Cooler air temperatures have meant cooler water temperatures on Devils Lake. Water temperatures that were in the upper 50's are now in the lower 50's which has resulted in less active Eyes. Although I have been attempting to push the pitching bite in the back-water bays with some success, current areas are higher probability areas to focus on until the water temps increase. Leaches, minnows, J-Raps, and Blade Baits have been working in current areas with evenings being the best. Remember, just an increase of a couple degrees in water temperature may mean a limit or a goose egg this time of year. 

The Pike have been relentless in the backwater with pockets of White Bass being found in few areas as they have not finished 

Think shallow...

Water continues to warm and more and more fish are making their way into the back bays. Fish the warmest water you can find and you will get the best results.

Keys to look for: long shallow bays that have darker mud bottoms; also, look for areas with flooded trees or cattails. 

Some of the best fishing this time of year will take place on the afternoon after the water has had a chance to warm a few degrees. Areas that were "dead" in the morning may be "on fire" in the afternoon.

Jigs and plastics or cranks can be deadly and a great way to cover water. Don't be afraid to try live bait under bobbers or even rigging when you can find dirty enough water.

Good luck and remember "catch and release" on the bigger fish.

Beautiful weather, fish are cooperating!

After a long winter it is so special to get out on the open water! Water is warming quickly and we are currently experiencing some walleye action in or near the current. Vertical jigging with a minnow or a jigging rap has produced some dandy eyes! There are some females in the current spawning and some have already spawned. There are more and more males showing up in the current areas the past few days. 

Look for the back bays to continue to warm and for post spawn Walleyes to be arriving very soon!

Pike are already there (in shallow). Pitching cranks/ jig plastic combos is a great way to cover water and find the active pockets!

As the spawn occurs/completes, please remember to practice "catch and release" on the nicer fish!

Good luck to all!

Open water time!!

Devils Lake is ice free! The lake is open and ready for fishing via boat.

As far as the bite goes....concentrate on current areas (either in or near) as the spawn is going on and will be for a few weeks. Once the spawn is complete look for shallow warm back water bays!!

We will keep you posted with the most accurate/current bite on Devils Lake each and every week!

Good luck and enjoy the open water!!

Be careful...

Safety is the key in this weeks post! No fish is worth dropping in. I have had numerous people contact me about the safety of the ice on Devils Lake over the last week, the bottom line is it is sketchy.

We absolutely do not suggest driving a vehicle!!!!! Walking or in some areas atv's are fine, but could change very quickly.

The problem is that the ice is changing daily (for the worse) and you really have to take that into consideration when you go out.

The bite for Walleyes has been best the last two hours of the day. Pike fishing has been insanely good, using tip ups. Perch fishing we aren't totally sure on because we haven't been venturing as far out for them.

So if you do fish remember to have ice picks, fish with another person, avoid current areas and ridges.

Open water is near!!

Be safe!

March Madness...

We have had some very good days of late!! The perch seem to be much more aggressive once we find them! The key is finding them...as mentioned in previous reports, cover new water. Seems like most people are fishing the same areas over and over. We have had our best luck fishing fresh fish in places we don't usually fish. The trickiest factor in catching perch is you must find the "spot on the spot", meaning drill lots of holes! There are days we catch limits out of a ten foot area.

Weather is looking great! This is our favorite time of year. Fishing outside, sunny/long days, makes for a lot of fun. It's also a lot easier to drill holes when it is nicer out.

As weather gets nicer, remember to use caution and be careful as a lot can change with ice quality quickly.

Good luck!!

Longer days, warmer weather coming...

We are quickly approaching one if our favorite times of year...SPRING FISHING!

Weather has been cold this past week which has limited our mobility a bit. We are very excited about warmer weather coming in the near future! Fishing outside and hole hopping is the norm many days in March.

Marking fish is not the problem, convincing them to bite can be tricky at times. Seems like there are flurries that happen each day, so always be ready because you never really know where or when it will happen.

If you've had a tough winter bite this is the time to get out and enjoy some traditionally great fishing and nice weather!

We have had fish shallow and deep, really hard to give a depth, rather, mix it up and try to cover it all as fish are always moving it seems.

Buckshots,Hali's,tungstens, flyers, and shiver minnows are all producing.