Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to chase some monster walleye, feisty northern pike, and hard-fighting smallmouth bass? Hop aboard with Rudland's Guide Service for a day of fishing you won't forget on North Dakota's crown jewel - Lake Sakakawea. We know these waters like the back of our hand, and we're itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and local secrets to make your trip a success.
Picture this: You're out on Sakakawea's vast blue waters, the morning mist just lifting off the surface. Your line goes tight, and suddenly you're battling a chunky walleye or a toothy pike. That's what we're all about at Rudland's. We're talking a full day on the water, targeting some of the best freshwater game fish North Dakota has to offer. We provide all the fishing gear you'll need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Plus, we've got life jackets to keep you safe. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some grub to keep you going, and whatever you need to stay comfy out there (sunscreen, hat, you know the drill). Oh, and don't forget to bring your A-game - these fish put up a fight!
At Rudland's, we're all about getting you on the fish, and we've got a few tricks up our sleeves. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might be trolling crankbaits along underwater structures, jigging for walleye in deeper holes, or casting spinnerbaits for those aggressive pike. We use top-notch electronics to find the fish, and we're always checking water temps and conditions to figure out where they're hanging out. Whether we're drifting live bait rigs or working the weed edges, we'll show you the techniques that are working right now on Sakakawea. And hey, if you've got a favorite lure or technique you want to try, we're all ears. This is your day on the water, after all!
"Thoroughly enjoyed out 8 hour fishing trip. No complaints. All good memories. Looking forward to our next outing with him." - Michael
"I had a thoroughly enjoyable day fishing with Darin. He was fun to talk with and very engaging. He clearly knows his trade and the lake; we had great fun catching our limit of walleye." - Cary
"Darin was awesome! We had a great time! Made sure everything was taken care of and went above and beyond! Thanks for the memories!" - Joaquin
Walleye: The star of the show on Lake Sakakawea, walleye are what keep anglers coming back year after year. These golden-eyed beauties are known for their tasty fillets and the challenge they present. Walleye tend to hang out near underwater structure and can be finicky eaters, but when you figure them out, the action can be non-stop. Spring and fall are prime times for walleye, but we catch 'em all season long. There's nothing quite like the thump of a walleye hitting your jig!
Northern Pike: If you're after a fish with some serious attitude, look no further than the northern pike. These toothy predators are aggressive and will hit just about anything that moves. Pike love to hang out in weedy areas and near drop-offs, waiting to ambush their prey. They put up a heck of a fight and can grow to impressive sizes in Lake Sakakawea. The cooler months are best for pike fishing, but these guys are active year-round. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Smallmouth Bass: Don't let the name fool you - there's nothing small about the fight these fish put up. Smallmouth bass in Lake Sakakawea are known for their acrobatics and stamina. They love rocky areas and points, and they'll hit everything from topwater lures to deep-diving crankbaits. Late spring through early fall is prime time for smallies, with some of the biggest fish caught as the water starts to cool down in September. Pound for pound, these might be the hardest fighting fish in the lake!
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase - Lake Sakakawea is calling, and the fish are waiting. Whether you're dreaming of that wall-hanger walleye, itching to tangle with a monster pike, or just want to spend a day hauling in smallies, we've got you covered. At Rudland's Guide Service, we're not just about catching fish (though we do plenty of that). We're about creating memories, sharing laughs, and giving you a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat, pack some snacks, and let's hit the lake. The big one isn't going to catch itself, you know! Book your trip now, and let's make some fishing magic happen on Lake Sakakawea. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
May 31, 2025
We had a great time!
June 18, 2025
I had a thoroughly enjoyable day fishing with Darin. He was fun to talk with and very engaging. He clearly knows his trade and the lake; we had great fun catching our limit of walleye.
May 23, 2024
Darin was awesome! We had a great time! Made sure everything was taken care of and went above and beyond! Thanks for the memories!
July 24, 2024
Northern Pike are the ambush predators of Lake Sakakawea. These long, toothy fish average 2-3 feet but can grow much bigger. They hang out in weedy shallows and along drop-offs, waiting to strike. Pike are most active in cooler water, so spring and fall are prime times. Anglers love 'em for their explosive hits and powerful fights. When hooked, they'll make your reel scream. To land one, try slow-trolling big spoons or minnow-imitating lures near weed edges. Just watch those teeth when unhooking - they're no joke! Pike make for some tasty eating too, if you know how to fillet around the Y-bones. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to tangle with a freshwater torpedo, pike fishing on Sakakawea is hard to beat.
Smallmouth Bass are the scrappy fighters of Lake Sakakawea. These bronze-colored bruisers usually run 1-3 pounds, but 5-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them around rocky points, submerged timber, and along shoreline drop-offs. They love clear, cool water, so early summer and fall are prime times. Smallies are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard-pulling fights - pound for pound, they're some of the toughest fish in the lake. Anglers love targeting them with light tackle. Try throwing soft plastic tubes or small crankbaits that mimic crayfish. A local trick is to fish deeper structure with drop-shot rigs when the sun's high. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert. Once hooked, hang on tight and enjoy the ride. As a bonus, smallmouth make for some fine eating if you decide to keep a few for the pan.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Sakakawea fishing. These golden-eyed predators usually run 15-20 inches, but trophy fish over 28 inches aren't uncommon. They prefer cooler, deeper water during the day, moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Look for them near underwater structure like rock piles and drop-offs. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are ideal. Walleye are prized for their flaky, mild-tasting fillets - some of the best eating fish you'll find. They can be finicky biters, so presentation is key. Try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawlers, or jigging minnows along the bottom. When you find a school, it's game on. The bite might be subtle, but once hooked, walleye put up a stubborn fight. Keep it slow and steady to avoid losing them at the boat.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 59
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350
Thoroughly enjoyed out 8 hour fishing trip. No complaints. All good memories. Looking forward to our next outing with him.