The first half of this week we couldn’t have asked for better fall fishing weather. For me, the week was spent both on the Missouri River and Devils Lake. Unfortunately, I was going to fish Lake Sakakawea later in the week, but Mother Nature said otherwise.

I’ll start with Devils Lake since I did get 3 awesome days on it this week. Fishing was exceptional! We caught good numbers and quality. I spent two days trolling leadcore and smaller baits like salmos, flickershads, and also the smaller flicker minnows. Each day the fish decided to change which bait they preferred, so we just changed along with them.

I tell my clients all the time I’m not the brightest bulb on the tree, but I’m also not the dullest. So I listen to what the fish are telling me. We targeted fish along old shoreline in 15 to 20 foot of water moving slow. We trolled between 1.3 to 1.6 mph letting the cranks hit bottom once in awhile. This seemed to trigger most of the bites.

The third day we decided to use livescope and jigs and minnows and also jig raps. This is undoubtedly the funnest way to fish in my opinion these days! Talk about a cat and mouse scenario. I love the one on one combat with these fish trying to figure out the mood and the cadence they want. Simply awesome! Bridges and old road beds were the target areas.

Now into the Missouri River near Bismarck. Things are spotty at best. I’ve had a couple decent days out there. The fish still haven’t come up river in big numbers. We have seen sporadic bites. I still have faith they are coming and if weather permits, I’ll be running trips through November. If you see a nice weather opening please get ahold of me.

I personally didn’t make it to Sakakawea this week but the reports are strong! The best reports are coming from the river section of the lake. I’m also hearing of a few reports of guys catching them in the mid to eastern section. I’m still gonna try and make it up there a few more times hopefully! Jig raps and creek chubs are the lures of choice.