I can honestly say I’ve seen more of Lake Sakakawea this last week then most will see in a lifetime.
I was asked to fish the Casino Cup Championship. Most of my guiding efforts have been out east on Sakakawea and the Tailrace. I also had guide trips Thursday on Sakakawea and Friday on the tailrace prior, so my inside knowledge out of New Town would be minimal at best. Oh wait….we ran from Four Bears Casino to Douglas Bay. My partners also found some really nice fish out that way also.
Unfortunately the wind we are so very accustomed to blew, and blew extremely hard, which really cut into our actual fishing time. The fish were there. We had 3 good ones and had 3 decent fish come unbuttoned on our jig raps. With the high winds and another gas fill we only fished about 2 hours. I’ll chalk that day up for the memories.
So what did we learn. Well Shell Island decided to light on fire for the day. Reports had it some fish were showing up, and show up they did on Saturday! 43 pounds with 6 fish was the winning weight! Very impressive weight for Lake Sakakawea right now with the Lake being a little up and down.
Fish are kinda scattered depth wise. 25 to 65 foot and it seems jig raps and big minnows are working best! I feel it should keep getting better and better as the fall wears on.
I’m up pre fishing another section of lake right now. New Town Bridge to the bridge in Williston. Dirty water and a lack of fish seems to be all we are finding right now and oh don’t let me forget rain. I’ll make sure to report back after this event and I’m also guiding a couple days next week so stay tuned!
I’m taking bookings for open water yet, but don’t think we are still a long ways off from ice fishing on Devils Lake. Book your trips today and we also have lodging for you. mikepelusooutdoors@gmail.com