They’re Here!  The fall walleye run is starting on the Missouri River near Bismarck as fish migrate from the downstream reaches ahead of winter. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

This week, for the first time all autumn, I saw signs of what should be a good late fall run of walleyes on the Missouri River near Bismarck. We came away with a limit of what I like to refer to as perfect guide fish.

The walleyes seemed to be showing up in a little better numbers, giving us plenty of opportunities. I say opportunities because we left plenty of fish on the table so to speak. There were lots of close calls for us near and around the net.

All of our fish came on a jig and a minnow either pitched or pulled slowly. I was definitely seeing more fish today right off the main river channel, which tells me there is a migration of walleyes starting. My hope is that every day now the fall fishing will just get better and better.

The tough part this fall is the pheasant numbers are way up! Now we have more options if you are looking to enjoy the outdoors. It’s definately a great problem to have this time of year! I still have a few openings before winter if you are wanting to get out. Get ahold of me to see if we can make something work.

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