Lake Sakakawea Fishing Report – June 22nd, 2026

matthewliebel
Jun 22
3 min read

Summer Fishing Is Here... You Just Have to Stay Patient

Smiling boy in blue camo jacket and life vest holds a freshly caught fish on a boat under a cloudy sky.

If there's one word to describe this past week on Lake Sakakawea, it's unpredictable.

The weather has been all over the map, with cool nights, windy days, and changing conditions making it feel like Mother Nature can't quite decide what season it wants to be. Those conditions have kept water temperatures hovering around 61-62 degrees, which is actually a little cooler than we'd normally expect for late June.

While we haven't experienced the typical June "slam fest" that Sakakawea is known for, don't let that fool you—the fish are here. You simply have to stay patient, cover water, and let the fish come to you.

Crankbaits Take the Lead

This week, crankbaits have clearly outperformed everything else. Our confidence baits have been the #9 Berkley Flicker Minnow and Berkley Flicker Shad, and they've accounted for the majority of our walleyes. Trolling these baits has allowed us to efficiently cover water, locate active fish, and trigger reaction bites from walleyes that haven't been overly aggressive.

Four smiling men stand by a fish-cleaning table piled with fresh fish; a boat and pickup truck sit behind them outdoors.

Most of our fish have been holding in 10-18 feet of water, but don't lock yourself into a specific depth. Reservoir fish are constantly following baitfish, and a small change in wind direction or weather can move an entire school overnight.

The biggest lesson this week has been simple: stick with it. There have been stretches where the rods stay quiet, but once you find an active group, the action can happen quickly.

The Water Is Cleaning Up

Four men pose behind a table piled with freshly caught fish outdoors, beside a white pickup and trees.

One encouraging trend we're seeing is that the water around the New Town area is beginning to clear up after weeks of wind and muddy conditions. Cleaner water has opened up more opportunities to fish traditional summer structure and has us excited about what's coming over the next few weeks.

We're also beginning to see more fish moving into the bays. While not every bay is loaded yet, they're definitely showing signs of life as baitfish move in and water temperatures slowly stabilize. These protected areas should only continue to improve as summer progresses.

Bonus Action: White Bass Everywhere

Two smiling people stand behind a table of fresh fish under a shelter, with white birds and a New Town sign on a sunny green hill.

One of the unexpected highlights this week has been the incredible white bass fishing.

We've run into several huge schools while searching for walleyes, and they've provided nonstop action. White bass are aggressive, fight well above their weight class, and seem willing to eat just about anything you throw at them. They're a blast for experienced anglers and an absolute favorite for kids and families looking for steady action. Sometimes a school of white bass is exactly what keeps everyone smiling while hunting down the next group of walleyes.

Keep Trusting Your Electronics

Smiling couple stands by a table of freshly caught fish at a boat ramp, with fishing boats and trucks behind them.

If there's one piece of advice we continue to give every angler on Lake Sakakawea, it's this:

Trust your electronics. The fish don't live on waypoints—they live with the bait.

As bait moves, the walleyes move. Spending time watching your sonar, side imaging, and forward-facing sonar will consistently put you around more fish than simply fishing yesterday's successful spot. The anglers who are willing to move, adjust, and stay patient are the ones finding the most consistent success.

Looking Ahead

Two anglers on a boat, one holding a large fish, smiling on a lake under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Despite the cooler water temperatures, we're optimistic. As the weather settles into a more stable summer pattern, we expect the bite to become more consistent and even more predictable. The fish are healthy, the forage base is excellent, and everything is lining up for a fantastic second half of the summer.

Whether you're hoping to catch your first walleye, learn how to use modern electronics more effectively, target hard-fighting smallmouth bass, or simply enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, there's never been a better time to experience Lake Sakakawea.

Book Your Lake Sakakawea Adventure

Smiling angler on a boat holds a large walleye over a lake, with cloudy sky and grassy hills behind her.

Prime summer dates are filling quickly!

📞 Call or Text: 701-770-6746

🌐 Visit: www.liebelsguideservice.com

From first-time anglers to seasoned fishermen, our team of professional guides is ready to help you make memories on one of the best walleye fisheries in the country.

We'll see you on the water!

— Matt Liebel & The Liebel's Guide Service Team