Like most years, I usually take a couple day break over my birthday (September 2nd) to recharge my batteries and my boat batteries.

This year has been a busy season no doubt. It has also been probably one of the best years fishing wise I have seen. I know we had a very short spring river run, but since the end of April it has been go, go, go.

I just left Sakakawea. I was there for about 7 straight days. I heard a lot of mixed reports before and during my guide time there. I found the fishing to be fantastic once again. A few things are beginning to change up on Sakakawea.

The most notable thing changing now is the water is beginning to drop. We gained almost 19 foot of water on Sak this summer, and things really look promising. With the dropping water all the new hatches of smelt, perch, bass etc will begin to pull out of the back bays towards the mouth of bays.

When this happens fish will begin to concentrate themselves nearby. Another thing you will notice is the walleyes will start feeding heavily on bigger baits! This is when creek chubs, jig raps, big cranks will shine. So be prepared for this to change in the coming weeks.

As for now, the fish are still eating crawlers pulled behind a bouncer. For the most part they are still deep, but I did catch a bunch of fish in that 20′ to 30′ range which was encouraging sign.

I feel with all things I am seeing we will have an outstanding fall on Sakakawea. My fingers are crossed for the Missouri River near Bismarck. We have been cut short the last two falls, so really hoping this one provides some good fishing and weather.

Booking a few October Fall River trips now. Get ahold of me if you are looking for a trip.