Stanton / Knife River Confluence Accesson Knife River
Clear and cool water at 44°F with light easterly winds
- 01Clear and cool water at 44°F with light easterly winds.
- 02Expect intermittent Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches on overcast afternoons.
- 03Predatory fish are actively seeking baitfish, leeches, and eggs.
- 04Focus on deeper pools, slower runs, and areas with structure or undercut banks.
- 05The river mouth can be productive for migratory species.
What to tie on at Stanton / Knife River Confluence Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Perch Pattern
Fall is a prime time for perch patterns, effectively imitating juvenile perch, a common prey item for predatory Walleye, Steelhead, and Loopers.
Mother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis, drawing attention from Steelhead and Loopers.
Flashback Hare's Ear
A reliable general mayfly nymph imitation, effective year-round and particularly useful as a searching pattern in early spring, especially in off-color or deeper water for Steelhead.
Buy at AmazonSan Juan Worm
Aquatic worms are a consistent food source and particularly effective in spring, especially after any rain or increased flows, making the San Juan Worm an excellent searching pattern for Steelhead, Walleye, and Loopers.
Buy at AmazonCrappie Jig Fly
As water temperatures warm in spring, predatory fish like Walleye become more active and will key in on baitfish and invertebrates, making this jig fly an effective choice.
Buy at AmazonScud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater amphipods (scuds) are a consistent food source, particularly in spring. A pink or orange Scud can be very effective for Steelhead, Walleye, and Loopers.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black)
This versatile streamer is effective year-round for predatory fish like Walleye, Steelhead, and Loopers, especially as they become more active in warming spring waters, imitating leeches and baitfish.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic Steelhead and Walleye in early spring.
Yellow Sally
Yellow Sally stoneflies are abundant along freestone streams in summer, drawing aggressive strikes from a variety of species including Walleye, Steelhead, and Loopers.
Buy at AmazonNorth Dakota season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.