Taking a Turn. The water is cooling on Devils Lake, starting the fall turnover process. Good fishing can still be had on structure, targeting active walleyes. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

The fall transition has started on Devils Lake and the walleyes are starting to do the same. Expect things to be a little inconsistent for a bit.

The water temperatures have started to drop, and I noticed some of the muck from the bottom floating on the surface this week while fishing. This typically is the indicator that the surface water has begun to mix with the bottom water due to these temperature changes. The process is known as the fall turnover. Usually when this happens things slow for a little while.

Once it stabilizes, the fish will start to put the feedbag on for fall. That’s when things get really fun! For me it’s hard to beat being anchored up on structure vertical jigging with minnows. Leadcore line and crankbaits are also a top producer for these fall walleyes.

This week we have had some good days and some slower days. This is typical with the weather changes and of course the wind. For us the jigs were king, boating nice fish all week. Some days were faster than others, but over all it was still pretty solid fishing. Look for the old shoreline, bridges, current areas to do well from now until ice up.

Speaking of ice up it’s time to start thinking ice fishing on Devils Lake this winter. I’m taking bookings now and we have fishing and lodging packages available. Get ahold of me to book your trip.

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters.