What Six Mile Bay Offers

Six Mile Bay is a shallow, weedy reservoir in northwestern North Dakota that holds walleye and northern pike in a setting that rewards patience and precise casting. The bay sits within the larger Garrison Reservoir system, but its distinct character — murky water, dense vegetation, and a slow current — makes it worth fishing separately from the main lake. Walleye here are most active at dawn, dusk, and night, while pike hunt the weed edges year-round. The bay is accessible by boat from the Garrison Dam area, and the fishing is strongest in spring and fall when water temperatures favor active feeding.

The water is typically stained to murky, with visibility often dropping to 2 feet or less. This means fish rely on vibration and smell rather than sight, which shapes your lure choice and presentation. The bay's shallow flats and dense weed beds make it a different experience from open-water reservoir fishing — you are working structure constantly rather than covering long distances.

Key Takeaways

  • Six Mile Bay holds walleye and northern pike in shallow, weedy water that requires slow presentations and patience during midday hours.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) produce the most consistent action, while summer fishing is possible but slower and requires early morning or night trips.
  • Access is by boat only; the nearest public launch is at Garrison Dam, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by water depending on water level and your route.
  • North Dakota fishing licenses are required, and walleye have a 15-inch minimum size limit with a daily bag limit that varies by season — check current regulations before you go.
  • Weed beds and shallow flats (3 to 8 feet deep) hold most of the fish; trolling crankbaits and casting soft plastics work better than live bait in this murky water.

Seasons and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season at Six Mile Bay. Walleye move shallow to spawn, and pike follow them into the weeds. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, triggering aggressive feeding. Dawn and dusk are peak times, but you can catch fish throughout the day if you work the weed edges and deeper pockets methodically. The weather is unpredictable — bring rain gear and a windbreaker — but the fishing rewards the effort.

Summer (June through August) slows considerably. Walleye retreat to deeper water and the densest weed cover, becoming nocturnal. Pike remain active but are scattered. If you fish summer, plan for night trips or very early morning sessions before 7 a.m. Water clarity is typically poor, so fish rely on vibration and smell rather than sight. Many anglers skip summer entirely and return in fall.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring in productivity. Cooling water pushes walleye back into the shallows, and pike become aggressive as they prepare for winter. October is often the best month. Winter (November through March) closes the bay to most anglers; ice forms by late November, and ice fishing requires different gear and technique. Ice thickness must reach at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 6 inches for vehicles.

Access and Launch Points

Six Mile Bay has no dedicated public launch within the bay itself. The nearest access is the Garrison Dam area, where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains a public boat ramp. From there, you travel north by water into the Garrison Reservoir system and then into Six Mile Bay — roughly 15 to 20 minutes depending on water level and your boat speed. A small aluminum boat with a trolling motor is sufficient; you do not need a large or powerful vessel.

The Garrison Dam launch is free and open year-round during daylight hours. Parking is available, and the ramp is maintained for recreational use. Water levels in the Garrison Reservoir fluctuate seasonally; spring runoff raises levels, while late summer and fall can lower them. Check current water levels with the Corps of Engineers before launching if you are unfamiliar with the route, as shallow spots can develop in low-water years. No services — fuel, food, lodging — exist at the bay itself. The nearest town is Pick City, roughly 20 miles south, which has a gas station and basic supplies. Plan to bring everything you need for a full day on the water.

Fish Species and Behavior

Walleye are the primary target. They range from 12 to 18 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches. Walleye in Six Mile Bay are light-sensitive and prefer low-light conditions. They hold in weed beds during the day, particularly in pockets of deeper water (5 to 8 feet) surrounded by shallow flats. At dawn and dusk, they move into 2 to 4 feet of water to feed. Night fishing — casting or trolling after dark — is often the most productive approach in summer when daytime fishing is nearly impossible.

Northern pike are abundant and aggressive. Most range from 18 to 26 inches, though fish over 30 inches are caught regularly. Pike hunt the weed edges and open pockets within the vegetation. Unlike walleye, pike are active throughout the day, especially in spring and fall. They respond well to large, flashy lures and will chase baits across open water. Pike are less affected by light levels than walleye, so daytime fishing for pike is more reliable than daytime walleye fishing. The bay also holds some crappie and bluegill in the shallower, weedy margins, though most anglers focus on walleye and pike.

Tactics and Lure Selection

The murky water and dense weeds of Six Mile Bay demand lures that create vibration and contrast rather than relying on detail. Crankbaits in chartreuse, orange, and black work well for trolling the deeper edges of weed beds. Shallow-running crankbaits (2 to 4 feet) are ideal for spring and fall; deeper-diving models (6 to 8 feet) help you reach walleye in summer. Trolling along weed edges and through open pockets covers water efficiently and keeps you in contact with structure.

Soft plastics — 4 to 6-inch paddle-tail swimbaits and curly-tail grubs — cast effectively into weed pockets and along edges. Rig them on 1/4 to 3/8-ounce jig heads and work them slowly with pauses. This approach is particularly effective for walleye at dawn and dusk. For pike, larger swimbaits (6 to 8 inches) and spinnerbaits draw strikes. Spinnerbaits are especially useful because their vibration cuts through murky water and attracts fish from a distance.

Live bait — shiners, minnows, and crawfish — can work but is less efficient in the murky water and dense weeds. If you use live bait, fish it on a slip-sinker rig in open pockets rather than casting into vegetation. Trolling live bait along weed edges is an option, though lures cover water faster and are easier to manage in weedy conditions. Most successful anglers at Six Mile Bay rely primarily on lures.

Regulations and Licensing

You must carry a valid North Dakota fishing license to fish Six Mile Bay. Licenses are available online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, at sporting goods retailers, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you plan a single trip. Licenses are required for anyone 16 years old and older.

Walleye have a 15-inch minimum size limit. The daily bag limit varies by season and is set annually by the state; check the current regulations on the Game and Fish website before you fish. Northern pike typically have a 24-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of three fish, though these rules change periodically. Possession limits are usually twice the daily bag limit. Catch-and-release is always an option and is encouraged for pike and walleye under the minimum size. Handle fish carefully if you plan to release them, and wet your hands before touching them to protect their protective slime coating.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Plan your trip for spring (April through May) or fall (September through October) if you want consistent action. Spring offers the best combination of active fish and reasonable weather. Fall is slightly cooler but equally productive. If you fish summer, commit to early morning (before 7 a.m.) or night trips; midday fishing is slow and frustrating. Expect to spend time casting and retrieving rather than sitting with a rod in a holder. The weed beds require active searching, and you will cover less water than you would on an open-water lake.

Bring polarized sunglasses to spot weed edges and deeper pockets. A GPS or map of the bay helps you relocate productive spots. The water is stained to murky year-round, so visibility is never excellent; this means fish rely on vibration and smell, which favors lures over live bait. Weather can change quickly on the prairie. Bring rain gear and a windbreaker even in spring and fall. The bay is exposed, and wind can kick up waves that make boat handling difficult. Check the forecast before launching, and do not hesitate to head back to the ramp if conditions deteriorate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Six Mile Bay in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is possible once the bay freezes solid, typically by late November. However, access and safety are concerns; check with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department or local bait shops for current ice conditions before attempting to fish. Ice thickness must be at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 6 inches for vehicles.

What is the best time of day to fish for walleye?

Dawn (first hour after sunrise) and dusk (last hour before sunset) are most productive. Night fishing is also excellent, especially in summer. Midday walleye fishing is slow unless you fish deep weed pockets or the densest vegetation. Pike, by contrast, are active throughout the day.

Do I need a boat to fish Six Mile Bay?

Yes. There is no shore access to the bay itself. You must launch a boat from the Garrison Dam area and travel by water to reach the fishing grounds. A small aluminum boat with a trolling motor is sufficient; you do not need a large or powerful vessel.

What size fish should I expect to catch?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with some reaching 20 inches. Northern pike average 18 to 26 inches, and fish over 30 inches are caught regularly. Both species have minimum size limits enforced by the state, so smaller fish must be released.

Is the water safe to drink or swim in?

No. The Garrison Reservoir and Six Mile Bay are used for power generation and water management, and the water quality is not suitable for drinking or swimming. Bring fresh water for drinking, and avoid prolonged skin contact with the water.