Lake Sakakawea, ND (June 28th, 2023)

Lake Sakakawea:

I’ve been spending most of my time in the deepwater area the last week. Fishing has been good but the last 2 days have been anything but normal for the end of June. We’ve been getting our fish every day but for the most part they have moved a lot deeper and many more small fish are showing up. Most fish have come from 20 to 30 feet deep with a handful down to the 35 foot mark. I have a very hard time fishing any deeper than 30 feet anytime of the year for walleye so I keep searching till I find them shallower. I’ve been using bottom bouncers with a variety of leaders. Sometimes a smile blade or a Colorado blade, sometimes a plain hook and also changing up leader lengths. If you’re marking fish and not catching change up your leader a bit and see if it makes a difference.

 The fish seem to be a in a different spot every day so keep moving to find fish and don’t fish if you aren’t marking. Water temp has not been an issue for me and don’t be afraid to try as shallow as 8 to 12 feet if the wind is pushing into a likely spot. Had it pay off very well 3 days ago. I haven’t tried it yet but it might pay off to try back in the bays in the flooded grass, it just might be the ticket.

Kent Yancey
www.bigmuddyguide.com