This extremely nice weather the last couple of weeks sure can change one’s attitude. I was pretty optimistic after the first snowstorm that we would get to fish again, and fish we have!

Ever since I was a young boy I looked forward to late fall fishing. Many of those childhood falls we would get the chance to fish sometimes well into December. Even way back in those days, the later you could fish the better it would get. This fall is no exception.

When I look back at the start of the fall guide season on the river. I can honestly say it has been a really good fall! I had to move around a lot and stay patient, but I’d say we had limits pretty much all through October. Some days were better than others, but after a good hard day we were able to call it a success.

Since the weather warmed up here into November, it’s been unreal. Not gonna sugarcoat it. The fishing at times has been the best I’ve seen it since my return to North Dakota after I retired from playing hockey.

Nothing fancy for me. Jigs and minnows are my go to in the fall. Quite frankly they are my favorite way to fish anytime on the water no matter what. Earlier this fall you had to stay pretty far south on Oahe for consistent fishing. Now you can have consistent catches right in the city limits of Bismarck.

Not sure what our future holds. I’m praying I can get out a couple more times after this weekend yet. If I do bonus, if not it’s been one hell of an open water season! The spring was short lived, but the big guy is repaying us this fall!