We have seen a bit of a roller coaster ride as far as the bite goes this past week. One day you will really get them and the next day they are gone. Some factors that may play in for this are:
- We have had some major weather changes of late. Cooler temps have taken over.
- Lots of food in the system. Walleyes are feeding on: shrimp, young perch/walleyes, mayflies, bugs, and even some crawfish. What this all means is they have lots of opportunities to eat.
- Understanding what and where they are eating is the key to catching them. If they are full of bugs and mayflies, then concentrate more on the mud bottoms. If they have more minnow/young perch/walleyes in them then work more structure areas.
- Devils Lake has over 250,000 acres that can hold fish. Covering water is key to having positive results.
We have had our best results using bottom bouncers and spinners tipped with leeches or a third of a crawler, slip bobbering with leeches, or trolling cranks with lead core out in the deeper water.
There are lots of smaller walleyes in the system right now. Remember to handle them with care and get them back in the water as quickly as you can. They are our feature! !5’’ inch to 17’’ seem to be pretty common in the lake right now as well. You may have to work a bit to find them, but most days it’s very doable. We have also caught some trophy walleyes over 28’’ this week. All were released to fish another day!
Another very important factor is using your electronics. As fish tend to move around a lot this time of year it is crucial to trust what you are seeing below you. Using 2D, DI, SS, and Livescope are super helpful in finding the active pockets that you want. They might be a bit deeper or shallower tomorrow from where you found them today. Driving around and really dissecting the water will help you eliminate water and find water that your want to fish.
Good luck to all!! Remember to Head to Ed’s for all your fishing needs!!!
Book your trip with Brys Guide Service:
Brys Guide Service: (701) 941-9036)
Brysguideservice.com
