Well, this wasn’t in the cards for us this fall.  The weather has really turned to the worse and its turned into hunting weather instead of fishing from a boat.  My fingers are crossed in hopes of some warmer temps maybe towards the end of November.  I have been out a couple times however to try and keep tabs on the bite.  Call me crazy or call me addicted to fishing, its just something I really enjoy doing!  I also really enjoy bringing you guys reports as often as I can to keep you informed on what is happening out on the Missouri River and of course Sakakawea, Oahe and Devils Lake.  Once ice fishing rolls around I will keep everyone informed. I am going to be offering dark house spearing and I will be chasing plenty of perch, walleyes, and crappies.

So what is happening locally on the river right now besides rainy and gloomy weather?  Not a ton.  Some fish are around but man are they in a mood right now.  You can mark them on your electronics, but for some reason they are stubborn. I fished the Hazelton area the other day for a couple hours only managing two fish.  One was a really nice fish and the other was just a solid fish.  Problem with both is they didn’t bite.  Both fish I saw on my Lowrance and both fish I snagged, and yes these fish are still swimming.  I hardly ever keep any fish for myself anyway unless I am going to eat them right away.  Of course my jig of choice was a Lindy Jig with the biggest minnow in the bucket.  I also fished up by where I live and that is in the double ditch area and I managed a couple smaller fish.  Still seeing tons of baitfish and I feel this a major player as to why it is tough out there.

One small tidbit I can leave you on this report is the shore fishing on the Tailrace and the Heskett plant area would be a place I would consider going right now and casting floating rapalas.  Its that time of year some really large walleyes are going to show up close to the shore right before dark and into the darkest of night.  Like I said earlier my fingers are crossed for some more open water fishing or these reports are going to change to ice fishing reports very soon! #mikepelusooutdoors