By Mike Peluso

The start of fall walleye fishing on the Missouri River is showing us that the water is low, and we don’t have many usable ramps on the flow near Bismarck right now.  

However, this doesn’t mean we stop fishing.  Like always we figure out ways and places to get boats in the water.  When you do get out there the water is low, you also need to take your time finding a good, safe trail to get around on the river.  

Early indications show some walleyes are already arriving.  The fishing should just continue to get better and better as the days go by.  There is a lot of food in the river for these fish as well.  I’ve cleaned a few this week that had shad, baby white bass, drum, and smelt in them. 

The fish in the system right now are relating to the current.  You will want to stay as close as you can to it in order to put some fish in the boat.  

Like always, the river the depth is mostly irrelevant.  If you find the right structure and current, the fish will be there.  With the low water, it creates a lot of different areas that are not traditional.  I like this as it keeps it fun.  It’s all about the hunt! 

Jigs and minnows and also cranks are working right now, and that should remain the same until the river freezes up.  

I have some openings if you want to get out yet this fall.  Get ahold of me to book your trips. We have some great days ahead! 

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters.

Featured Photo: Showing Up. Walleyes migrating upstream for fall on the Missouri River are starting to appear and are relating to areas of current at this early point in the season.