I’m not exactly ready for ice fishing quite yet. It’s obviously getting closer and I have already started booking ice fishing trips, but we still have some open water days ahead. Looking at the long range forecast, I see some open water trips in my near future.
It’s been difficult to get out on the open water here the last week and half with the snow and extremely cold temps. I have however braved the cold on at least two occasions here as of late and I have to say it was well worth it! Both the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea are producing some nice catches right now. I anticipate it only getting better here with the nicer weather I see coming our way. On a side note, be prepared at the boat ramps. They have pulled all the docks out for the season so getting back into your boat, especially if your alone can be challenging.
Nothing fancy for catching fish on both of these bodies of water. Jigs and minnows will work just fine. It seems a bulked up jig with two minnows or jig with a plastic body and a minnow is working better. Jig raps will also work on both bodies of water right now. Main river current edges or right off the main channel on the Missouri River is where a lot of fish are staging at the moment. The misconception on Sakakawea, is you have to be deep or fish deep. Yes, there are some nice fish to be caught in 40 plus foot of water, but don’t be afraid to pitch those jigs shallow off main lake points or sunken humps. The walleyes are feeding heavily and they are up chasing bait making them a hell of a lot easier to catch.
I’m hoping we have at least another month or so of open water fishing. However, if your planning on ice fishing with me this winter, let’s get it on the books before it’s too late! Email me at mikepelusooutdoors@gmail.com to book an Fishing trip on Devils Lake or a spearing trip on Sakakawea.