Anglers are finding a strong mixed bag of nice perch and walleyes on Devils Lake as the ice sets up and gets thicker. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso

By Mike Peluso

We have the perfect ice building weather starting this week. With that and so many out on the ice already finding success the ice fishing season is in full swing.

For me, especially never knowing when the ice will be safe enough, I usually don’t schedule anything until mid-December. I have booked a couple early bird trips starting this week so my reports will be more detailed.

Devils Lake is starting to clear up under the ice and the fish ate beginning to bite. Lake Oahe is showing signs of life. Perch, walleyes, and crappies are being caught down that way. Ice is moving around a bit so it’s never 100 percent safe. Sakakawea is still mostly open water. I’m thinking this cold week coming, it might start to seal up more. Some of the small prairie lakes are on fire right now.

I posted on my social media pages this week after I went through my calendar, and I do have some openings. Get ahold of me if you’re looking to get on the ice. Also stay tuned to this fishing report, as things are going to get really busy for the next three months!

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