Not that long ago I was having a conversation with Patrick Yohon from GRC Trolling Flies. He was telling me about a fellow fisherman who had ordered his flies from South Dakota. More than just a little curious Pat asked the gentlemen why he was ordering salmon flies if he lives in in the Dakota’s.
Much to Pat’s surprise and then mine, it turns out there are King salmon in the Missouri River. This piqued my curiosity, so I started doing a little Googling. It turns out there are King salmon in the Missouri river, and some big ones.
North Dakota’s state record King salmon is 31 lbs. 2 oz. and was caught back in 1986. South Dakota’s state record King salmon is 23 lbs. 14 oz. was caught in 2003.
Stocking for Kings started in the 70’s and can be found in Fort Peck Lake, Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe. These reservoirs are perfect habitat for land locked Kings and offer plenty of deep cold water and bait.
If you’re interested in finding out more about fishing for Kings on the Missouri River visit North Dakota Fish and Game or South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.