Ice Fishing Report-January 19th, 2025

Written by Mike Peluso

January 19, 2025

This has been the week from hell. Maybe that’s how Devils Lake has gotten its name?

The weather up here has been absolutely brutal. We have had zero consistency as far as the weather goes. Along with the temps either being way into the negatives, we have had some massive wind events.

Not only does this unstable weather put the fish into a bad mood, we have had troubles with visibility creating situations where we just can’t be as mobile as we like as guides.

With our guide group we do not run Sno Bears. So as soon as we get our clients set up to fish, we head back out and start looking for fish to move our clients on. That has been next to impossible for us also this week.

We have been scratching fish this week even in survival mode. I honestly can’t give you a real good fishing report due to all the changes conditions this week.

I’ll coin one of our other guides phrases this week. “We are fishing guides, not god”. Some things we can control like keeping our clients safe and warm. We can park our shacks on top of fish, it we can’t make the fish bite unfortunately.

I do have scattered dates open in February and March. Things are going to get better and a little more settled in here. I feel like we will be rewarded for this turbulent week we have experienced. Get ahold of me if you want to get out on the ice.

Related Reports

ND Fishing Report-September 6th, 2026

ND Fishing Report-September 6th, 2026

The reason I don't love to guide in September is already showing itself a little.  The fish, especially on Sakakawea we become extremely difficult to catch.  They do this every September for some reason.   I have my philosophies on it, but it's too long...

Lake Sakakawea Fishing Report-August 30th, 2026

Lake Sakakawea Fishing Report-August 30th, 2026

Today I am super sad to report I'm done guiding on Lake Sakakawea for the 2026 season.  That doesn't mean I won't go up to fish maybe here and there. Last September on the eastern portion was absolutely top notch!  This season was definitely one for the...

Lake Sakakawea Fishing Report-August 23, 2026

Lake Sakakawea Fishing Report-August 23, 2026

What an interesting week on Lake Sakakawea.  Lots of things happening all at the same time. In my line of work it definitely keeps me on my toes.  The fish have decided to go deep!  Or have they? I'll get to this in a minute.  Of course if you...