Salmon Fishing in North Dakota

Salmon Fishing Lakes In North Dakota

In North Dakota there are limited options for salmon fishing. Lake Sakakawea and Garrison Tailrace are the primary waters. The North Dakota state record Chinook (King) Salmon came out of Garrison Tailrace.

The Pacific Salmon Family

Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by specie. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which into the ocean and adjoining ocean waters of Northern California, Oregon and Washington. They have also been stocked in the Great Lakes with some success however the programs require continual stocking.

Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

The largest of the Pacific Salmon, the chinook lives for 5 to 7 years and reaches a size well over 100 pounds.

Salmon Fishing

Salmon fishing is at it's best during the salmon runs which can occur as early as May in the north to July as you move southward. Often a late run may happen as late as October.

The preferred method for catchin salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies. For more details check here for articles about fly fishing for salmon in North Dakota.

See an overview of fishing in North Dakota.

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Fishing for Salmon in North Dakota.

33 lbs - 7 oz

31 lbs - 2 oz

Spends part of its life in the ocean and the remainder in streams and rivers which drain into the ocean.