The Missouri River is the reason Williston exists — the fur trade, the army posts, the steamboat era, and even the railroad all followed the river — and it remains the most rewarding natural feature in the immediate area. The confluence reach between the Yellowstone and the upper Lake Sakakawea reservoir is one of the few stretches of the Missouri that still flows in something close to its original state, with braided channels, cottonwood forests, and sandbars that shift with the spring floods.
Fishing is the primary draw for most visitors. Walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, and paddlefish all move through these waters, and the paddlefish season in spring draws serious anglers from across the region. Paddlefish — large, prehistoric-looking filter feeders that can exceed 30 kg — are snagged rather than caught on a baited hook, which makes for an unusual and physically demanding style of fishing. Licences and current regulations are available from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Canoe and kayak access is possible at several points along the river corridor, and a quiet float through the cottonwood bottomland between Fort Union and Fort Buford gives a perspective on the landscape that no road can match. There is no outfitter operating on this stretch, so you will need to bring your own equipment. The current is manageable in summer but should be respected — this is a large, cold river.