Blue Collar Bite. With the warm weather and slow seasonal transition, it’s been some work to catch walleyes on the Missouri River this past week. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.
By Mike Peluso
I definitely can’t remember the last time I’ve watched water temperatures actually climb on the Missouri River in the month of October? Unfortunately this week that’s exactly what has been happening on the river near and south of Bismarck.
Early in the week the walleye fishing was showing signs of what falls on the river can and should look like. But as the air temperatures started to rise and the water started warming up, it put the fish on a funky bite mood.
Are we catching fish? Yes, we are. Are we catching fish fast and furious? No! It’s been what I always call a blue collar bite. Patience and persistence has been the key all week long on the river. Lots of missed bites and fish opportunities.
I am seeing movement out in the faster current stretches right now. It tells me there is a push of fish moving up the river. The bite is still way south of you are looking for numbers and better quality. Some of this is related to water temperature and some of it is due to water levels.
Do I think the fish will make it all the way to the city limits of Bismarck/Mandan? Yes I do, but I think it’s going to be later than expected unfortunately. When this happens, we run the risk of brutal weather or a blizzard interfering with the best time.
My fingers are crossed! Until that time, I will be hard at it guiding folks from all over the country. Many of them are here for other reasons like hunting, family, weddings, travel and so on, and one of the parts I love about my job is getting to meet new and very interesting people.
I have a couple days open at the end of October yet if you are looking to get out. If so, get ahold of me. I’ll continue to book trips through November if the weather permits!
Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters.