Flying High.  Waters remain elevated on the Missouri River ahead of the annual autumn draw down. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

 By Mike Peluso

There is a lot starting to happen around our great state of North Dakota when it comes to walleye fishing. We are still a little on the warm side yet, but that will change soon enough.

I’m not exactly sure when the Corps of Engineers are going to cut the flows on the Missouri River here near Bismarck for the autumn, but I’m sure it’s any day now. It is something they do every fall. It usually takes a couple weeks for things to settle in after the initial drop.

As of now we are seeing a few walleyes around. Actually, it seems there are a few fish that never really left the usual spots in the river. It should be interesting to see how this fall stacks up with last fall’s walleye fishing on the Missouri River. I keep saying, if it’s even half as good it will be a banner fall! Only time will tell.

Lake Sakakawea fishing has been a little up and down. One day it’s good, the next day it’s a little off. However, if you land on that up day it’s pretty darn good! I think it’s going to be an amazing October up on Sakakawea. If you like salmon, they are just now starting to show up shallow. If you don’t have the salmon gear, you can now catch them on your regular walleye trolling gear!

Devils Lake, if stable weather conditions allow, is really starting to get good right now! For quick and steady results, it’s pretty hard to beat trolling cranks. As the water temps start to fall it will continue to get better and better all the way to freeze up!

I’m going to start hitting the Missouri River hard again this week here near Bismarck. I’ll bring you an up-to-speed report next week of what I’m seeing here. Lots of trips are booked in October and I’m excited to get back to my roots chasing walleyes on the Mighty Mo.

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