So this fishing report will be for both Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake.  I spent half the week on Sak and the other half on Devils.

Amazing to think it’s already the end of July and we are closing into what most people consider the dog days of walleye fishing.   However, this summer hasn’t felt much like summer with more cooler temperatures than warm.  

Fishing remains really good on Lake Sakakawea.  Plenty of eater size fish to be caught in the shallower water.  When I say shallower, I am mostly referring to 25 foot or less.  The bigger (tourney fish) are mostly deeper.  There are a few big girls still roaming shallow, but the bulk of them are deep. 

Remember, most fish caught out past 25 foot plus, are gonna to suffer from barotrauma.  So if you’re catching fish out deep plan to keep them or leave them alone.  I spoke with a diver last summer and he told me the amount of dead fish laying on the bottom in some of the more popular fishing spots was mind boggling. 

For me guiding we are concentrating on those eater size fish pulling crawlers on slow death hooks or prop rigs to cover some ground.  You will mark a lot of fish that won’t eat.  I believe the fish in Sakakawea are full.  Definitely no shortage of forage right now.  

Now we will slide over to Devils Lake.  Most reports I was getting before I arrived was the bite was tough.  Multiple bug hatches, more weeds, lower water levels, cooler water temps were all playing a role. 

My timing was good cause the fish were just coming off a big hatch, temps warmed up, and the algae bloomed.  All these factors coming together and the fish are biting and biting well!  

Old shoreline structure has been the best for sure.  Same program as Sakakawea for me.  Prop rigs and slow death with crawlers have been kind to us. Bobbers and jigs are also catching fish. 

I don’t have a lot of openings left on Devils or Sakakawea for the remainder of the summer.  I do have a few openings available so if your schedule is flexible we can get on the water.  I am however booking trips now for Lake Oahe (Missouri River) for the fall near Bismarck starting October 1st!