Hard to wrap my head around the fact it’s almost the 4th of July.  The water temps just haven’t really risen yet like years past.  I feel like we are 2 weeks behind the average.  

Now I am not complaining about us being behind schedule weather wise.  Those fish are still in early June mode chasing bait up shallow and I’m all for that! 

I’ve been up here on Sakakawea these past couple weeks guiding everyday.  When you are on the water daily like that you notice a lot of changes.  The water has come up a few feet which has been the biggest change. 

Water temps up here are key to your success.  The water is moving and that’s another obstacle to pay attention to.  This is why the the water temperature fluctuates daily in areas.  

Another major shift is we are finally producing good catches on nightcrawlers pulled behind bouncers.  This makes it easier for me to guide and it allows us to cover some ground.  

The bulk of the biter sized fish are in the 8 to 14 foot of water.  Still catching them shallower and deeper depending on the day and conditions.  For me if I’m seeing the smelt up super shallow it tells me the cool water is sweeping into shore. This is not necessarily the surface temperature but the temperature down towards the bottom. I typically will move out of these areas. 

I have a couple openings days here coming up in July for up here on Sakakawea due to a group rescheduling for September.  Get ahold of me if you are wanting to get on the water!