Happy New Year to Everyone!!
Devils Lake Update:
Ice conditions on the lake are good. Overall, the majority of the places that we have checked have had 10-18 inches of good ice! Near current areas, flooded trees, roadbeds, and rocks, be careful as ice can change quicker in these areas. Again, the biggest concern on the lake is watching the cracks and ridges. They change daily at times, so really pay attention when you are driving and take your time!
As for the bite…It’s been a bit grindy this week. We have seen a lot of fish, the problem is getting them to bite. Some fish will come in and look for a bit and others will swim right past it. The key is to change up baits and presentations until you figure out what they want.
One very effective bait has been a buckshot tipped with a full minnow in the back. Work it until fish come in and then slow it down. Once you get fish below you, hold it still. We are getting fish to bite this way pretty well. We also have been using minnow heads under spoon baits. Rippin raps with a minnow head have triggered some bites as well. Down sizing to a tungsten or a slip bobber with a plain hook can also be productive.
Perch have also been spottyl. One day we will get into some and the next day it seems like they scatter all over and you can only get singles or doubles to come in. Again, drilling holes is key. We are catching the majority of our perch in brush piles that are scattered around the lake. Look for more perch to bunch up in some of the deeper holes as winter goes on.
Good luck to all and hopefully the bite will improve with the New Year!
Head to Ed’s for all your bait, tackle, on and off sale, food, propane, and fuel needs.
On New Year’s Day, Ed’s will have a Caesar Bar open!! We will also have free ham sandwiches until they are gone!
Good luck to all and Happy New Year!