Longer days and one of the most enjoyable times of the year for ice fishing!!

What beautiful weather we have been experiencing in Devils Lake these past few weeks! Temps in the 20-30's makes outside fishing and 'hole hopping' so much easier and productive. We are starting to see some of our waterfowl friends return as well (Canadian Geese), which is always refreshing to see.

As for the bite...it's been a pretty up and down adventure to say the least. There are groups that experience one after another flurries for the world famous jumbo perch and there are others that wonder if perch are really in this great lake. Seems like one of the biggest factors is to have sunshine. The days that are overcast are often the toughest days to get the perch to go.
We have caught them as shallow as 24 and as deep as 47 this past week. Buckshots, halis, forage minnows, and tungsten jigs have all been productive lures to use. Remember, to use lighter line as well, 2-4 pound braided line is what we prefer.

Walleyes have been caught mixed in with the perch. The most consistent bite for walleyes seems to be in the shallower back bays of Devils Lake. The morning bite has been good on days and average on others. We fish until 4pm this time of year so we have not spent much time fishing the night bite. Working drop offs, humps, and points has been the most productive for us. Buckshots tipped with a minnow head as been the most productive presentation. 6-10 feet of water is typically the best depths to work.

We have been using some tip-ups, angling, and spearing for pike with solid results. Ditches, culvert areas, rocky points have produced the majority of pike. Look for this bite to get better as get more into March.

As for the ice...I dislike giving ice reports because ice is constantly changing, especially in March. As of now we are driving trucks in most places of the lake. Beware of ridges and cracks as some of them have started to open up of late. Also, remember that ice will start to deteriorate as we get farther into spring. Ice can change by the hour, so please remember to take your time and go as light as you can.
AVOID all current areas such as bridges, culverts, and bottle neck areas.


Good luck to all!!

Bry's Guide Service

A bit of a roller coaster...

We have had a bit of a roller coaster ride fishing this past week. Some days the perch are on and other days they like to look. Weather has been up and down as well which can definitely change their mood. Most productive depths have been 20-32 ft of water. Seems like smaller buckshots, halis, and dropper rigs tipped with smaller hooks or tungsten jigs. When the bite gets lighter it is crucial to use finesse and really pay attention to your rod, the slightest movement on your rod tip and you should set the hook. We have caught some dandy perch with smaller ones mixed in as well.

Walleye action has been the best in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Our most consistent bite has been in shallower water (6-10 ft). Buckshots, sonars, and jigging raps have all produced for us.

Pike have been very active in Pelican and the northwest corner of Devils Lake. Work the edges of weed lines, flooded points, and roads to hold a lot of fish. Tip ups or jigging with aggressive lures has been very good this winter.

Ice conditions are overall very good. Ice thickness varies from 15-30 inches. The northwest corner of the lake has a lot more snow on it than the eastern portion of Devils Lake. Tracks are a must out west; however, there are some areas of the main and eastern parts of Devils Lake where you can drive trucks.

Good luck to all!!