Kind of been tough to really give you a good fishing report with the recent snow storm we had here in North Dakota this past week. The good news is, I do have some things to report for you heading into what looks like a much nicer weekend.
I just received a report they are going to increase the flows out of the Garrison Dam to try and move even more water out of Lake Sakakawea. My guess is, this is gonna really get the Tailrace fired up. It’s been good for a couple solid months now for numbers and size. I will say this, I hope folks going in there at night, take care of the resource, because there is some really big fish getting caught.
Another thing I see happening is the eastern edge of Sakakawea should remain good up until ice up. The moving water is going to push even more bait downstream and just like those walleyes in the tailrace coming upstream to feed on smelt the walleyes in Sak will do the same.
I know you all heard of how much snow the Devils Lake basin received but the guides are still getting out and the Devils Lake fish are extremely fat and healthy right now. I’m hoping we get a really nice end of October and November to capitalize on all the good fishing the state of North Dakota is going to offer.
The Missouri River near Bismarck is also showing some really good signs of life. I’m not sure what the increases in flows will do, but I believe a major fall bite is just around the corner here in Bismarck-Mandan. I know there is a solid bite 20 to 30 miles south of town, but in the next couple of weeks we should see a lit fish close by.
I’m still guiding open water here until it’s too cold to do so. If your looking to book a trip just let me know and we can watch the weather and get out and chase some fat and sassy walleyes. I’m also taking bookings for ice fishing on Devils Lake. We can offer guiding and lodging packages. I’ll also have Darkhouse Spearing shacks available on both Sakakawea and Devils Lake. Email me at mikepelusooutdoors@gmail.com