SAY it ain’t so! The long range forecast isn’t looking to be in our favor for at least a week. I’m hoping we get a bit of a return to some decent fall like weather, so we can continue to track these migrating walleyes down.  They are just beginning to show up here in better numbers near town.

In recent days, we have caught fish all the way down on Oahe, the upper or starting section of Oahe, which I refer to as the Hazelton area, and as far north as double ditch. I even managed another night/early morning on the tailrace (chutes) below the Garrison Dam by Pick City, ND.  The entire Missouri River System seems to be doing well. Lots of change out there from the higher flows of the summer creating in my mind some really nice structure.

The farthest point north to the dam the fish are so fat because of all the smelt coming through the Dam.  The mid section or through the city limits of Bismarck, the fish are also healthy. I still have no idea what I’m seeing on my Lowrances, but I know there is plenty of it.  Same holds true on the ones down in the lake. Things at this stage are looking good for a very strong spring bite here locally next year. It is my hope that I’m able to get some folks here to come spend a day or two with me on the water, pitching Lindy Jigs, targeting pre spawn trophy walleyes. We are so very fortunate here in North Dakota to have no closed period to fish.

The bite is is ok near Bismarck. Some days better than others. If you get yourself in the rifle range down to Fort Rice area the bite gets better. The areas to concentrate on are the major bends in the river by the ramps and also the Eckroth Corner. If your really adventurous and make it down by Beaver Bay south to the State Line fish the channel edges. Up near town Lindy Jigs and minnows have been best for me. Down south on Oahe you can jig and or pull crankbaits. We have a couple decent days ahead of us. Hopefully after this little spell it gets better into Thanksgiving! #mikepelusooutdors