As I’m standing near the water cooler between hole 16 and 17 of this winter ice fishing season. One thing comes to mind. Super tough winter with the conditions we have faced.

One common theme has been wind. Not just a little breezy at times, but darn near hurricane like. This has got to play havoc on the fish with these massive pressure changes. Not to mention the massive temperature changes we keep seeing.

If I had to describe this week up here on Devils Lake, I’d say it’s been good and bad. When it’s good it’s good. Except when it’s bad, it’s really bad. Making life on us guides a little stressful. One thing I will say with the group of guides I work with. We work our tails off! No putting clients in a shack and disappearing. In fact, as I’m writing this report after a long day on the ice I just counted I moved the shack 7 times today trying to land on them.

So when you do land on them it seems they bite in spurts. Your timing is impeccable. Things like moon, sun, snow, time of day etc all playing into the equation. The lures that seem to be working for me are the old school forage minnows made by Northland Tackle and either a few waxies on it or a minnow. This bait is working for bot perch and walleyes right now. For me I’ve had to go quite a bit shallower to find biting fish. 8 to 17 foot of water has been best.

As I mentioned before, I’m just about to tee off on 17th for the ice season. I am gearing up for the spring walleye run near Bismarck on the river and also Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake for this summer! If you are looking to fish with us get ahold of me! I have a couple guys on staff this spring and summer so we can accommodate you!