Lake Sakakawea Fishing Report-August 23, 2026

Written by Mike Peluso

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 follow my social media pages you’ll see lots of information about catching walleyes out deep. 

I know I sound like a broken record, but yes if you are catching walleyes out past 25 foot of water, plan on keeping those fish.  It’s extremely hard on a walleye coming out from that deep.  They can’t burp like you and I and that’s just part of what happens to them, but it’s the most obvious.

The bulk of the fish are for sure out in the 30 plus range.  We have however caught some nice fish up under 20. Amazing to me, but we have caught more big fish this past week up shallow.

I’m mixing it up with presentation.  Slow death, plain colored hooks and prop rigs are all catching fish right now and everyday they seem to change what they want.  

I’m almost done up here for the season.  I am however booking for the river near Bismarck this fall starting up October 1st!  It’s never too late, get ahold of me!

Related Reports

Missouri River Fishing Report-September 20th, 2026

Missouri River Fishing Report-September 20th, 2026

It's that time of year for me to start probing the Missouri River near Bismarck.  Waters low and boat ramp access is sketchy at best.  It's going to make for an interesting fall.  I'm starting up my guide trips here actually a tad earlier this year....

Devils Lake Fishing Report-September 13th, 2026

Devils Lake Fishing Report-September 13th, 2026

So if you follow these reports you know I had a few  days fishing this week up on Devils Lake working with Jason Feldner and Percheyes Guide Service.  Devils Lake is going through what I've been calling a transition.  Unfortunately, too many people are...

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...