The Peluso Report: Still In Season

It is hard to believe it's late August already. Kids are back in school, football season is starting, and the seasons are about to change. This means a few things for me.

One, I don't stop guiding. In fact, I'm guessing since I guide for walleyes on the Missouri River in spring and fall, on Devils Lake all winter, and on both all summer, I probably log more time on the water than most. I love being able to change bodies of water all year long!

I'm not done on Devils Lake or Sakakawea quite yet. I have trips on both in September. I am, however, booking trips as we speak for the river near Bismarck this fall. Again, if you are coming to North Dakota to hunt and want to mix it up a little, let me know and we will dial in a fun and easy trip.

So, what's happening currently? The walleyes are still biting on both Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea. I'd say if you are looking to put numbers in the livewell, get the leadcore line and crankbaits out! Just remember, fish are extremely deep right now, and you will need to keep all the fish you catch in 25 feet of water or deeper. They will not survive due to barotrauma even if you think they do because they swam away. I have a dive buddy that tells me you would be sick to your stomach if you saw all the dead walleyes laying on the bottom of Sakakawea this time of year.

On Sakakawea, look for walleyes to be on the humps and deeper main lake points. Devils is a little bit more all over the place. Bridges, culverts, and old roadbeds are all high percentage areas right now.

As far as later this fall goes, fishing is going to be good! I have scattered dates open now until the end of November. Get ahold of me if you want to get out before the snow flies. Even when it does snow you can still get ahold of me for ice fishing excursion on Devils Lake.

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state's premier waters.