Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The author (L) is putting clients on a solid mix of eater-sized walleyes and bigger fish, and both sizes are going strong on Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea at the start of summer.
The fishing right now is just as hot as the temperatures! Some things have changed a little, and some things have stayed the same.
Lake Sakakawea is unreal right now! Tons of fish are being caught in that 15 to 18-inch range, and some really nice sized fish are mixed in. I am still seeing fish being caught up shallow, with the right conditions, but overall, I'd say the average depth of most fish getting caught is in 10 to 22 feet.
For my boat, it has been bottom bouncers and a plain hook, with a small chunk of crawler, that have been working the best, pulled at a rate of speed around .9 to 1.0 mph with the trolling motor. There is still some current out there creating changes in speed and water temperature, so pay close attention to these factors. The average water temperature is now hitting 70 degrees. If you're seeing less than that, you may want to relocate.
It's go-go-go time on Devils Lake! Bottom bouncers and spinners with crawlers pulled at 1.2 to 1.6 mph are about as go-to as it gets. Look for the structure like old roads, humps, and points and you're going to find fish! Water temperatures are about the same on Devils Lake as they are on Lake Sakakawea.
I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Fourth of July! I have a few openings in August yet, if you're looking to get on the water.
Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide on the state's premier walleye waters.
