North Dakota Fishing Reports

Water at USGS gauge 05054000 clocked in at 52°F with a flow of 1,540 cfs early on May 7 — a temperature that puts walleye squarely in post-spawn feeding mode. Jason Mitchell Outdoors recently declared the shore walleye bite is on across the region, backing that up with a dedicated breakdown of bank-fishing tactics. AnglingBuzz's early spring river walleye feature covers the Dubuque rig as a reliable current setup for fish staged in transition zones. Fishing the Midwest confirms jigs and slip-sinker live-bait presentations as staples as water climbs through the low 50s. On the Missouri River drainage, Jason Mitchell highlights Lake Audubon smallmouth bass as an active early-May target. Northern pike are also in play through these transition temps. Channel catfish remain sluggish until water pushes closer to 60°F. With a waning gibbous moon, low-light periods at dawn and dusk are worth prioritizing for walleye this week. Always verify current possession and size limits before harvesting.

2d ago