Largemouth Bass

If you're looking for Largemouth Bass in eastern North Dakota, don't overlook the opportunities around Portland. While not a major destination fishery, the numerous small lakes, sloughs, and the Goose River offer surprisingly good bass fishing. These waters warm up quickly in the spring, making late May and June prime time. Bass tend to be ambush predators in these environments, so focus on weed lines, submerged timber, and any other structure you can find. A local tip: many of these access points are gravel roads, so check local conditions after rain, and consider bringing an ATV or 4x4 vehicle to reach some of the more remote spots. The bass here aren't giants, averaging 1-3 pounds, but their aggressive strikes and willingness to hit topwater lures make for exciting fishing. As summer progresses, look for cooler water in deeper sections or near shaded areas.