The Peluso Report: End-of-Summer Shift

My open water guiding days are definitely slowing down a tad right now, by choice and also by design. I have decided to volunteer my time back in the hockey circle this fall, so most of my weekends are hockey and the weekdays are fishing.

I've been off Sakakawea now for a full week, but I have, however, been on Devils Lake this past week and will be back on it in the coming week. I will also begin fishing the river near Bismarck starting the next couple of weeks. I do have a few more Sakakawea trips so I'll report on that water periodically.

Devils Lake continues to impress. Fish are being caught pretty much anyway you love to fish! If it's jigs, jigging raps, bobbers, cranks, spinners or what have you, the fish are biting. There are a few nice-sized fish also showing up.

Structure areas like bridges, rock piles, sunken islands, roads and old shoreline are all holding fish. Look for current if you can find any and that will concentrate the fish even more. For me, a jig is my lure of choice right now, because who doesn't like a nice thump on a jig?

I know we have plenty of openings here yet this fall for all three systems. So if you are still looking to get on the water with me before freeze up, get in touch with me and we can figure out a place to wet a line. If you are thinking about booking your ice fishing trip on Devils Lake or your Darkhouse spearing on Sakakawea, I'm ready to schedule you in.

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide focusing on the state's premier walleye waters.