Lots of things happening on Lake Sakakawea right now. Some good, some bad, and some of it is just what happens up here and pretty much every other lake in North Dakota this time of year.

First things first. The fish are moving deeper! A lot of you are hearing about barotrauma. Any walleye coming out of 25 foot or deeper is in jeopardy. It’s a real thing! If you are releasing these fish, chances are they are not surviving. So please, once you have your fish move shallower or call it a day.

I’m letting my clients know of this beforehand. Everyone likes to catch fish, but again we need to protect the resource and bruising up fish after fish because you want to catch a bunch isn’t good for the future.

I have caught a lot of nice fish this week in 20 feet or less. Just not the numbers you’ll see out deep. The lake is healthy with lots and lots of food. Smelt, perch, young of the year fry are all showing up on your depth finder right now. You will see a ton of bait out in 30 plus and yes, the walleyes are there with those bait clouds.

For me slow death is king! Jig raps and deeper diving cranks or leadcore with smaller baits all working well! Fish are being caught all over the lake right now and the East End of Sakakawea is starting to shine!

I’m basically full August and September with a day or two available. I am however booking late Fall River trips and also ice fishing trips on Devils Lake.