Help for Missouri River newbie?

[Benjy]

Hey guys,

Usually I'm taking a trip to the Rainy River in MN to fish the pre-spawn, but its all iced up this year. Looking for an alternative, and someone suggesting heading out to SD for fishing on the Missouri. We are probably going to do it, but looking for suggestions on location and tactics. We are experienced walleye guys from MN, but not cocky enough to think we know it all for the river fishing. Thinking about going out of Chamberlain area. I'm hearing mixed reports, and that the bite can fluctuate a lot depending on whether the dam is open. We would fish this coming Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Any reports would be helpful. We just want to know what me might reasonably expect to encounter out there. Nobody has a crystal ball, but trying to judge whether it is worth the money and drive, or whether we should hold off for later in the season. Hopefully this weather blows through and things stabilize. Thanks in advance for any info.

[creepworm]

I was out there this weekend. Bite was good, not great for us. Water temp was 36-38 so probably a bit early yet. We did not really find the fish in the obvious pre-spawn areas.The fish we found were relating to the mud lines much like they do in summer.

There will be lines at the landings but not like on the rainy.

As far as being worth the drive? I can't answer that for you. Don't expect to be catching trophy fish like on the rainy. Good numbers of eaters can be had, and remember the 15 inch minimum, that seems to get forgotten by some.

[123fish]

Had a friend out there this weekend fishing right around the town of Chamberlain. They caught a lot of fish but said the vast majority were 14.5-14.75" fish.