When I grew up in Bismarck, we had a weather beacon that would change colors to tell you what weather was coming. A white beacon meant, white as snow down the temperature will go. Green no change for seen, and red as fire, the temperature will go higher.
Right now, all with the exception of white would apply to Lake Sakakawea. Fishing just seems to be getting better and better, and the quality of fish is unreal. You may have to travel a little bit more to find them, but once you do it’s game on.
The fish are so perfect it’s hard explain. 16″ to 20″ are so perfect for multiple reasons. Fun to catch and even better to eat! I’m not the biggest fish eater, but I’ve eaten a few fish this week and I think I’m hooked again! No pun intended.
The majority of the fish are hanging in the 25 to 35 foot of water range. So they have slid a little bit deeper. Remember, most of these fish you catch now will be suffering from barometric trauma. Plan on keeping your fish and once you get you limit move up shallower to catch a picture fish or the ever abundant smallies that are in the lake.
We are still pulling slow death with a mix of beads and propeller rigs. In this deeper water I’ll run 2oz bouncers up front and 1.5oz off the back of the boat to try and avoid tangles. You’ll also have to slow it down a bit to fish the deeper water effectively. Good luck and have fun!
