Nice Pick Up! Walleyes are in spawning mode, but the process is scattered ahead of next weekend’s Big Muddy fishing tournament. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

As it’s the week before the Big Muddy fishing tournament, I’m sad to report there are no walleyes being caught between Cannonball River and the Wilton Boat Landing on the Missouri River. 

All kidding aside, a lot of change is happening right now with the fish migration and the spawn. It’s a mix of some fish that have spawned and others which haven’t, putting a lot of the walleyes in a tizzy.

One thing is for certain, as soon as the spawn is over all hell will break loose with the male walleyes going on a feeding frenzy and fun times are ahead for sure!

What’s working? Well, I think that’s a matter of personal preference right now. Of course, pitching jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics will remain my go to tactic in the near term. You can also do well pulling cranks, pulling creek chubs, and using ripping raps all up shallow.

It will likely be a quiet week getting any information out of anyone and background pictures of nice walleyes here on the river with the upcoming tournament. It should be interesting to see what happens this week.

I don’t have any dates left on the river this spring. I do have some scattered dates for both Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea throughout the summer. Get ahold of me to secure your day or days on the water fishing walleyes this summer.

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters. 701.741.8649 / mikepelusooutdoors@gmail.com