A Big Win.  Fussy perch and walleyes have been the tale on Devils Lake this past week, however, when they bite, they have been quality fish. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

Thank goodness for this colder weather to help heal up the ice a bit on Devils Lake. At least we have that going for us.

The consistency of the bite however is way off. I’m not sure what is happening below the ice with the goofy weather, but I’m here to tell you the fish are on a different program.

When you get them, they are nice fish. To get them to eat, especially out of the low light times of the day is another story. I’ve never been more frustrated trying to get fish to eat.

There are times I physically am sick and tired of punching holes. It’s always tougher in the winter. You have to try and find fish six-to-eight inches at a time. You can’t motor down a road or side scan a stretch to find them. So yes, it can be daunting at times.

It seems when you find active and willing fish, it’s happening shallow. There are lots of fish showing themselves in the five-to-15-foot range of depths. You see them, but just can’t always get them to bite.

Dead sticks with minnows and a buckshot side by side with a minnow head has been best for both perch and walleyes.

I’m hoping with the push of winter conditions that these fish settle into some sort of pattern and get back on a bite schedule for everyone’s sake.

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