Spring is here! Well, kind of…we were teased with some warmer temps in early March and lately it’s been a bit cooler with even some snow.
So what’s going on…Ice fishing is still going strong. We recommend smaller vehicles such as 4 wheelers or UTV’s. Some people are still driving trucks but this is not recommended. Ice is overall very good. There are places near the shorelines, culverts, bridges, and bottleneck areas where you need to be very careful. Many of these places are open water.
As for the bite…walleyes are being caught quite well in the mornings and later afternoons. Focus on spawning areas (current) for best results. Again, be extremely careful as conditions can really vary in these areas. The fish are not spawning yet; however, they are beginning to stage and are working towards these areas. Other areas to work include: flooded roads, rock piles, and soft to hard transition areas such as points. Buckshot tipped with a minnow works well. Also, jigging raps, rattle traps, and rippin’ raps all can be deadly!
This is always a fun time of year, just make sure to fish for the future and release the mature females that will be spawning over the next month!
Pike have been cooperating as well using tip ups with smelt or hot dogs. Again, try to work near the current areas as they are staging to spawn as well. As ice starts to deteriorate, look to find both pike and walleyes in the coulees or current areas. Rocks, rip rap, culverts, and bridges all can be productive!
Snow geese are starting to show up as well. The majority of them are south of Devils Lake right now. As weather warms, look for them to work into the Devils Lake area.
Many options out there right now. Boat season is near! Remember to get your open water fishing trip booked and get out here and experience some hook sets!