Matson Slough near Larimore: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Nelson County, North Dakota, is where Matson Slough sits. The bank is 1,480 feet above sea level. Roughly 59 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. Shoreline comes to about 1.7 miles, small enough to learn in a day. Larimore lies 19 miles from the water. Further out sit Grand Forks Air Force Base (30 miles) and Mayville (34 miles). It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Matson Slough

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Nelson County include largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegill and brown bullhead. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Matson Slough where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 68°F and January at 4°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. The season on Matson Slough rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Hillesland Lake at 2.2 miles is the sensible second choice. For Matson Slough, the notice at the access point is the final word.