Lake Sakakawea Garrison Tail Race Fishing Salmon

The shore fishing from the rocks on the west side of the tailrace is good at night, Spring is ok but I like the late fall best. We use # 10 Husky Jerks mostly in tenn, shad color. After the water goes below 40 degrees we use # 8 real slow.  Have to find where the current is turning back toward the dam to find the best fishing. It takes a few trips there to learn the spots. Best to go with someone that fishes it on the first trip. This is for walleye. Can catch Pike, Salmon, Trout and carp. Good luck.  How do you like up here so far?

I leave the 14th of may, so not quite there yet but from all the reaserch i have done looks like I will be smack dab in the middle of two great fisheries sakakawea and the MO.  I am a flat lader here in Grand Forks so iy will be a whole different experience out west.  I am looking forward to it though,  Thanks for the info it helps alot, my dad's freind fishes there alot so I will try and pick his brain.  Thanks for the lure suggestions every bit of info helps.  Good Luck and keep your lines tight, Ranger_27

I should have mentioned that you will loose lures there in the rocks.  Some people use only floating lures.

ParkRanger_27 Said:

Hey Guys, Im going to be working at Cross Ranch State Park and I was Interested in fishing around the area  I would like to learn more about salmon fishing on lake sakakwea and mo.   I have been doing alot of reaserch any help on fishing the area for any species will help I love cat fishing and any other type of game fish.  Any suggestions would help. Thanks and happy fishing  Park Ranger_27

Ive stayed at Cross Ranch State Park before. Its a beautiful campground! I caught catfish and walleye 10 ft from my tent right in the MO river. Washburn is 10 miles north up river, ive caught Pike, walleye, and catfish from shore there as well! Tailrace is hot one week and cold the next. ive been fishing there for 10 years and i still cant figure it out....Also, if you like bass and crappie fishing, Nelson Lake isnt far to the south/west of CR state park. I love that lake if the walleye dont wanna bite!  Good Luck!