Standard netting surveys have been ongoing since 1956 in Lake Sakakawea, a Missouri River main stem reservoir, and have identified 58 different species of fish. Regression analyses were performed for the total catch rate (CPUE), total weight catch rate, and the CPUE for 20 common fish species to determine trends in fish abundance over time. Significant (P<0.05) positive trends in abundance were found for walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), white bass (Morone chrysops), spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), and johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum). Significant negative trends in abundance were found for crappie (Pomoxis annularisandP. nigromaculatus), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and goldeye (Hiodon alosoides).