We have finally seen a bit of a warming trend up here in North Dakota. We have also seen some strong winds and major pressure changes along the way as well. All of these changes seem to shift the fishes moods. Unfortunately, it usually means the fish get finicky.

We have had a lot of ups and downs these past few days, especially up here on Devils Lake. The perch are there, but the perch are definitely negative. When you get one to bite however, it’s usually on the large side! Problem is they are kind of far and few in between for us anyway.

With the perch being in a bad mood, we have concentrated our efforts more towards the walleyes. The one thing with the walleyes this time of year is our days are getting longer. This makes for more of an early and later evening bite. Hard to keep the walleyes feeding all day long unless you have heavy overcast. As a guide we are using bigger and larger baits to try and draw the fish in. Again, they are not actively feeding all day long and you need to entice them to you.

Overall, if you work hard and grind your areas you will end up with a decent days catch. I anticipate the bite to pick up here soon. Ice fishing no matter where you are in this country, always goes through the lull of the winter blues. When the light switch comes on though, look out because these fish put the feed bag on heavy!

This is also the time of year where some of the smaller slough lakes across North Dakota turn on fire! In fact, some are popping pretty good right now for both perch and walleyes.

I do have admit we are on the back nine of the ice fishing season. For me this means I’ll be shifting gears as soon as I’m done up here on Devils Lake mid March to the open water of the Missouri River near Bismarck. If you are looking for a big walleye, this is the place to be! In fact, I have hired two extra guides for this upcoming spring. Get ahold of me if you are looking to get on the open water in April snd May at a chance of fish if a lifetime!