Even with recent shifts in the weather, fishing for walleyes remains strong on Lake Sakakawea. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

We have had some changes in weather here in North Dakota and a cold front that also brought in much needed moisture. So, what did this do to the fishing this week? Except for a few slower moments, walleye angling has remained good to excellent!

Lake Sakakawea remains strong with lots of fish in the 16 to 19-inch range being caught. These fish in my mind are the perfect fish: fun to catch and even better to eat. I tend to try and steer my clients into releasing those prime reproducers in that 20 to 26-inch range, as those are the heartbeat of the future of these world class fisheries we have here in North Dakota.

The walleyes have been moving a tad deeper on Sakakawea with 12 to 25 feet hiding the bulk of these perfect keepers. Bigger fish seem to be a bit scattered, but they are there. Prop rigs, live bait rigs, and slow death rigs on bottom bouncers with a chunk of crawler are about as guaranteed fish catchers as you can get right now.

Continue to monitor water temperatures and current for better results. With our recent rains, we do have some fresh water moving around the system. As of right now, I do have some openings scattered about in August.

Also, I hate to talk ice fishing, but dates are beginning to fill up for the winter on Devils Lake, so if you’re thinking of a trip let me know.