I keep getting confused here. One day I’m on frozen water fishing for walleyes and perch. The next day I’m back in my boat on the Missouri River chasing walleyes again. Maybe it’s not me who is confused and maybe it’s Mother Nature?
Either way, I have once again found myself out chasing fish during this extended fall we are experiencing here in North Dakota.
The hot topic question from everyone is where are you ice fishing and how much ice are you finding. The answer to these questions are relatively easy. North of highway 2, and anywhere from open water to 7 inches. Definitely need to be extremely careful if you do venture out on the ice. Our forecast is still showing less than desirable temperatures for making ice. Also watch out from day to day as the ice seems to shift and change a lot with the open water, warmer temps and wind.
The fish do seem to be on one day off the next. Not sure why this has been? We did just go through a full moon phase and that never seems to play in my favor when it comes to catching fish through the ice. I do anticipate the bite to get better and hopefully after the weekend by mid next week our temps will drop some to help firm up the ice.
We haven’t done anything fancy, but a good old northland buckshot tipped with a full minnow or minnow head has been best. A more subtle jigging motion with a steady rise has gotten the most strikes. Tip ups have also been producing pretty good.
I’m adding a new feature to my website. I will also be sharing this information on a more regular basis with everyone. It won’t necessarily be a fishing report, but it will provide a lot of information for you.
I’m starting to take bookings now for ice fishing on Devils Lake and darkhouse spearing on Sakakawea. If your looking for a trip please email me at mikepelusooutdoors@gmail.com