Hard to believe that my open water 2024 guide season is just about over. I have only a couple more trips planned and im definitely going to miss it.

I want to say thanks to everyone who I was able to spend time in the boat with this summer. It sure was another banner year!

So what’s happening on the river here near Bismarck? The smelt ran pretty good last week and now they have thinned down some or spread out a little. Seems like the fish have turned the corner and have gotten pretty aggressive.

The bites are a lot more violent than they were most of the fall. We pretty much caught limits everyday on the water since October 1st. Had to work for them through October, but now it’s pretty easy to catch your fish in fairly short order.

Vertical jigging minnows and pitching jigs have taken most of the fish this past week. The water temps have finally hit the mid 40’s and that is usually the fall turning point. Now the only question is will we get decent enough weather to take advantage?

It looks like things may turn for the colder looking at the 10 day forecast. I can guarantee you this, if weather will allow me I’ll be out there until I have to return to Devils Lake for the upcoming winter guide season.

Speaking of that, myself along with Percheyes Guide Service out of Minnewauken, ND will be able to help you put together your ice fishing adventure this coming winter, if you are interested in chasing walleyes and perch this winter on Devils Lake. Get ahold of us!

Until that time I’ll still be bringing you fishing reports and ice conditions/ice fishing reports until that time. Thanks for reading and thanks again to everyone who fished with me this summer!