ND Fly Fishing Report May 4, 2026

What a difference a week makes on the Northern Plains, things happen quickly as the Jetstream wiggles its way across North American like a well-loved bamboo fly rod.  Cold windy... Calm and warm... and now.... well you guessed it cold and windy... or "breezy" as the weather folk say.

We’re seeing the waters warm a little and the action seems to have picked up as well.  As we see water temps rise from the mid-forties to the mid-fifties and beyond, there is just a massive difference in the activity levels.  Speaking of activity levels, how about that wind eh?

I was once told that if you can’t fly cast in the wind, well you just can’t fly fish in ND. As much as that is more right that wrong, we can learn to adapt and develop our wind casting skills so that an “unexpected breeze” doesn’t destroy our opportunities. If you need help with that consider investing in an hour of casting instruction, and we can work on strategies to build wind “resistant” casting skills.

As the changes are happening fast I’m going to try and keep up a weekly schedule of reports. Keep sending in anything that we can share and help our fellow fly fishers. As the season matures, bi-weekly updates will be much more likely.

Trout news? Looks like the Turtle River at Turtle River State Park west of Grand Forks has received it’s spring allotment of Rainbow trout!  If you are able, I recommend 3-4wt rods and some small hare's ear nymphs (or a fish food pellet fly) for a chance to take advantage of a rare opportunity in North Dakota.

We should see more small lake small scale stockings around the state starting this week, as well, but tough to get excited about the pet food fed plantings, at least not nearly as excited as the cormorants.

Walleye action is of course still dominating the state’s overall fishing scene and be leery of anyone who tries to tell you that you can’t catch them on the fly.  And yes, I mean in the Mighty MO too.

Featured Species:   Northern Pike
On the stage of spring pike, we’re starting to see not just the smaller males chase, but some feisty females are being observed and reported as having emptied of eggs and empty bellies.  As fly fishers of Pike, that’s music to our ears. The time to take advantage of this great opportunity seems to be here.   Not quite seeing the topwater action that I dream of but as the water warms that should change.  I can’t wait. I’m loading up on Popovich Bangers, double barrel poppers and have I have Peletonic Poppers in stock on the site

Featured Lake: Long Lake Creek @ Long Lake National wildlife refuge, Moffit ND
This well-loved and well-used fishery is fun this time of year and the ease of access and casting is appreciated.  With a large open area behind the caster, it’s a great opportunity to work out the casting form and land some running pike.  Now that May 1st has passed small paddle craft are allowed in the creek BUT beware only the creek as the lake itself of UNIT 1 of the refuge is off limits to ALL watercraft. The water is high so on water travel under the bridge is not a realistic possibility. Lots of Pike some decent ones for sure, good chance for carp and even some walleye if they are still running.

Featured Gear:   Temple Fork Outfitters BC Big Fly 10 wt 
The BC Big Fly does what it’s name says it does, and more. I’ve been using the TFO BCBF for a few seasons now and the ease of use and ability to handle a large window of fly lines has been much appreciated.  I’ve used 450 grain Musky lines (like the Scientific Anglers Custom Musky 450 gr) line, to toss 14” flys but I prefer the pike flys in the 6-8” range on 350-400 grain window. One excellent method of fishing this rod at this time of the year is to use a Full Intermediate line like SA Full Intermediate, or Cortland PIKE/Musky Full Intermediate and 6-7’ leaders to throw 5-7” bunny leeches, Bucktail deceivers and single Buford flys. The versatility of this rod is also noticed for carp, bass, and fall salmon as well.

Featured Fly:    Fishkota’s Grampa Devils Esox3 Pack
Still a small quantity of this iconic collection of flys in 8wt versions are available at fishkotaflyshop.com.  Great option to cover spring pike and bass. AND the kit includes a pre-tied esox leader with bite guard.

Notes from the Fly Desk:

The parting note this week is a theme that is unfortunately a constant and steady axiom. We were reminded about this a Sunday morning or so ago…..

We are not guaranteed tomorrow.  

So even if the conditions aren’t always ideal, it’s a little chilly, the breeze is a little out of the wrong direction, or the grass maybe could use a trim. Take the time to fish.

Go fishing, with family, with a friend, or by yourself.  Theres something calm and southing about the prairie waters that we can and should appreciate and share. So just go fishing and enjoy the time we are blessed to have…
………out here in Fishkota Country.