By Mike Peluso
I knew winter was coming but I was sure hoping it would hold off a little longer than it did. Just like every year we all know it’s coming and now here we are. The last couple of weeks of fishing walleyes on the Missouri River, however were shaping up to be another epic fall! We were seeing 40 to 50 fish days with some really nice fish showing up. The one thing I’m excited about is the future of the Missouri River and Lake Oahe system. This coming spring should be amazing!

So now it’s going to be a small waiting game to start checking ice conditions here in North Dakota. My season will be entirely on Devils Lake again this winter. We actually fire up guiding over there starting mid-December. By all the reports I’m getting from up there, ice is beginning to form.

As for a lot of my followers reading these reports, I’m sure you are already eyeing some of your favorite areas. Please make sure you use caution when venturing out on the ice! Ice picks, spud bars, float suits, and fishing partners are all crucial to have, especially at early ice. Remember no ice is safe ice.

As we move forward my reports will talk about ice conditions until we start fishing here in a few weeks. I will have my winter guide schedule up shortly and that will give me an idea of availability. So, if you are looking at fishing with me up on Devils Lake this winter reach out and we will see what we have open to get you on the schedule.

Please stay safe! I’m looking forward to starting another ice fishing guide season up on Devils Lake with Perch Eyes Guide Service! Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters.

Featured Photo: Last Gold. With the rapid onset of winter conditions and cold temperatures, much of the late season angling for walleyes on the Missouri River has wrapped. All signs point to good fishing next spring. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.