1-18-2024 Fishing Report

Winter is starting to move along…We experienced some brutal weather last week which helped us gain a lot of ice. 12-20 inches is common in most places around the Devils Lake basin. Again, use extreme caution near culvert, bottle neck, bridge, and ridges as ice can vary greatly in these areas.

The bite overall has been solid, not great. We are catching fish, just having to work a bit for them. We really feel like the extended warmer weather will allow us to venture into more areas that we have not worked yet. There are many acres of water in the basin and every year is a bit different so we will continue to work and grind to find the next bite.

Walleyes: Still best in the early mornings and late afternoons. We have caught some really nice walleyes that were released for another lucky angler to catch and experience. Weed lines, rock piles, brush piles, and flooded roads have been the best for us. Some days you want to be on top of the structure and other days just off of it. Buckshots and a minnow head are super deadly when walleye fishing.

Perch: We have a bit of a love/hate with these creatures as they can be a bit tricky at times and other times they bite like crazy. Some of our perch we are catching while we are set-up for walleyes in the mornings and afternoons. The majority of our best perch bites are usually in holes or basins. Sometimes close to structure and other times out in the middle of nowhere. Maybe as important as location is for perch fishing is your presentation. The key is to get them “fired up” and on the “feed.” If you get some fish coming in it’s super important to figure out what they want. Spikes or minnow, Subtle or aggressive. On the bottom or off the bottom. Etc.

Once you start to get a few it’s super important to get back down there ASAP and keep them going. Take pictures at the end of the day. Do not waste time getting back down there as they love to roam and could be gone and you might not find them again. We like to use heavier lures to get down quickly. Buckshots or a spoon or some kind when searching and if they are feeding aggressively. If not, pencil weights with a ratfinkie or tungsten below is the ticket.

Remember: January 27 is the big Ice Fishing Tournament. Head to Ed’s for all your tackle, bait, propane, gas, diesel, and on off sale needs.

Ed’s will be serving a bowl of free Chili starting at noon until gone that day as well on January 27th.

Good luck to all!!

Ed’s