As we head into the beginning of January I see some good things on the horizon. The ice is basically snow free (we did get a couple inches of snow) but the ice building. The fish are beginning to corporate and I think January is going to be an excellent month up here on Devils Lake.
What kind of ice are we seeing on the main portion of Devils Lake? Decent 7.5 to 11 inches with some areas nearing 13, by still plenty of trouble areas to pay close attention to. This does not mean it’s like this all over the lake goo or bad. You still need to use caution.
There seems to be less fresh water shrimp around at the moment and for catching perch this isn’t a bad thing. If you find the blood worms you seem to find the batches of perch. When you find a pod of perch they seem to fire up and feed a little better. It’s still fishing, they don’t eat 24/7/365, but they do seem to feed more frequently.
So what’s working? Small spoons like a Swedish pimple or Pk tungsten with minnow heads or a perch eye are dynamite right now!
Walleyes are still showing up on structure in low light periods. I will say this, the walleyes have been mixing in with the perch schools also. Pay close attention to your electronics and you will begin to see or notice the difference. The same technique maybe a tad bit more bulked up is the go to for these Devils Lake Walleyes.
The ice on Sakakawea is beginning to firm up in the bays and I should have my Darkhouse Spear shacks ready to roll hopefully here soon! If your looking for a trip email me at mikepelusooutdoors@gmail.com