I’ve talked about this before in my recent reports but I think fall is finally here! Air temps and water temps are falling and yes our open water days for 2021 are numbered.

A few things to keep in mind as we approach the end. Some of the ramps now on the river have pulled the docks. Another thing is with cold temps the ramps will freeze up. It is important to let the water drain off the trailer in mornings so you don’t make the boat ramp into a skating rink. Also make sure when your getting off the water to get all the water out of the engine. A quick dry fire with the engine lowered will do the trick.

Another thing to keep in mind is it might be time for most to winterize the boats. Open Marine Honda on the Strip in Mandan do a wonderful job!

So after the doom and gloom of knowing things are coming to the end, the fish still can be caught! Look for sandbar troughs right off the main channel to be best. Jigs and minnows are working good for me in pretty shallow water. 3 to 10 feet seem to be holding the bulk of the fish. Don’t be surprised to catch more than just walleye. Catfish, bass, gar, and northern pike are also very abundant.

We will have to see what happens with the weather the next couple of weeks. I hope we have another solid month of open water. With that said, I’m taking booking now for ice fishing up on Devils Lake and Darkhouse Spearing on Lake Sakakawea. Visit my ice fishing section on the webpage for details. We can pretty much accommodate whatever you are looking for!