So the calendar is saying fall. The temps lately are saying otherwise. Unfortunately, this is slowing the start of the river fall bite somewhat.

The fish are biting at times and other times they are not. The one thing I’ve noticed is the fish are feeding in short spurts. Right before dark being the best! I feel there is plenty of fish around, but they are not in the fall feed bag mode yet.

I think with this rain we are getting and cooler temps we will start to see the water temps drop. All week on the river near and just south of Bismarck we were still seeing 60-62 degree water temps. To me for October this is way too warm. Once those water temps hit the mid to low 50’s that’s the dinner bell.

We also need a good hard frost to help things along. Seems each fall that is a trigger point to get the walleyes really fired up.

So what am I seeing on the river? If you haven’t ventured out there yet be prepared to see water levels super low. It’s a river all they way down to Fort Yates. Lots of current and lots of sandbars. Fish are around and like I said earlier, some days they bite and others they are tough. A lot of it right now is timing and position. If your in the right area at the right time you can do well!

I’m sticking close to jigs and minnows behind sandbars and shoreline pockets. I do have some buddies that are pulling cranks and doing well. For me it’s not about just putting numbers in the boat so for me it’s jigs and minnows so I can feel that “thump” on a JT custom rod!

I’m still taking bookings for both the river and Sakakawea. Also, do not hesitate to book your ice fishing adventure on Devils Lake with me this winter. That bite should be awesome this winter.