We are definitely in the thick of open water walleyes here in North Dakota! I’d have to go back in my calendar but I’ve definitely logged double digit days already.
The fishing has been pretty decent overall. Of course everyone has heard about the new ND State Record walleye. I’ve been saying it a lot the last two years that I felt it was going to get caught and it did! I would not be surprised in the least if it’s broken again here yet this spring! Hard to believe we are talking about 14 to 16 pound walleyes.
What to expect if you are out fishing the river? First and foremost don’t expect to catch huge numbers. Quality yes, numbers right now not everyday. Lots of pressure and lower water levels are changing the game. These fish have become a lot more aware of the boat pressure and scooting themselves out away from it. They are also traveling upstream so there is a lot of movement also.
Pitching lighter jigs out into the current with a slow retrieve and or vertically jigging the deeper spots will catch fish. Crank baits pulled slow up stream with a pretty good spread within reason with all the traffic is another top producer right now.
With the way southern stretches available right now and the water being low is bringing a lot of water further south into play. Beaver Bay north is acting more like river now and this presents anglers with a little opportunity to spread out and still catch fish.
My personal schedule is fairly jammed up now until the end of April. I do have another guide helping me this spring so feel free to contact me to book your trips. The May trips will be warmer and there will definitely be more activity for eater size walleyes! mikepelusooutdoors@gmail.com