In June 2025, Lonnie Liebel set a new North Dakota state record for lake whitefish. Liebel caught the 9 pound, 3 ounce whitefish on June 2 near the Garrison Dam Tailrace in the Missouri River.
Liebel’s catch broke a record that had stood for more than 40 years. The previous state record lake whitefish was established in 1984 by Bill Mitzel. The fish, which weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, was also caught the Garrison Dam Tailrace.
In North Dakota, lake whitefish are found in the Missouri River System, including Lake Audubon.
Located just downstream of the Garrison Dam, the East Tailrace Recreation Area is one of the most popular areas for fishing on the Missouri River system.
The area includes a boat ramp, bathroom facilities, fish clean station, as well as shoreline access for fishing. Numerous North Dakota state record fish have been caught in the Missouri River Tailrace area.
Above Garrison Dam is Lake Sakakawea, the third largest man-made lake in the United States. Lake Sakakawea is approximately 178 miles in length, with over 1,500 miles of shoreline.
source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department
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