The Peluso Report: What's Next

If you are watching the weather closely, it is looking like we may have a major setback to fishing on the Missouri River starting this Tuesday. Reports are early, but Bismarck seems to be in the storm's bullseye at the moment. Anywhere from 12 to 25 inches of snow is being tossed around. I've already started rearranging my guide schedule.

We do need the moisture. I just wish it would have happened more out in Montana in the mountains that feed these systems with water. This will dirty up the water and cool the water temperatures. I'm not sure how it will change things, but I've seen this happen before, and sometimes on the backside of a major snowstorm the fishing gets better. We will see.

As far as the fishing goes up to this point, the walleyes have been shallow. Especially the bigger fish. Jigs and minnows pitched up on the sand is hard to beat and crankbaits always have a way of catching the bigger fish. Bulky plastics will definitely put a big fish or two in the boat as well. To be honest, pick what you like to do and have confidence in it. You'll catch fish!

We did take a drive down river in the truck to check water conditions and boat ramps. It's safe to say we have a lack of both. Beaver Bay and Langeliers Bay boat ramps are out of commission. We drove into the old low water ramp north of Beaver Bay, and it's there, there's just no way to use it as it sits. With a little dirt work I'm sure they could get it up and running. The Casino Ramp at Prairie Knights is completely out of the water.

So, with all those ramps out of order this is going to put strain on the ramps to the north. Again, just like always, have patience getting in and out. Last Saturday on the river was a mess.