Early Up.  The bite is starting strong on North Dakota’s ice, as walleyes and perch are on the feed at first ice. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

As we head into the holiday stretch, I’m happy to report that ice conditions across the entire state are definitely shaping up a lot better than last season.

So far where I have been, I’m seeing anywhere from eight to 13 inches for ice thickness. Of course, this is only where I have been, so don’t take that as gospel across the entire state of North Dakota.

I just finally started guiding today as this report is coming out. So personally, I haven’t done a ton of fishing yet; as I have been mostly just looking around making sure the ice is safe for my clients.

The fishing reports will start to get a little more in depth now that we are actually fishing.

Most fishing reports have been very promising all over North Dakota right now. The big three – Sakakawea, Oahe and Devils Lake – are all seeing action and people are catching fish.

I do finally have my schedule for January, and I do have a few scattered openings if you are interested. I should have my February dialed in within the next week or so and I would anticipate a few openings there as well.

So, if you are looking for a trip, big or small groups get ahold of me!

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