenson State Park south of Garrison is busy all this week as anglers converge on the community for the annual North Dakota Governor’s Cup Walleye Derby, along with the Junior Governor’s Cup. The Governor’s Cup is Friday and Saturday while the Junior event is Saturday at the park. Tournaments are also taking place Saturday at McKenzie Bay and the Van Hook Arm. Next weekend on July 22 and 23 anglers will converge along the south shore for the annual Dakota Walleye Classic headquartered out of Beulah Bay. The River Bend Ranch northeast of Hazen hosts the annual Praise on the Prairie Festival, a three-day outdoor family concert July 21 through July 23.


Numbers and Web sites to know: 

• Indian Hills Resort: (701) 743-4122.
• N.D. Game & Fish Department main Bismarck office: (701) 328-6300, Web site ( http://gf.nd.gov ).
• N.D. Game & Fish Department Riverdale office: (701) 654-7475.
• Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.
• Friends of Lake Sakakawea: www.lakesakakawea.com

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A nice mix of walleye and sauger came in over the weekend with the best success in the early morning around goat island in 10 feet or less. One couple had their limit and were back for breakfast by 9!! Not everyone had such great luck but we did see most boats landing 3-5 fish. Parshall and New Town are still doing great but be ready to fight the crowds. Our area of the lake will be relativly quiet as the Friends of Parshall Bay host a derby as well as the prefishing the Governors Cup will keep the east end hopping. I still think we are a few weeks behind with water temps but as the temps are hitting the 70 degree mark that should spark some action.!! Campsites are filling fast so give us a call if your headed out!

Eastern Lake Sakakawea Recreation Report
July, 7 2011
Patricia Stockdill 

• South shore: Walleye success is improving. Spinners with nightcrawlers or minnows seem to be the most popular although no one presentation is producing the best. Most activity is west around Beaver or Renner bays. There is a lot of shore-fishing, too, with both boats and shore producing a mix of species. Try variety of depths from 4 to 20 feet.
   
• Van Hook: The Van Hook Arm continues producing walleye. Try crankbaits or jigs and minnows or nightcrawlers in 8 to 12 feet around the upper end of the Van Hook Arm.
    
• Garrison: Anglers are finding improving walleye success working shallow from 3 to 6 feet on the east end of Lake Sakakawea. Work the back bays, as well as west around Parshall Bay or the Van Hook Arm.
   
• Pick City: The east end of Lake Sakakawea is producing a few walleye along the south shore with more northern pike, perch and bass success. Look for a breakthrough in success soon as water temperatures continue warming. Try shallow in 6 feet in the bays, pitching jigs towards shore. Also try working 14 to 20 feet with Lindy rigs or spinners using a slow presentation. Salmon anglers might want to try the face of the dam using crankbaits or flashers and squids.

North Dakota Rivers Report, featuring Lake Sakakawea’s two major tributaries: 

• Missouri River: Garrison Dam average daily discharge is 140,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). That’s a slight reduction of 10,000 CFS from releases in mid- and late June.
   
• Little Missouri River, Long X Bridge: The streamflow average is 1.3 CFS while river stage at the bridge is 508 feet.
   
• Yellowstone River, Sidney, Mont.: The river stage is 18.02 feet with streamflow at 80,700 CFS, which is an increase in recent days.

What's going on!

Muscle cars and more highlight the annual Classic Car and Motorcycle Show in New Town Saturday. Come out and check out all the great things on wheels. In addition, the Mandaree Powwow runs Friday through Sunday. Saturday is a busy day on the lake - look for the Friends of Parshall Bay fishing tournament on Saturday as well as the Coal Creek employee tournament at Wolf Creek and a tournament based out of Sakakawea State Park near Pick city that same day. On Monday, July 11 members of the 91st Missile Wing with the Minot Air Force Base head to Brendle’s Bay for a tournament. For people planning further ahead, July 15 and 16 is the North Dakota Governor’s Cup Walleye Derby at Fort Stevenson State Park near Garrison. The N.D. Junior Governor’s Cup takes place July 16 at the park, as well.


Numbers and Web sites to know: 

• Indian Hills Resort: (701) 743-4122.
• N.D. Game & Fish Department main Bismarck office: (701) 328-6300, Web site ( http://gf.nd.gov ).
• N.D. Game & Fish Department Riverdale office: (701) 654-7475.
• Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.
• Friends of Lake Sakakawea: www.lakesakakawea.com

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Thanks for a great summer everyone. I think there will be some good fall fishing as well. There were not any limits last weekend but there were some nice looking walleye coming in. The numbers just have not been the greatest but the weights and overall heath of the fish are amazing. There is a Bright future for the lake!

The walleye are moving out deep again and in talking to Rick at Van Hook, they are seeing the same thing. We hope you can get out and enjoy the fall fishing. I will have bait available as long as I can. If you have been here early or late you know the drill. The honor system works great when we are not around to help you out. That is why I tell people " Indian Hills has the best customers anyone could ask for."



Eastern Lake Sakakawea Recreation Report
September, 10 2010
Patricia Stockdill
 

• South shore: Angler numbers are slowing down but those going are finding continued fair to good walleye success depending on the weather. Work 20 to 30 feet with spinners or Lindy rigs with night crawlers. Most activity remains west along both shores depending on the wind.
   
• Van Hook: Anglers are working deep for walleye in 40 to 50 feet around 8-Pound Flats in the Van Hook Arm. Also try 28 to 30 feet for sauger around the New Town area.
    
• Garrison: There’s been limited reports from the east end of Lake Sakakawea. Those going out are marking some fish deep in 45 feet and deeper but are having to use heavy bottom bouncers and nightcrawlers to try to get down deep.
   
• Pick City: The east end of Lake Sakakawea is fair for walleye in 20 to 30 feet using Lindy rigs and nightcrawlers. It might also be worth a try to work 10 feet in the trees but bring lots of tackle. Move around because fish are scattered. Look for a minnow bite soon but so far nightcrawlers are the best bait. Anglers are enjoying fair salmon success longlining in 20 to 30 feet or 60 to 70 feet with downriggers. The fish continue to run in the 7- to 10-pound range.

Hunting Overview:
With dove season underway, hunters are finding birds are bunching and moving so be sure to do your scouting. Archery deer season is now underway with grouse and partridge seasons opening Saturday. Look for a fairly good grouse opener.

North Dakota Rivers Report, featuring Lake Sakakawea’s two major tributaries:
 

• Missouri River: Garrison Dam average daily discharge is 27,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) .
   
• Little Missouri River, Long X Bridge: Readings were unavailable from the Long X station.
   
• Yellowstone River, Sidney, Mont.: Streamflow is 8,890 cfs while river stage is 5.44 feet.

Numbers and Web sites to know:
 

• Indian Hills Resort: (701) 743-4122.
• N.D. Game & Fish Department main Bismarck office: (701) 328-6300, Web site ( http://gf.nd.gov ).
• N.D. Game & Fish Department Riverdale office: (701) 654-7475.
• Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.
• Friends of Lake Sakakawea: www.lakesakakawea.com

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The Bite Me Invite was small but mighty. 17 teams and the winning weight on 5 fish was just over 14lbs. I was without a camera, which is rare, but I am waiting for a friend to send me her shots. Then I will have a photo of the teams board and the weights. Last year we had 28 team and lots of O's under number of fish caught. This year almost every team had 3-5 fish and the weights were much better. The fish have moved out deeper and some fishermen reported that the water has cooled in the bays. There are some really great fish to be caught yet this season so I hope you can make it out. Reminder we are open until late October in the cabins and the water in the campgrounds will remain on until about Oct. 15th. I think we could see some good fall fishing!


Eastern Lake Sakakawea Recreation Report
August 26, 2010
Patricia Stockdill
 

• South shore: Wind is limiting activity but those anglers still getting out are finding some walleye in 15 to 25 feet using Lindy rigs or spinners with nightcrawlers. A few anglers are also starting to try crankbaits. Most activity remains around Beaver, Red Butte or Nishu bays or the intake along the north shore. Lots of nice smallmouth bass continue to be taken.
   
• Van Hook: Winds over the past several days have limited the number of anglers on the Van Hook Arm but try working 25 to 40 feet for walleye. Anglers are marking fish but it’s a matter of enticing them to bite.
    
• Garrison: Weather permitting, anglers are still getting some walleye on the east end of Lake Sakakawea. Try the mouth and the bay itself at Douglas Bay or the mouth of Centennial Bay. Some salmon anglers have been getting a few sauger working from Deadmans Bay over to the spillway. There’s been continued fair salmon success using flashers and squids or cut herring fishing in 95 feet over 140 to 150 feet.
   
• Pick City: Lake Sakakawea slowed over the past few days with wind limiting activity. Those anglers going are still getting fish but the key is to move around using Lindy rigs or spinners and nightcrawlers in 18 to 25 feet along the mud lines. It might be worth a try with crankbaits in deeper water, too. Salmon activity slowed slightly during the past week but picked up again over the weekend. Try working 65 feet over a variety of depths using flashers and squids or herring. Many of the salmon taken have weighed 10-plus pounds.

North Dakota Rivers Report, featuring Lake Sakakawea’s two major tributaries:
 

• Missouri River: Garrison Dam average daily discharge remains at 16,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).
   
• Little Missouri River, Long X Bridge: Readings were unavailable from the Long X station.
   
• Yellowstone River, Sidney, Mont.: Streamflow is 6,140 cfs while river stage is 4.57 feet.

Numbers and Web sites to know:
 

• Indian Hills Resort: (701) 743-4122.
• N.D. Game & Fish Department main Bismarck office: (701) 328-6300, Web site ( http://gf.nd.gov ).
• N.D. Game & Fish Department Riverdale office: (701) 654-7475.
• Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.
• Friends of Lake Sakakawea: www.lakesakakawea.com

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Fishing was still fairly good this past weekend.  Fished the Bite Me Invite out of Indians Hills.  Managed to catch around 15 walleyes all together.  Kept 8 nice ones ranging from 15-23 inches.  All fish came on crankbaits in 14-18 ft of water.  Water temps were down in the 70 degree range.  Weather was beautiful with the wind keeping the 90 degree temps at bay.  Special thanks to Kelly and the Indian Hills staff on a great tourney.  I hope they plan to keep it going and I'd like to see some more participants next year.  I know I will be there!!  Great fishing and great place to be in late August.  So get out there and wet a line.  The fall can actually be the best time to be on the water chasing walleyes!!  JIG AND A LEECH!!

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The big lake is warm and the water is clear. That has sent the fishermen out in 22-30 ft for walleye. Most boats landed limits but some had a hard time finding them. The fish seem concentrated so once you find them fishing out that area has worked well. The crawlers are really going out the door so either they are getting lots of snags or lots of bites!!!! The Bite Me Tourney Apps are on our website and I am starting to get some apps sent in. Here are last years winners,

1st Place $350.00 Jim Helsene & Rob Baier 2009 Bite Me Winners.


Eastern Lake Sakakawea Recreation Report
August 11, 2010
Patricia Stockdill
 

• South shore: The south shore of Lake Sakakawea has continued good walleye success but much depends on the weather fronts that have been moving through in recent weeks. Try 13 to 20 feet using spinners with nightcrawlers. A few anglers are also trying their luck with crankbaits or jigs. Most activity remains around Renner, Beaver, and Nishu bays. Good numbers of smallmouth bass continue showing up, as well.
   
• Van Hook: The Van Hook Arm remains fair to good for walleye. The fish are moving out into deeper water with warmer temperatures and weather fronts moving through. Try 25 to 35 feet working around sunken islands in the south end of the Arm using jigs and minnows or nightcrawlers. Shell Village is another area worth trying. Walleye have moved out of the shallow water in the Arm.
    
• Garrison: The east end of Lake Sakakawea remains fair to good for walleye working main lakes points around Church Island or deTrobriand, Garrison, and Douglas bays. Try 12 to 35 feet using a variety of presentations. Some nice-sized smallmouth bass are mixed in, as well.
   
• Pick City: The east end of Lake Sakakawea remains fair to good for walleye but move around because the fish aren’t patterning well and are in inconsistent depths depending on the time of day and weather fronts. Try 15 to 35 feet using spinners or Lindy rigs with nightcrawlers or leeches around Mallard or Alcatraz islands. Also try working main lake points and drop-offs. Another trick would be to try crankbaits in deeper water. Government Bay continues producing fair salmon success in 65 to 90 feet over 120 feet. Several are in the 10- to 12-pound range and a few have been taken tipping the scales at more than 12 pounds. Try flashers and squids.

North Dakota Rivers Report, featuring Lake Sakakawea’s two major tributaries:
 

• Missouri River: Garrison Dam average daily discharge remains steady at 16,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).
   
• Little Missouri River, Long X Bridge: The streamflow average is 249 cfs; while river stage at the bridge is 0.81 feet.
   
• Yellowstone River, Sidney, Mont.: Streamflow is 8,720 cfs while river stage is 5.39 feet.

Numbers and Web sites to know:
 

• Indian Hills Resort: (701) 743-4122.
• N.D. Game & Fish Department main Bismarck office: (701) 328-6300, Web site ( http://gf.nd.gov ).
• N.D. Game & Fish Department Riverdale office: (701) 654-7475.
• Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.
• Friends of Lake Sakakawea: www.lakesakakawea.com

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The REC Fishing Derby was last weekend and the winning weight for a two day total of 12 fish was just over 27 lbs. Everyone seemed to have a good time and fishing was pretty good. There was a 3 way tie for biggest walleye on Sunday. All three weighed lbs.. That was great to see. There are really getting to be some nice fish coming in. The north side is still steady and the crawlers are most popular. Minnows are catching a few but Tolly reported the the minnows only caught her Small Mouth Bass!

Not a lot of changes in location or depth with most fishing the 16-22 range. Just a reminder that the Bite Me tourney is coming up and you can get your application on our home page www.fishindianhills.com

Have a great week. Kelly

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