ND Fishing Report- May 17th, 2026

Written by Mike Peluso

May 18, 2026

Well, I wish I could say the weather has been phenomenal.  Unfortunately, I cannot, and the fishing has gone just like the weather here in North Dakota.  One day good, 3 days not so much.  If you want consistency, I’ll guarantee you lots of wind! 

The Missouri River has been solid all spring. I guided it the first half of the week, and it was absolutely amazingly good.  Lot of perfect eater sized walleyes with a mix of a big one here and there.  Tons of action and perfect for kids!  The Missouri River is one special place when it comes to catching walleyes. 

I’m now up on Devils Lake,  and I can honestly say the fishing hasn’t been terrible.  If you like to catch fish, it’s pretty darn good.  If you want to catch walleyes right now,  thats more of a grinder, blue collar type bite.  The walleyes you do catch right now are definitely quality.  

In typical Devils Lake fashion, you can fish these cold water fish anyway you like to.  Doesn’t seem to be one particular way that is  out performing anything.  It’s just like the weather (wind) it’s been hit or miss and you just have to put your head down and grind for the right bites.  The pike bite are plentiful and even a few huge white bass are playing tug a war!

I do have a couple scattered dates open up here on Devils Lake.  If you are looking to go casting, bobber fishing now is the time! Get ahold of me! 

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